Pan Fried Red Snapper

Pan Fried Red Snapper is a quick and flavorful seafood dinner with crispy fillets and a simple garlic sauce. This easy red snapper recipe cooks in minutes and is perfect for weeknights.

Recipe Developer-Estefania

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

Total Time 10

Ingredients

▢ 400 g Red Snapper 2 fillets
▢ ¼ teaspoon Sea Salt
▢ 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil

For Garlic Sauce:

▢ 3 Cloves Garlic Minced
▢ 60 ml Extra Virgin Olive Oil
▢ ¼ teaspoon Chilli Flakes
▢ 1 tablespoon Parsley Finely chopped
▢ 1½ tablespoon White Vinegar

Instructions

Pat the red snapper fillets completely dry with a paper towel. Lightly season both sides with sea salt.
Heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the fillets skin-side down. Press gently with a spatula to keep the skin flat for the first 20–30 seconds. Cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until the fish turns golden and flakes easily.
While the fish cooks, warm 60 ml of extra virgin olive oil in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the minced garlic, parsley, and chilli flakes. Let them sizzle gently for about 1 minute until aromatic; avoid browning the garlic.
Stir in the white vinegar, remove from the heat, and swirl the pan for a moment to help the sauce blend and slightly thicken.
Spoon the warm garlic sauce over the crispy red snapper fillets and serve right away with a fresh salad or your favorite side.

Notes

Dry the Fillets Well: I always pat the fish completely dry; moisture makes the skin steam instead of crisp.

Control the Heat: Medium heat gives a golden finish, and I find it keeps the fish perfectly tender inside.

Gentle Garlic Cooking: I let the garlic sizzle softly, not brown, so the sauce stays smooth and fragrant.

Serve Right Away: Bring it to the table immediately; I love when the skin is still crisp and the warm sauce coats every bite.

Nutrition