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4.9 from 282 votes

Pescado Zarandeado (Mexican Red Snapper)

This recipe features a whole red snapper, butterflied and marinated in a flavorful blend of chilies, garlic, and spices.

Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

  • 1 five-pound red snapper cleaned
  • 6 guajillo chiles seeds and veins removed
  • 1/2 white onion
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano firmly packed
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 -3/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 4 tablespoons butter melted
  • salt to taste

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Begin with removing the seeds and veins from the guajillo peppers and soaking them in a large pot of just-boiled water. Leave for 20 minutes then drain and discard the water.
  2. In a food processor, add the softened chilies, onion, garlic and oregano and some water. Blend until smooth. Add more water if the consistency is too thick and blend to combine.
  3. Place a saucepan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the chili mix and simmer for about 6 minutes or until it thickens and turns a deeper color.
  4. Wash your red snapper and cut along the abdomen. Butterfly it by spreading the two sides out.
  5. Season both halves with salt on the meaty side and cover generously with the chili paste. Place in the fridge while you get the fire going in the mesquite grill.
  6. Make a fire in a grill and let the wood burn until the charcoal turns red. One way to check for the right temperature is to carefully hold your hand 4 inches above the coals. If you can hold it there for about 4 seconds before it becomes too hot, it should be perfect.
  7. Place the fish on a grilling basket skin-down and place it in the fire.
  8. Cook for 3 minutes, then turn the fish over and baste with the remaining chili sauce. Cook for a further 3 minutes and repeat the process once more.
  9. When the fish has become flaky and the chili becomes a dark red and blackened around the edges, brush the fish with butter and carefully remove it from the grilling basket.
  10. Prepare a quick salad by mixing thinly shredded iceberg lettuce, tomato and avocado and drizzle it with olive oil, Mexican lime juice, vinegar and season with salt.
  11. Serve the red snapper hot with the salad on the side and enjoy!

Notes