stuffed red snapper recipe

stuffed red snapper recipe

The Best stuffed red snapper recipe

I’m so excited to share this stuffed red snapper recipe with you all. I’ve been making this dish for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

The combination of the flaky fish, the savory filling, and the crispy breadcrumbs on top is just irresistible. Plus, it’s a great way to get some omega-3s into your diet from the fish, and the herbs and spices add an extra layer of flavor without adding any extra calories.

My family loves it when I make this for dinner, and it’s also perfect for special occasions like holidays or birthday parties. I’ve even made it for our church potlucks, and it’s always a hit.

The best part is that it’s really easy to make – just fill the fish with the mixture, bake it in the oven, and voila! You have a delicious and impressive dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

My kids love helping me prepare the filling by chopping up the herbs and mixing everything together in a big bowl. It’s a fun and interactive process that gets them excited about cooking and trying new foods.

And let’s be real – who doesn’t love a good fish recipe? It’s a great way to get some protein into your diet without feeling like you’re eating something boring or bland.

Stuffed Red Snapper with Lemon Herb Rice

Stuffed Red Snapper with Lemon Herb Rice

4.9 from 1113 votes

A whole red snapper is stuffed with a fragrant mixture of lemon, herbs, and rice, then baked until the flesh is flaky and the skin is crisp. This impressive yet simple dish makes a beautiful centerpiece for a special dinner.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Fish and Stuffing

1 whole red snapper (about 2-3 lbs), cleaned and scaled
1 cup cooked white rice
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
1 lemon, zested and juiced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2Rinse the red snapper inside and out with cold water and pat it completely dry with paper towels.
3In a small bowl, combine the cooked rice, parsley, dill, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, onion, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
4Season the mixture with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, then stir until well combined.
5Rub the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil all over the outside of the fish.
6Season the cavity and the outside of the fish with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
7Spoon the rice stuffing into the cavity of the fish, packing it gently but not too tightly.
8If you have kitchen twine, tie the fish closed in two places to secure the stuffing.
9Place the stuffed fish in a large baking dish.
10Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork at the thickest part and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
11The skin should be lightly golden and crisp.
12Carefully transfer the whole fish to a serving platter.
13Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing to serve, allowing the juices to redistribute.

🔧Equipment

Large baking dish
Small mixing bowl
Chef’s knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Kitchen twine (optional)

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 75mg🧂Sodium: 650mg🌾Total Carbs: 25g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 40g

📝Notes

For best results, ask your fishmonger to clean and scale the fish. You can substitute the rice with cooked quinoa or couscous. Serve with lemon wedges and a side of steamed vegetables.

Watch Video Of How Stuffed Red Snapper with Lemon Herb Rice Works

This stuffed red snapper recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion like holidays or birthdays. My family loves it when I make this for dinner because it’s so easy to customize with different fillings and toppings.

And let me tell you, it freezes beautifully too! Just assemble the stuffed fish without baking them first, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to three months.

When you’re ready to serve them, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or thaw quickly by submerging them in cold water before baking as instructed.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Stuffed Red Snapper with Lemon Herb Rice

Q: What kind of fish should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of fish fillet you like, but red snapper is a classic choice because of its mild flavor and firm texture.

Q: Can I make this recipe with other types of fish?

Yes, you can substitute other types of fish fillets such as tilapia, cod, or halibut.

Q: What if I don’t have fresh herbs like parsley or dill?

You can use dried herbs instead – just be sure to use less of them since they’re more potent than fresh herbs.

Q: How do I know if my fish is cooked through?

The best way to check is to insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the fish – it should read at least 145°F (63°C) for flaked whitefish like cod or tilapia, or 160°F (71°C) for firmer fish like snapper or halibut.

Q: Can I store leftover stuffed red snapper in the fridge?

Yes, but be sure to store it in an airtight container at room temperature for no more than two hours before refrigerating it – otherwise, you risk foodborne illness from bacterial growth.

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