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Red Snapper Veracruz Style

Red Snapper Veracruz Style

Red Snapper Veracruz Style is a vibrant and flavorful Mexican coastal dish featuring tender red snapper fillets simmered in a bright tomato-based sauce enriched with olives, capers, fresh herbs, and mild chili peppers. This easy-to-prepare recipe balances tangy, savory, and slightly spicy notes, offering a fresh, healthy, and elegant meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish

  • 4 fresh red snapper fillets (skin-on, about 6 oz each)

Sauce

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 ripe tomatoes, diced (or 1 can diced tomatoes, 14 oz)
  • 1/2 cup pitted green olives, sliced
  • 2 tbsp capers, drained
  • 1 small jalapeño or serrano pepper, finely chopped (optional)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime or lemon
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add diced tomatoes, sliced green olives, capers, and finely chopped jalapeño if using. Stir in freshly chopped parsley and oregano, season with salt and pepper, and let the sauce simmer gently for 10-12 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
  2. Cook the Red Snapper: Season the red snapper fillets with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lime or lemon juice. In a separate pan, heat a splash of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the fillets skin-side down first for 3-4 minutes until the skin crisps. Carefully flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the fish is just cooked through and tender.
  3. Combine and Finish: Place the cooked fillets gently into the simmering Veracruz sauce. Spoon sauce over the fish and let it cook together for 2-3 more minutes so the flavors blend perfectly.
  4. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the fillets to a serving platter, spoon generous amounts of sauce on top, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately while warm and vibrant.

Notes

  • Pick fresh fish from a trusted source for the best flavor and texture.
  • Pat the fillets dry before cooking to achieve crispy skin.
  • Simmer the sauce gently to maintain fresh tomato brightness.
  • Adjust chili heat according to your preference for spice.
  • Add fresh herbs like parsley at the end to preserve color and aroma.

Nutrition

Keywords: Red Snapper, Veracruz Style, Mexican Fish Recipe, Tomato Sauce, Seafood, Gluten Free, Healthy Dinner