When it comes to a quick, flavorful meal, I always turn to fish. Recently, I decided to experiment with snapper fillets, and the results were so delicious I had to share them. This lemon garlic baked snapper is bright, buttery, and perfectly seasoned, with a slight kick of paprika and the fresh zing of lemon. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to put together, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a light weekend lunch. Let me walk you through how to make this amazing dish at home!
One of my favorite types of fish!
Growing up in Florida, I was lucky enough to have access to fresh snapper all the time. It was a staple in my family’s kitchen, and I have so many fond memories of enjoying snapper fillets, whether they were grilled, baked, or pan-fried. Now that I live in Hawaii, finding snapper isn’t as easy. So, whenever I do come across it, I can’t help but get excited! It’s one of my all-time favorite fish. It’s flaky, moist, and the subtle flavor makes snapper so versatile to prepare in various fish dishes.
This lemon garlic baked snapper recipe is my way of savoring that connection, bringing a bit of my Florida roots to my current island life. The flavors of lemon and garlic perfectly complement the delicate, flaky texture of snapper, and I love how this dish is both nostalgic and fresh. If you’re lucky enough to find snapper where you live, this recipe will make the most of it!
A recipe the whole family will LOVE!
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your kitchen.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Snapper is rich in lean protein and healthy fats.
- Bold Flavors: The combination of lemon, garlic, and ghee brings out the best in these fillets.
- Quick & Easy: Prep takes just a few minutes, and it bakes to perfection in 20 minutes.
Substitutions for Lemon Garlic Baked Snapper Fillets
One of the best parts of this recipe is how versatile it is! If you’re missing an ingredient or just want to switch things up, here are some easy substitutions that will still give you a flavorful and delicious dish:
- Snapper Fillets:
If you don’t have snapper, you can substitute with any mild, white fish. Cod, halibut, tilapia, or even sole are great options. Just keep in mind that thicker fillets might require a bit more cooking time. - Ghee:
Don’t have ghee on hand? No problem! You can easily use unsalted butter or olive oil instead. Butter will keep the richness, while olive oil provides a lighter, healthier option. - Lemon:
While I love using fresh lemon, you can substitute it with lime if you’re looking for a slightly different citrus profile. You can also use bottled lemon juice in a pinch, though fresh is always best for zest and juice. - Garlic:
If you’re out of fresh garlic, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder can be used as a substitute for every clove. While fresh garlic brings a robust flavor, garlic powder will still give you that garlicky punch. - Parsley:
If parsley isn’t available, other fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or even dill can work nicely with this recipe. Each will add its own unique twist to the flavor of the fish. - Paprika/Old Bay Seasoning:
If you’re not a fan of paprika or Old Bay, you can try using other seasonings like smoked paprika for a deeper flavor, or even chili powder for a bit more heat. For a herb-forward option, try Italian seasoning or lemon pepper. - Olive Oil:
Avocado oil or melted coconut oil can be used as a substitute for olive oil. Avocado oil has a neutral flavor, while coconut oil will add a hint of sweetness.
These substitutions allow you to tailor the recipe to what you have on hand or to match your personal flavor preferences. Experimenting with different ingredients is part of the fun, and you may even discover a new favorite variation!
Recipe!
Ingredients
- Snapper fillets (about 4 small fillets or 2 large)
- 2 lemons, sliced into rounds
For the Lemon Garlic Butter Mixture:
- 4 tablespoons ghee/butter
- 6 cloves garlic, grated(better release of flavor)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley (or fresh parsley if you have it)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven to 375°F
This temperature is perfect for cooking the fish evenly without drying it out. - Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lay slices of lemon across the bottom. These lemon slices will flavor the fish from underneath and keep them moist as they bake. - Prep the Fish
Clean your snapper fillets, and rub a small amount of olive oil on the bottom of each fillet. This prevents them from sticking and adds a bit of richness. - Season the Fish
Place the fish fillets on top of the lemon slices. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste (or Old Bay seasoning if you’re feeling adventurous). I do 2 fillets of each. - Make the Lemon Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, mix together the ghee/butter, grated garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, and a little salt to taste. - Spread the Mixture
Evenly spread the butter mixture over the top of each fillet, ensuring every bit of the fish is coated in garlicky, buttery goodness. - Bake
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. The fish should flake easily with a fork when it’s ready.
Pro Tips:
- Use Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley will add an extra layer of flavor, but dried parsley works just as well in a pinch.
- Don’t Skip the Lemon Slices: Baking the fish on top of lemon slices infuses the fillets with a citrusy aroma and keeps them moist.
Bon Apetit!
Pair this lemon garlic snapper with a simple side of roasted vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal. You could also serve it over rice or quinoa to soak up all that buttery lemon sauce with a side salad is the perfect balanced meal. Or making this into a fish sandwich or fish tacos are super enjoyable!
Let me know if you give it a try and how it turns out—I always love hearing your feedback!
Easy Lemon Garlic Baked Snapper
Equipment
- 1 large baking tray
- aluminum foil
- citrus juicer
- basting brush or fork
- zester/grater
Ingredients
- 2-4 snapper fillets I usually get 2 large fillets
- 2 lemons sliced into rounds
For the Lemon Garlic Butter Mixture:
- 4 tablespoons ghee/butter
- 6 cloves garlic grated(better release of flavor)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley or fresh parsley if you have it
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Preheat Oven to 375°F
- This temperature is perfect for cooking the fish evenly without drying it out.
Prepare the Baking Sheet
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lay slices of lemon across the bottom. These lemon slices will flavor the fish from underneath and keep them moist as they bake.
Prep the Fish
- Clean your snapper fillets, and rub a small amount of olive oil on the bottom of each fillet. This prevents them from sticking and adds a bit of richness.
Season the Fish
- Place the fish fillets on top of the lemon slices. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste (or Old Bay seasoning if you’re feeling adventurous). I do 2 fillets of each.
Make the Lemon Garlic Butter
- In a small bowl, mix together the ghee/butter, grated garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, and a little salt to taste.
Spread the Mixture
- Evenly spread the butter mixture over the top of each fillet, ensuring every bit of the fish is coated in garlicky, buttery goodness.
Bake
- Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. The fish should flake easily with a fork when it’s ready.
Serve
- Serve with rice and salad for a balaced meal or use in fish sandwiches or tacos!
Notes
- Use Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley will add an extra layer of flavor, but dried parsley works just as well in a pinch.
- Don’t Skip the Lemon Slices: Baking the fish on top of lemon slices infuses the fillets with a citrusy aroma and keeps them moist.
