Grilled Red Snapper

If you are looking for a new fish to toss on the grill. this easy grilled red snapper is it. This flaky, white fish is healthy, cooks in under ten minutes, and can be seasoned any way you like. Add some grilled veggies or a salad, and dinner is done.

This mild, white fish is perfect for the grill and can be served in so many ways. Serve it as the main course with rice, pasta, baked potatoes, corn on the cob, or salad. Try it stuffed in corn tortillas to make fish tacos or fish taco bowls with creamy slaw and salsa. It also makes a delicious fish burger or sandwich. Trust me, if you haven't tried snapper on the grill yet, you'll love it. 

If you are new to grilled seafood, you will also want to try this tasty Grilled Swordfish, Sesame Soy Grilled Tuna, and delicious Grilled Salmon.

Ingredients

• Red snapper: Look for red snapper fillets that are skin-on and thicker, since these cook best on the grill. The flesh should smell clean and be slightly rosy in color. Frozen red snapper works, just defrost it first. 
• Spices: The spice mixture used for the fish is similar to blackening seasoning with smoked paprika, kosher salt, thyme, oregano, onion powder, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne. It gives the fish a nice savory, smoky flavor. 
• Olive oil: To make sure the fish doesn't stick to the grill, you will want to brush it with oil on both sides. Avocado oil works great on the grill as well. For a more traditional Southern flavor, add some melted butter to the fish right before serving. 
• Lemon: The lemon juice in this recipe adds brightness to the dish. Add it right before serving.  Lime juice can be used as well. 

What does red snapper taste like? 

Red snapper is a delicately flavored, flaky white fish. It has a clean flavor and doesn't have any fishy taste. In fact, it is very mild and is known to be a good beginner fish to try since the flavor is mild, slightly sweet, and takes on the taste of the seasoning. 

If you can't find red snapper, you could make this recipe with cod, haddock, grouper, sea bass, or even tilapia. 

Tips for Grilling Fish

It can be intimidating to make fish on the grill since the flesh is more delicate and easily falls apart. Here are some tips to make grilling snapper and other fish a breeze.

• Room temperature: Always let the fish come to room temperature before grilling. This ensures that the fish cooks evenly and doesn't stick to the grill. Cold fish sometimes will overcook on the outside, while remaining undercooked on the inside. 
• Leave the skin on: Since fish is delicate, it is best to leave the skin on to help the fish stay together as it cooks. Always grill with the skin side down to start. For delicate fish, like red snapper, it is best to only cook it skin side down or the fish will likely fall apart on the grill. If the fish doesn't have skin, place it on foil. 
• Clean grill grates: Dirty grill grates make it more likely that the fish will stick to the grill. Always make sure to clean the grill before using and oil the grates if needed. 
• Use foil if needed: If your grill tends to be sticky, place a piece of foil under the fish as it grills. This ensures the snapper doesn't stick to the grill. 
• Don't overcook: Fish is delicate and can get rubbery if it is cooked too long. Red snapper is cooked when it is opaque and flakes easily. If using a thermometer, the thickest part of the fish should 135-140 degrees. As it rests, it will continue to cook.  
• Let it rest: Just like other proteins, fish needs to rest after grilling. Let it rest for 3-5 minutes for the juices to redistribute.

More Seasoning Ideas

This recipe uses a Creole-inspired (blackened) seasoning mix, but there are so many ways to season red snapper. Here are some spice mixtures to try. 

• Old Bay: If you are looking for a store-bought seafood seasoning, Old Bay is the way to go. It can be found in most grocery stores in the seafood area or spice section. Sprinkle it all over the fish and serve the final fish with fresh lemon.
• Cajun seasoning: For something smoky and slightly spicy, cover the snapper with homemade Cajun seasoning. This is a popular preparation in Southern states like Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi.
• Jerk seasoning: Red snapper is popular in the Caribbean, where it is often prepared with jerk seasoning and served with fresh mango salsa. This preparation is delicious for fish tacos. 
• Lemon pepper: Lemon pepper and fish is a classic combination for a reason and works great with red snapper. 

Side Dish Ideas for Snapper

Here are some of our favorite side dishes for grilled snapper.

• Grilled vegetable kabobs: Keep things simple and make some tasty veggie skewers that cook on the grill at the same time as the fish. Grilled green beans, grilled broccoli, or grilled zucchini are also really delicious. 
• Grilled sweet potatoes: Grilled snapper makes for a really tasty fish burger and when we are planning on burgers, I like to make these grilled potatoes on the side instead of freiss. 
• Watermelon, Feta, and Cilantro Salad: On hot days, this watermelon is the perfect side dish for grilled fish. 
• Corn Salad: Corn is a classic pairing for grilled fish. This easy corn salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and cilantro is perfect for hot days and can be prepped in advance. 
• Cucumber Salad: This cucumber salad with tomatoes and red onion is a crunchy side salad that works great with fish.