Red Snapper with Lemon Caper Butter Sauce

User Reviews

5

18 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Cook Time

    9 mins

  • Total Time

    14 mins

  • Servings

    6

  • Calories

    249 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    American

Red Snapper with Lemon Caper Butter Sauce

Red Snapper with Lemon Caper Butter Sauce offers pan-seared fish topped with a tangy sauce combining lemon, capers, garlic, and butter. The delicate red snapper fillets cook quickly in olive oil and butter, then are finished by gently reheating in the bright, slightly tangy sauce. The dish balances citrus brightness with savory richness, making it suitable for a light yet flavorful seafood meal.

Description

This recipe centers on red snapper fillets pan-seared in olive oil and butter to develop a lightly browned exterior. After removing the fish, the same pan is used to sauté garlic briefly, then deglaze with white wine, followed by adding chicken broth, butter, capers, lemon juice, and zest. The sauce simmers to thicken slightly while infusing with the vibrant lemon and salty caper flavors.

The snapper is returned to the pan just long enough to heat through to a safe internal temperature, allowing the sauce to coat the fish evenly. The garlic and parsley provide aromatic notes, while the lemon components give bright acidity that contrast the richness of butter. The method combines straightforward cooking steps with layered flavors.

This dish pairs well with simple sides such as steamed vegetables or rice to soak up extra sauce. Fresh parsley and lemon slices are suggested garnishes to add freshness. The use of fresh fish and fresh ingredients makes this recipe suitable for a refined seafood main course.

If red snapper isn’t available, similar white fish or even seafood like scallops or shrimp can be substituted. White wine adds subtle complexity but can be replaced with more chicken broth if desired.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 24 ounces red snapper 6 pieces, fresh
  • lemon juice and zest of 2
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 tablespoons capers
  • ¼ cup chicken broth
  • ¼ cup white wine
  • ¼ cup butter divided
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon parsley chopped, fresh
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat large skillet to medium and add in the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter. Once melted, add in the red snapper, skin side up. Add salt and pepper and sauté for a few minutes on each side.
  2. Remove the snapper and set aside.
  3. Add in the garlic and sauté for about 20 seconds, then add in the wine to deglaze the pan. Allow it to reduce slightly, then pour in the chicken broth, remaining butter, capers, lemon juice and zest.
  4. Simmer for a few minutes, until slightly thickened, then add in the parsley.
  5. Add the snapper back in just until heated through and reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F when checked with a thermometer.
  6. Serve with the sauce over the top, a garnish of parsley and slices of lemon.

Notes

  • Substitute red snapper with mahi mahi, cod, salmon, grouper, scallops, or shrimp as preferred.
  • Use any dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, or replace it with additional chicken broth.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 249kcal (12%) Carbohydrates 2g (1%) Protein 30g (60%) Fat 12g (18%) Saturated Fat 6g (30%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 249 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 249kcal 12%
Carbohydrates 2g 1%
Protein 30g 60%
Fat 12g 18%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

5

18 reviews
Excellent

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