Grilled Red Snapper Recipe: How to Grill Red Snapper

Grilled red snapper is a classic seafood entrée that home cooks prepare over an open fire on a gas or charcoal grill, infusing the flaky white fish with a rich, smoky flavor. This saltwater fish found off the coast of the Southeastern United States has red skin and sweet-tasting flaky flesh. A typical red snapper averages two to six pounds, so a whole fish will serve two to six people. Add grilled red snapper to your cookout spread for a light, flavorful main dish.

There are many pairing options for this versatile white fish, from gluten-free vegetable dishes to hearty grains. Popular pairings for grilled red snapper include:

1. 1. Coleslaw: Whether you prepare it in a mayo-based dressing or a vinaigrette, this classic BBQ side dish will complement just about any type of grilled fish, including red snapper. Learn how to make coleslaw.
2. 2. Grilled vegetables: Grill up some easy, healthful veggies next to your red snapper on the hot grill. Plants like broccoli, green beans, summer squash, peppers, onions, asparagus, and tomatoes complement this flaky fish.
3. 3. Rice pilaf: This tasty grain dish consists of rice cooked in stock with various vegetables and seasonings—the perfect filling side for red snapper.
4. 4. Risotto: For a richer pairing, serve your grilled red snapper on top of warm risotto, a starchy Italian rice dish. Learn how to make risotto.
5. 5. Roasted or mashed potatoes: Add unrefined carbohydrates to your light fish dish with roasted potatoes tossed in lemon and herbs or a scoop of creamy mashed potatoes.
6. 6. Tartar sauce: To evoke the flavors of a classic fish fry, serve your grilled red snapper with a side of tangy tartar sauce for dipping. Learn how to make tartar sauce.
7. 7. Tortillas: Tuck your grilled red snapper into corn or flour tortillas and top them with traditional Mexican toppings to make healthy fish tacos.

This simple grilled protein recipe is suitable for home cooks of all experience levels. Follow these easy tips for crafting delicious grilled red snapper:

1. 1. Choose the right fish. When shopping for fresh red snapper fillets, choose pieces with firm, bright white flesh and a fresh, mild seafood scent. Avoid any fillets that are soft or emit a strong fishy smell. Alternatively, purchase fresh whole red snapper at a fish market and ask the fishmonger to fillet the fish for you.
2. 2. Experiment with seasonings. Customize any grilled snapper recipe with your favorite spices, herbs, sauces, and condiments. Change up the dry rub with spices like cumin, mustard powder, and chili powder for some heat. Incorporate herbs like chives, dill, cilantro, and parsley for a fresh flavor. Create an Asian-inspired marinade with ingredients like soy sauce, sriracha, sesame oil, and green onion.
3. 3. Add BBQ flavor. Infuse your barbecued fish with extra flavor by brushing it with your favorite store-bought or homemade barbecue sauce toward the end of grilling.
4. 4. Cook to the right temperature. Overcooking this tender saltwater fish can result in dry, tough fish fillets. Remove the fish from the grill once the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.