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Veracruz-Style Red Snapper

Veracruz-Style Red Snapper
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Veracruz-Style Red Snapper is a vibrant and authentic Mexican coastal dish that combines fresh red snapper fillets with a tangy sauce made from tomatoes, green olives, capers, and fresh herbs. This healthy and colorful recipe is easy to prepare at home, delivering a perfect balance of bright, savory flavors that celebrate traditional Veracruz cuisine.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish

  • 4 fresh red snapper fillets

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1–2 jalapeños or serrano chilies, finely chopped (optional)
  • 4 medium tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can diced tomatoes, about 14 oz)
  • 1/4 cup green olives, pitted and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons capers
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce: Finely chop the onions, garlic, and jalapeños if using. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onions and garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the chopped tomatoes, green olives, capers, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 8-10 minutes to meld flavors and thicken slightly.
  2. Season the Red Snapper: While the sauce simmers, pat the red snapper fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of fresh lime juice to keep the fish flavorful and moist.
  3. Cook the Fish: Carefully nestle the seasoned fillets into the simmering sauce in the pan. Cover the pan and cook gently for 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the fish flakes easily with a fork and has absorbed the sauce flavors.
  4. Garnish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat. Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or cilantro on top and an extra squeeze of lime. Serve the Veracruz-Style Red Snapper directly from the pan or transfer to a serving dish for an attractive presentation.

Notes

  • Choose fresh fish for the best flavor and texture.
  • Allow the sauce to simmer to develop rich, complex flavors.
  • Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the fish from sticking or breaking apart.
  • Adjust lime juice and tomato quantity to balance acidity to your taste.
  • Serve immediately for the freshest taste and vibrant sauce texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Veracruz, Red Snapper, Mexican seafood, healthy seafood recipe, gluten free, easy Mexican recipe

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/veracruz-style-red-snapper/