Baked Snapper with Garlic Dill just the name conjures images of a light, flaky fish infused with the bright, herbaceous flavors of summer. Imagine sinking your fork into tender snapper, the delicate flesh yielding effortlessly, each bite bursting with the savory garlic and fresh dill. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience, a journey to the sun-drenched shores where simple ingredients create culinary magic.

While the exact origins of baking fish with herbs are lost to time, the practice itself is deeply rooted in coastal cultures around the world. For centuries, fishing communities have relied on readily available ingredients like garlic and dill to enhance the natural flavors of their catch. Dill, in particular, has a long history, dating back to ancient Greece and Rome, where it was valued for its medicinal properties and culinary uses. Today, it remains a beloved herb, adding a touch of freshness to countless dishes.

What makes Baked Snapper with Garlic Dill so universally appealing? It’s the perfect combination of simplicity and elegance. The recipe requires minimal ingredients and effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Yet, the resulting dish is sophisticated enough to impress guests at a dinner party. The flaky texture of the snapper, combined with the aromatic garlic and dill, creates a symphony of flavors that tantalizes the taste buds. Plus, it’s a healthy and delicious way to enjoy a lean protein source. Get ready to discover your new favorite way to prepare snapper!

Ingredients:

2 whole snapper (about 1-1.5 lbs each), scaled and gutted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 lemon, thinly sliced
1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
Fresh dill sprigs, for garnish

Preparing the Snapper

Okay, let’s get started! First things first, we need to prep our snapper. If you bought your snapper whole, make sure it’s been properly scaled and gutted. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, most fishmongers will happily do it for you. Pat the fish dry inside and out with paper towels. This helps the skin get nice and crispy in the oven.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold both snapper without overcrowding. I usually use a 9×13 inch dish.
Using a sharp knife, make 3-4 shallow diagonal slits on each side of the fish. These slits help the fish cook evenly and allow the flavors to penetrate deeper.
In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped dill, olive oil, and lemon juice. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning it’s what brings the fish to life!
Rub the garlic-dill mixture all over the snapper, making sure to get it into the slits you made earlier. Really massage it in there!
Place a few lemon slices inside the cavity of each fish. This adds a lovely citrusy aroma and flavor.

Baking the Snapper

Now for the fun part baking! This is where the magic happens and the flavors meld together beautifully. The key is to keep an eye on the fish and not overcook it. Overcooked fish is dry and tough, and nobody wants that!

Place the prepared snapper in the greased baking dish.
If using, pour the white wine around the fish in the baking dish. The wine adds moisture and a subtle layer of flavor. If you don’t have white wine, you can use a little bit of fish broth or even just water.
Dot the top of each fish with the small pieces of butter. The butter will melt and create a rich, flavorful sauce as the fish bakes.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your snapper, so keep an eye on it. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
To check for doneness, insert a fork into the thickest part of the fish. If it flakes easily, it’s ready. If not, bake for a few more minutes and check again.
If the skin starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the baking dish with aluminum foil.

Serving and Garnishing

Alright, the snapper is baked to perfection! Now it’s time to plate it up and enjoy the fruits (or should I say, fish?) of your labor. A little garnish can go a long way in making the dish look extra special.

Carefully remove the baked snapper from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful fish.
Transfer the snapper to a serving platter.
Spoon some of the pan juices over the fish. These juices are packed with flavor and add moisture.
Garnish with fresh dill sprigs and extra lemon slices.
Serve immediately. This baked snapper is delicious with a side of roasted vegetables, rice, or a simple salad.

Tips and Variations

Want to customize this recipe to your liking? Here are a few tips and variations to try:

Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic-dill mixture for a little heat.
Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs, such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary.
Vegetable additions: Add some chopped vegetables, such as onions, bell peppers, or zucchini, to the baking dish along with the fish.
Citrus variations: Use orange or grapefruit instead of lemon for a different citrusy flavor.
Make it a foil packet: For easy cleanup, you can bake the snapper in foil packets. Simply place each fish on a large piece of foil, top with the garlic-dill mixture, lemon slices, and butter, and then seal the foil tightly. Bake as directed.
Grilling option: You can also grill the snapper instead of baking it. Preheat your grill to medium heat and grill the fish for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Other fish options: If you can’t find snapper, you can use other white fish, such as cod, halibut, or sea bass. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Lemon Butter Sauce Boost: After baking, whisk the pan juices with an extra tablespoon of butter and a squeeze of lemon juice for an even richer sauce.

Make Ahead Instructions

Want to get a head start on dinner? You can prepare the snapper ahead of time and bake it later. Here’s how:

Prepare the snapper as directed in steps 1-6.
Place the prepared fish in a baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
When ready to bake, remove the fish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Bake as directed in steps 7-12. You may need to add a few minutes to the cooking time since the fish will be cold.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving
Protein: 40-45 grams
Fat: 20-25 grams
Carbohydrates: 5-10 grams

Why This Recipe Works

This baked snapper recipe is a winner because it’s simple, flavorful, and healthy. The combination of garlic, dill, and lemon creates a bright and aromatic flavor profile that perfectly complements the delicate taste of the snapper. Baking the fish ensures that it stays moist and tender, while the butter adds richness and depth of flavor. Plus, it’s a relatively quick and easy recipe to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Serving Suggestions

This baked snapper is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:

Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, or potatoes all make excellent roasted vegetable sides.
Rice: White rice, brown rice, or wild rice are all great options.
Quinoa: A healthy and flavorful alternative to rice.
Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing.
Garlic Bread: A classic accompaniment to any seafood dish.
Lemon Potatoes: Roasted potatoes with lemon, garlic, and herbs.
Steamed Green Beans: A simple and healthy side dish.

Troubleshooting

Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned in the kitchen. Here are a few common problems and how to fix them:

Fish is dry: Make sure you’re not overbaking the fish. Check for doneness frequently and remove it from the oven as soon as it flakes easily. You can also try adding more liquid to the baking dish, such as white wine or fish broth.
Fish is sticking to the baking dish: Make sure you grease the baking dish well before adding the fish. You can also line the baking dish with parchment paper.
Garlic is burning: If the garlic starts to burn, you can loosely tent the baking dish with aluminum foil.
Fish is not cooking evenly: Make sure you make shallow slits on each side of the fish to help it

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Baked Snapper with Garlic Dill is truly a recipe you absolutely must try. I know, I know, I say that about a lot of recipes, but trust me on this one. The flaky, tender snapper infused with the bright, herbaceous flavors of garlic and dill is simply divine. It’s a dish that’s elegant enough for a dinner party, yet easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight. What more could you ask for?

But beyond its simplicity and deliciousness, this recipe is a winner because it’s incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different types of snapper red snapper, yellowtail snapper, even lane snapper would work beautifully. And if you’re not a huge fan of dill (though I highly recommend giving it a try!), you can easily substitute it with other fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or even a touch of tarragon. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving adds an extra layer of brightness that really elevates the dish.

Looking for serving suggestions? This Baked Snapper with Garlic Dill pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. For a light and healthy meal, try serving it with steamed asparagus, roasted broccoli, or a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette. If you’re feeling a bit more indulgent, mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or even a side of risotto would be fantastic. And don’t forget the crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious garlic-dill infused sauce!

For a Mediterranean twist, consider adding some chopped Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta cheese to the baking dish. Or, for a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil. The possibilities are endless!

Variations to consider:

* Lemon Herb Snapper: Add lemon slices and a mix of your favorite herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano.
* Mediterranean Snapper: Incorporate Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese.
* Spicy Snapper: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for a kick.
* Snapper with Roasted Vegetables: Roast vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions alongside the snapper.

I truly believe that this recipe will become a new favorite in your household. It’s a healthy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress. So, what are you waiting for? Head to your local fish market, grab some fresh snapper, and get cooking!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of Baked Snapper with Garlic Dill for yourself. Once you’ve made it, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What sides did you serve it with? What did your family think? Share your thoughts, photos, and tips in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps other readers discover new and exciting ways to enjoy this delicious dish. Happy cooking!
Baked Snapper with Garlic Dill: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Flavorful baked whole snapper infused with garlic, dill, and lemon. A simple and healthy dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Prep Time15 minutes

Cook Time25 minutes

Total Time40 minutes

Category: Dinner

Yield: 2 servings

Save This Recipe

Ingredients
- 2 whole snapper (about 1-1.5 lbs each), scaled and gutted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
- Fresh dill sprigs, for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold both snapper without overcrowding.
3. Using a sharp knife, make 3-4 shallow diagonal slits on each side of the fish.
4. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped dill, olive oil, and lemon juice. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
5. Rub the garlic-dill mixture all over the snapper, making sure to get it into the slits.
6. Place a few lemon slices inside the cavity of each fish.
7. Place the prepared snapper in the greased baking dish.
8. If using, pour the white wine around the fish in the baking dish.
9. Dot the top of each fish with the small pieces of butter.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
11. If the skin starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the baking dish with aluminum foil.
12. Carefully remove the baked snapper from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
13. Transfer the snapper to a serving platter.
14. Spoon some of the pan juices over the fish.
15. Garnish with fresh dill sprigs and extra lemon slices.
16. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Make sure the snapper is properly scaled and gutted.
- Pat the fish dry inside and out for crispy skin.
- Don’t be shy with the seasoning.
- Keep an eye on the fish while baking to avoid overcooking.
- Let the fish rest for a few minutes after baking to redistribute the juices.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic-dill mixture for a little heat.
- Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs, such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary.
- Vegetable additions: Add some chopped vegetables, such as onions, bell peppers, or zucchini, to the baking dish along with the fish.
- Citrus variations: Use orange or grapefruit instead of lemon for a different citrusy flavor.
- Make it a foil packet: For easy cleanup, you can bake the snapper in foil packets. Simply place each fish on a large piece of foil, top with the garlic-dill mixture, lemon slices, and butter, and then seal the foil tightly. Bake as directed.
- Grilling option: You can also grill the snapper instead of baking it. Preheat your grill to medium heat and grill the fish for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Other fish options: If you can’t find snapper, you can use other white fish, such as cod, halibut, or sea bass. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Lemon Butter Sauce Boost: After baking, whisk the pan juices with an extra tablespoon of butter and a squeeze of lemon juice for an even richer sauce.

Baked Snapper with Garlic Dill: A Delicious & Easy Recipe