Fish seldom make a midweek dinner, but that shouldn't be a reason not to make this quick and easy recipe tonight. Most people think fish is too fussy to prepare and cook, so it's usually made on rare occasion. However, fish should be eaten at least twice per week for their many nutritional values including omega-3 fatty acids.
What better way to add fish to your diet than by using the easiest of methods, baking. With one fish per person, this recipe works well for a quiet evening alone or a rowdy dinner party among friends. Enjoy a healthy meal in well under a half an hour any day of the week.
Red snapper is one of the most popular fish. It's flavorful, flaky, and tender. It has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor that is complemented by many spices and fresh herbs. This recipe features the flavors of lemon and tarragon, with lemon adding a hint of citrus and tarragon lending an anise flavor. On the outside the fish is sprinkled with saffron for a unique flavor and earthy aroma.
For optimal freshness, purchase fish the day of cooking or the day before. Store fresh fish over a bowl of ice in the refrigerator until ready to use. Look for red snapper that has clear, red eyes and bright red skin that fades to white toward the belly.
Baked Red Snapper with Lemon and Tarragon
2 whole red snapper (about 1 pound each)
coarse sea salt
freshly ground black pepper
fresh tarragon
1 lemon, thinly sliced
olive oil
saffron
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Clean and rinse fish inside and out. Snip off all fins except for tail. Pat dry. Cut slits into the skin on both sides of each fish. Salt and pepper inside and out.
Stuff inside of fish with tarragon and lemon slices.
Transfer fish to a baking sheet and coat both sides of each fish with oil. Top each fish with a small pinch of saffron.
Bake for 20 minutes. Broil for 5 minutes. Fish should flake when tested with a fork. Yield: 2 Servings
Joseph Erdos is a New York–based writer and editor, but above all a gastronomer and oenophile. He shares his passion for food on his blog, Gastronomer's Guide , which features unique recipes and restaurant reviews among many other musings on the all-encompassing topic of food.