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Flavorful Red Snapper Veracruz Style

Flavorful Red Snapper Veracruz Style
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Flavorful Red Snapper Veracruz Style is an authentic Mexican seafood dish featuring tender red snapper fillets simmered in a zesty tomato sauce loaded with olives, capers, garlic, onion, and fresh herbs. This vibrant recipe offers a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors, making it ideal for family dinners or special gatherings. With simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking method, this dish delivers a gourmet-quality, healthy meal rich in omega-3 fatty acids and bursting with coastal Veracruz charm.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 fresh red snapper fillets (6–8 ounces each)
  • 3 Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup pitted green olives, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce: Finely chop the tomatoes, onions, and garlic. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then sauté the onion and garlic until translucent and fragrant. Add the chopped tomatoes, bay leaf, chopped olives, and capers. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 15 minutes until it thickens and the flavors meld together.
  2. Season the Red Snapper: Pat the red snapper fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper. Optionally, add a little lime juice to the fillets for extra brightness.
  3. Cook the Fish: Push the simmered sauce to the sides of the skillet and place the snapper fillets in the center. Cover the skillet and cook on low heat for 6-8 minutes, depending on thickness, until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
  4. Add Fresh Herbs: Once the fish is cooked through, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley and oregano over the top. Remove from heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes to allow the herbs to release their aroma.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve each fillet with a generous spoonful of the tomato-olive sauce on top. Garnish with extra sliced olives, fresh parsley sprigs, and lime wedges if desired for enhanced flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Choose the freshest red snapper available to ensure tender, flavorful results.
  • Allow the tomato sauce to simmer gently to fully develop rich layers of flavor.
  • Cook the fish on low heat to keep it moist and flaky without overcooking.
  • Adjust saltiness carefully, as olives and capers contribute natural briny flavor; add more gradually if needed.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end of cooking to preserve their bright, fresh character.
  • You can prepare the tomato sauce one day ahead and reheat gently before adding the fish to save time.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days but freezing is not recommended.
  • Reheat gently on low heat with a splash of water or broth to maintain fish tenderness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Red Snapper, Veracruz Style, Mexican Seafood, Tomato Sauce, Healthy Fish Recipe, Seafood Dinner, Mexican Cuisine

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/flavorful-red-snapper-veracruz-style/