Prepare to transform your dinner table with a show-stopping dish that will make your taste buds dance and your guests marvel! This Whole Roasted Snapper with Mint Green Tabasco Rub is not just a recipe—it's a culinary adventure that combines the delicate flavors of fresh fish with a bold, zesty marinade that will elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you're looking to impress your dinner guests or simply treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal, this recipe promises an explosion of flavor that's both sophisticated and surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Whole snapper
- Fresh mint leaves
- Green Tabasco sauce
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the snapper cooks evenly and achieves a nice, crispy skin.
- Rinse the whole snapper under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps to remove any residual scales and moisture, which is important for achieving a crispy exterior.
- In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves, 2 tablespoons of Green Tabasco sauce, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use a mortar and pestle or a food processor to blend the ingredients into a smooth paste.
- Using a sharp knife, make several diagonal slashes on both sides of the snapper. This allows the marinade to penetrate the fish more effectively and helps it cook evenly.
- Rub the mint Green Tabasco mixture generously over the entire surface of the snapper, including inside the cavity and into the slashes you made. Ensure that the fish is well-coated for maximum flavor.
- Place the seasoned snapper on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with olive oil. This prevents sticking and makes for easier cleanup.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and roast the snapper for about 30 minutes, or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Once cooked, remove the snapper from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful fish.
- To serve, carefully transfer the whole roasted snapper to a serving platter. Garnish with additional fresh mint leaves and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an added burst of freshness.
Tips
- Choose the Freshest Fish: Select a snapper with clear eyes, firm flesh, and a fresh ocean smell. A high-quality fish is the foundation of an incredible dish.
- Pat Dry for Crispy Perfection: Always thoroughly dry your fish before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden exterior that locks in moisture.
- Master the Slashing Technique: Creating diagonal cuts not only helps the marinade penetrate deeper but also ensures even cooking throughout the fish.
- Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked, safe-to-eat fish.
- Resting Matters: Allow the fish to rest for 5 minutes after cooking to redistribute the juices, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
- Garnish Wisely: Fresh mint leaves and a squeeze of lemon can brighten the entire dish and add a final layer of complexity to your roasted snapper.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 401kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 80mg
