Veracruz-Style Red Snapper

Veracruz-Style Red Snapper is a beloved and iconic dish from the coastal region of Veracruz, Mexico. This vibrant and flavorful dish showcases the region's rich culinary heritage and its reliance on the bounty of the sea. The dish is a perfect example of the fusion of Spanish, African, and indigenous Mexican flavors that make up the unique cuisine of Veracruz.

Veracruz-Style Red Snapper
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Prep Time:

20 mins

Cook Time:

25 mins

Total Time:

45 mins

Servings:

2

Ingredients

Veracruz-Style Red Snapper
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ medium white onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon capers
1 tablespoon caper juice
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
⅓ cup pitted, sliced green olives (such as Castelvetrano)
1 medium jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano
2 teaspoons olive oil
2 (7 ounce) red snapper fillets
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, or more to taste
salt and pepper to taste
2 medium limes, juiced

Directions

Veracruz-Style Red Snapper

Step 1

Gather the ingredients.

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).

Step 3

Make the sauce: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir until translucent, 6 to 7 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Step 4

Stir in capers and caper juice. Add tomatoes, olives, and jalapeño; cook and stir until tomatoes begin to collapse and jalapeño softens, about 3 minutes.

Step 5

Remove from the heat and stir in oregano.

Step 6

Make the snapper: Brush 1 teaspoon oil over the bottom of two small baking dishes. In each dish, add 1 tablespoon sauce, followed by a snapper fillet.

Step 7

Season with cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cover with more sauce, then drizzle lime juice over top.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven until fish flakes easily with a fork, 15 to 20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

452

Calories

25g

Fat

16g

Carbs

43g

Protein

Complement

The star of this dish is the red snapper, a firm and flavorful fish that is abundant in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The fish is typically cooked whole and topped with a zesty tomato-based sauce that is brimming with olives, capers, onions, and a variety of herbs and spices. This combination of flavors creates a harmonious and well-balanced dish that is both satisfying and refreshing. Veracruz-Style Red Snapper is a testament to the region's love for fresh and bold flavors, and it is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the authentic tastes of Veracruz.