10+ Fried Red Snapper Recipes for Delicious Meals at Home

Fried red snapper is a delicious dish that many cultures enjoy. With its crispy skin and tender meat, this fish can be a delightful addition to any meal.

You can enjoy a variety of recipes that highlight this flavorful fish, bringing out the best of its taste and texture.

Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a family dinner, fried red snapper can impress everyone at the table. From Caribbean spices to simple seasonings, the options are endless.

Each recipe you explore will bring a unique twist to this beloved seafood.

1) Classic Caribbean Spice Mix

Creating a classic Caribbean spice mix is simple and fun. You can customize it to your taste and it adds great flavor to fried red snapper.

Start with a base of salt and black pepper. Then, add garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne for some heat. You might also include dried thyme and paprika for extra flavor.

Mix all the spices together in a bowl. Make sure to thoroughly combine them.

This mix can be rubbed directly onto the fish, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.

You will love how this spice blend enhances your fried red snapper!

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Cooking Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Mix well until fully combined.
3. Rub spice mix on your cleaned red snapper.
4. Let it sit for 15 minutes before frying.

2) Crispy Southern Cornmeal Coating

To make a delicious crispy southern cornmeal coating, you’ll start by mixing cornmeal and all-purpose flour. This combination gives the fish that perfect crunch.

Next, you will season the mixture with salt, pepper, and any favorite spices. Paprika adds a nice color and flavor that you might enjoy.

When the ingredients are well-mixed, dip your red snapper fillets into the batter. Make sure each piece is fully covered.

Fry the coated fish in hot oil until it’s golden brown and crispy. Aim for a temperature of about 350°F (175°C) for the oil.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cornmeal
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Dip each red snapper fillet into the mixture, coating well.
3. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a frying pan.
4. Fry the fish until golden brown and crispy.

3) Zesty Lime and Garlic Infusion

For a bright and fresh flavor, a zesty lime and garlic infusion is perfect for your fried red snapper. Use fresh lime juice and minced garlic to enhance the fish’s natural taste.

Start by marinating your snapper in a mixture of lime juice, minced garlic, and a bit of salt. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.

This method will add a tangy kick that complements the crispy fried texture. You can also sprinkle fresh cilantro before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 whole red snapper, cleaned and scaled
• 3 limes (juice only)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix lime juice, minced garlic, and salt.
2. Marinate the snapper in the mixture for 30 minutes.
3. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
4. Fry the snapper until golden brown on both sides.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.

4) Creole Seasoning Twist

Adding a Creole seasoning twist to your fried red snapper can elevate the flavor. This blend brings a spicy and zesty kick that your taste buds will love.

To start, you’ll want to coat your fish with a mix of spices. Common ingredients in Creole seasoning include paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. You can easily adjust the heat to suit your taste.

Fry your seasoned snapper until it’s golden brown. The spices will create a delicious crust that seals in moisture while adding flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 small red snappers or 1 large red snapper
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the fish and pat it dry.
2. Mix the seasonings in a bowl.
3. Coat the fish evenly on both sides.
4. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 180°C).
5. Fry the fish until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side.

5) Mustard Batter Delight

To make Mustard Batter Delight, you’ll need some simple ingredients. This recipe creates a tasty crust that pairs well with the delicate flavor of red snapper.

Start by mixing Dijon mustard with flour and cornmeal. This combination gives the fish a nice crunch. You can adjust the mustard level to your taste.

For frying, use oil heated to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your fish cooks evenly and gets that perfect golden color.

Dredge the fish fillets in the mustard mixture before placing them in the hot oil. Fry until crispy on both sides, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs red snapper fillets
• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
• 1.5 cups cornmeal
• 1.5 cups flour
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix flour and cornmeal in a bowl.
2. Coat fish fillets with Dijon mustard.
3. Dredge fish in the flour mixture.
4. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry fish for 3-4 minutes on each side.

6) Pan-Fried Blackened Style

Pan-fried blackened red snapper is a flavorful dish that’s easy to make. The secret is a homemade blackened seasoning that gives the fish a delicious crust. You can enjoy this recipe any night of the week.

Start by coating your red snapper fillets with the spicy seasoning mix. Use paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and other spices for a tasty flavor. Then, heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook the fillets for about 3-4 minutes on each side until the fish is blackened and cooked through. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for safety.

Ingredients

• 1 pound red snapper fillets
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt to taste
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix the spices in a bowl.
2. Coat the red snapper fillets with the spice mix.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Cook the fillets for 3-4 minutes on each side.
5. Check that the fish is cooked to 145°F (63°C) and serve.

7) Whole Snapper with Creole Gravy

Fried whole snapper with Creole gravy is a tasty dish that’s easy to prepare. The fish is fried until golden brown and served with a flavorful gravy made from tomatoes and spices. The combination of crispy fish and rich sauce is delicious.

To start, you’ll need a whole snapper. This fish cooks well and has a mild flavor that pairs perfectly with the spicy Creole sauce. The gravy typically includes ingredients like bell peppers, onions, and thyme for added depth.

Serve the fried snapper over rice or with a side of vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy it with family and friends for a fun seafood feast!

Ingredients

• 1 whole snapper
• Salt and pepper
• Oil for frying
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp thyme

Cooking Instructions

1. Clean and season the whole snapper with salt and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
3. Fry the fish for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
4. In another pan, sauté bell pepper and onion.
5. Add diced tomatoes and thyme; simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Pour the sauce over the fried snapper and serve hot.

8) Lightly Fried with Cajun Seasoning

Lightly fried red snapper with Cajun seasoning is a delicious way to enjoy this fish. The spices add a nice kick without overwhelming the natural flavors. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare.

To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need fresh red snapper fillets and a few basics like flour, Cajun seasoning, and oil for frying.

You can pan-fry the fish until it’s golden brown and crisp. Keep the heat moderate so the fish cooks evenly.

Serve your Cajun-seasoned snapper with a squeeze of lemon for added freshness.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds red snapper fillets
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• Oil for frying
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse and pat the red snapper fillets dry.
2. Mix the flour and Cajun seasoning in a bowl.
3. Coat each fillet in the flour mixture.
4. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (around 350°F/180°C).
5. Fry the fillets for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden.
6. Serve with lemon wedges.

9) Herb-Infused Marinade

An herb-infused marinade is a great way to add flavor to your fried red snapper. You can use fresh herbs like rosemary, basil, and oregano to create a delicious mix.

Start by combining minced garlic, chopped herbs, olive oil, and a splash of lemon juice. This will give your fish a bright, fresh taste. Make sure to coat the snapper thoroughly, even in the slits and cavity, for the best flavor.

Let your fish marinate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the herbs to really soak in and makes each bite flavorful.

Ingredients

• Fresh rosemary, chopped
• Fresh basil, chopped
• Olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix garlic, herbs, olive oil, and lemon juice.
2. Rub the marinade all over the snapper.
3. Let it marinate for 30 minutes.
4. Fry the snapper in a preheated pan at 350°F (175°C).

10) Spicy Jamaican Heat

If you love a kick in your meals, this Spicy Jamaican Heat recipe is perfect for you. The fried red snapper is seasoned with a mix of spices that pack a punch. You’ll enjoy the combination of heat and flavor.

Start by marinating the fish with salt, black pepper, and a dash of cayenne pepper. This will give your snapper that signature Jamaican flair.

Fry the fish until golden brown in hot oil at 350°F (about 180°C). The outside will be crispy, while the inside remains tender and juicy.

For an extra touch, serve the snapper with a spicy mango salsa or a homemade escovitch sauce. This will enhance the dish and add fresh, vibrant flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 whole red snapper, cleaned and scaled
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Cayenne pepper or paprika
• Vegetable oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate the red snapper with salt, black pepper, and cayenne.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a pan until it reaches 350°F (180°C).
3. Then, carefully add the fish to the hot oil.
4. Fry until the fish is golden brown on both sides.
5. Finally, remove and drain on paper towels before serving.