The Best Snapper Recipes

Located in Monroe County, Florida—better known as the Florida Keys—we’re surrounded by some of the freshest seafood in the world.

Our waters are home to a variety of snapper, including Yellowtail, flavorful Red Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, and Lane Snapper, each with its own distinct taste and texture. It’s a seafood lover’s paradise!

These recipes showcase fresh, wild-caught fish, highlighting the incredible flavors of locally sourced seafood. We’re committed to supporting local fisheries because nothing compares to the taste of truly fresh fish.

What is a Snapper?

Snapper is a prized fish known for its firm white flesh and mild, sweet flavor. Its delicate texture and delicious taste make it a great catch, whether grilled, baked, or pan-seared.

Part of the Lutjanidae family, snapper includes a variety of species, each with unique characteristics.

These fish thrive in tropical and subtropical waters, often found near coral reefs, rocky outcrops, and other structures where they hunt for food.

Snappers are carnivorous predators, feeding on smaller fish, crustaceans, and other marine life. Their diet gives them a rich, fresh flavor that makes them a favorite for cooking.

Photo credit: Kickin' It in The Keys Charters, Captain Forrest Weyrauch, Key Largo, Florida. Full-service fishing charter. Call 570-229-2992.

Where to Get Fresh Snappers in Florida

Snapper fishing can be done year-round, and the practice is sustainable. There's a minimum size requirement of twelve inches, to protect juvenile fish.

If you catch one smaller than the limit, it's best to release it so it can grow and contribute to healthy populations. If caught taking small fish, you can also be fined.

Most big grocery chains import fish from Central and South America, so if you're looking for locally sourced options, it's best to explore other avenues.

Key Largo Fisheries and Keys Fisheries in Marathon are excellent choices for fresh seafood, as is First Class Seafood in Cudjoe Key. Another popular fish market is Eaton Street Seafood Market in Key West.

Don't forget about seafood restaurants like The Fish House in Key Largo which often have fish counters selling a variety of locally caught favorites such as yellowtail, mahi, grouper, tripletail, yellowfin tuna, Key West pink shrimp, stone crabs, and spiny lobster.

You can find a full listing of Florida Seafood Markets from the Florida Department of Agriculture.

How To Pick Fresh Fish at the Market

When selecting fresh fish, look for clear, shiny eyes, glossy skin, and firm flesh. Steer clear of fish with dull eyes or strong odors; give it a sniff up close—it should have a clean, mild scent, not fishy or ammonia-like.

If you require the fish to be scaled and cleaned, don't hesitate to ask the fishmonger for assistance. They should be more than willing to help.

How to Store Fresh Fish

1. Refrigeration: When you bring the fish home, store it in the refrigerator. Place the fish in a shallow dish or on a plate, cover it loosely with plastic wrap, and place it in the coldest part of the fridge, usually the bottom shelf in the back.
2. Use Ice Packs: Place the fish in a cooler with ice to keep it cold for traveling home from fishing or shopping.
3. Freezing: If you're not planning to use the fish within two days, freeze it. Pat the fish dry with paper towels. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag and label the package with the date. Use it within a month or two. Use a vacuum sealer for the best results.

TOP TIP: if you bring home fresh snapper fillets, eat them within a day for the best results.

You can follow one of our easy fish recipes. Snappers are easy to cook and taste so good! Otherwise, pat the fish dry and freeze it until you're ready for it.

Defrosting Snapper

1. Refrigeration Method: Remove the snapper from the freezer and place it on a plate in the refrigerator. Allow it to defrost for 1 to 6 hours, depending on the size and thickness of the fish. Remember to wrap each fillet separately to prevent them from freezing together.
2. Cold Water Method: For quicker defrosting, you can submerge smaller pieces of fish in a bowl of cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold. This method usually takes between 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the size and thickness of the fish.
3. Avoid Hot Water or Microwave: While it may be tempting to speed up the defrosting process with hot water or the microwave, these methods can damage the texture and flavor of the fish.

As per the guidelines of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the most secure method for thawing frozen fish is to unwrap it from its original packaging and place it in the refrigerator overnight (ensuring the temperature remains below 38 degrees F).

How to Prepare Snapper

Preparing snapper fillets is easy. If the fish is already cleaned and filleted, remove any remaining bones. Run your fingers along the center of the fillet to locate and remove the row of bones using a small knife.

Rinse the fillets under cold water and pat them dry before cooking.

What is a Yellowtail?

Known for their vibrant yellow tail and a distinct yellow line along their body, Yellowtail Snappers are the most popular snapper species in the Keys.

We have a lot of them. Sometimes, they even show up at the door unannounced!

How Big Is A Yellowtail Snapper?

Yellowtail snappers can reach sizes of up to 5 pounds and lengths of 30 inches, but the ones commonly seen on the docks typically measure anywhere from 15 to 20 inches long.

Easy Snapper Recipes For Dinner

The following recipes are easy to make, and I'm sure you'll love them.

Make a beautiful dinner tonight with fresh wild-caught Key West fish!

Roasted Snapper with Old Bay Seasoning

Roasted Yellowtail with Old Bay Seasoning is a classic dish that's simple to prepare and loaded with great flavor.

This roasted yellowtail is seasoned, dotted with butter, and baked in a hot oven. Pair with Lemon Asparagus Rice for an easy weeknight meal.

Old Bay is a staple in every fish market in the USA. Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, it is a blend of spices including paprika, celery seed, and garlic. You can pick it up where you buy fish.

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Pan Fried Snapper with Panko Breadcrumbs

Ready to take your dinner game to the next level? Pan-fried snapper with panko breadcrumbs is a crispy fried fish recipe that turns your snapper into an extraordinary meal. Coat it in crunchy panko and fry it until crispy. Serve with tartar sauce and sliced pickles for a perfect pairing.

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Crispy Fried Snapper with Almond Flour Coating

Try almond-flour-crusted snapper. Pan fried yellowtail with almond flour is a delicious gluten-free fish dish that showcases the delicate fish coated in a crispy and flavorful nutty almond flour crust.

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Broiled Snapper Recipe

Broiling fish is one of the best methods for cooking thin white fillets. Season them with blackened seasoning, then place them under the broiler. There's no need to turn them while cooking. Serve with a squeeze of lemon and fresh herbs to add a touch of color.

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Key West Coconut Crusted Snapper Recipe

Cook crispy, golden coconut crusted snapper in just 15 minutes! This easy Key West-inspired recipe is made with fresh fish coated in shredded coconut. It's light, crunchy. Serve hot with your favorite sides!

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Blackened Snapper Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema

These blackened fish tacos with creamy cilantro lime sauce are so tasty and perfect for your next Taco Tuesday. They only require a few simple steps and are ready to serve in 20 minutes.

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Oven Baked Snapper with Key Lime Butter Sauce

This blackened snapper recipe brings the sunshine state straight to your plate in just 20 minutes. Dressed in a tangy key lime butter sauce, it's perfect for quick weeknight meals loaded with flavor.

Pan Seared Snapper with Capers and Lemon

Any type of snapper would pair wonderfully with this fish piccata recipe. This classic Italian dish highlights snapper with a tangy lemon-caper sauce. Whether you're using Red Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper, Gray Snapper, or any other variety, the fish's mild flavor will absorb the delicious flavors of the sauce.

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Seared Snapper with Mashed Potatoes

Fish and mashed potatoes is a classic dish that's pure comfort food. It's perfect for anyone craving a delicious meal, whether you're cozying up on a rainy day or simply craving easy home cooking.

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Pan Seared Mangrove Snapper

This snapper dinner is great. It's made with mangrove snapper, another local fish from the Keys. The fish is paired with a mango coleslaw and can be made into tacos or enjoyed on a boat with a glass of wine while watching the sun set over Black Water Sound in Key Largo.

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Roasting a Whole Red Snapper

Follow this ultimate guide to learn how to roast a whole snapper in the oven. This moist red snapper with potatoes is ready in just 30 minutes!

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Sheet Pan Fish & Vegetables

Try this quick sheet pan fish and vegetables, topped with a tangy sour cream dill sauce. It’s easy, fresh, and perfect for busy weeknights. Healthy, full of flavor, and ready in under 30 minutes! Low carb, low calorie, and gluten free.

Summary

The snappers in these recipes are all interchangeable, whether you have yellowtail, red snapper, or mutton snapper; they all cook the same way.

You can use other species of thin white fish, such as hogfish, tripletail, mahi-mahi, and grouper.

There are big and small fish, so use the timing in your recipe as a guide. The fish is cooked through when you see it flake when speared with a fork. If it feels tight, let it cook for another few minutes.

Cook what you catch, and if you're at the fish market, the fresher, the better.