Baked Red Snapper with Lemon Herb Butter: Fresh, Elegant, and Easy

If you’re craving a restaurant-quality seafood dish that’s easy to make at home, this Baked Red Snapper with Lemon Herb Butter is your new go-to recipe. The delicate, mild flavor of red snapper pairs perfectly with a rich, buttery sauce infused with lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs.

This dish takes less than 30 minutes to make but delivers a flavor profile that tastes like it took hours. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a light weeknight meal, this baked red snapper recipe is simple, elegant, and always impressive.

Why This Recipe Works

Baking red snapper in the oven keeps the fish moist and tender, while the lemon herb butter melts into every flaky layer. The result? A buttery, citrus-kissed masterpiece that feels both light and luxurious.

Here’s why home cooks love this recipe:

• ✅ Quick & Effortless: Ready in under 30 minutes.
• 🧈 Rich but Balanced: Butter adds richness while lemon keeps it fresh.
• 🌿 Herb-Infused Flavor: Parsley, thyme, and dill bring brightness to each bite.
• 🐟 Healthy & Protein-Packed: Naturally lean, rich in Omega-3s, and gluten-free.
• 🍽️ Restaurant-Style Presentation: Elegant enough for guests, simple enough for everyday.

About Red Snapper

Red snapper is a mild, slightly sweet white fish found in warm waters — perfect for baking, grilling, or pan-searing. Its firm texture means it holds up well in the oven without falling apart. When cooked right, it flakes beautifully and absorbs the buttery lemon sauce like a sponge.

Fun fact: Red snapper is one of the most popular fish in coastal cuisines from the Gulf of Mexico to the Caribbean because of its versatility and delicate taste.

Ingredients

For the Red Snapper:

• 2 red snapper fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 lemon, sliced for garnish

For the Lemon Herb Butter:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tsp dill (optional, but adds depth)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a mild kick)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Herb Butter

1. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, thyme, and dill.
2. Mix well with a fork or spoon until smooth and fragrant.
3. Set aside — this will be your star flavor base.

Step 2: Prep the Fish

4. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
5. Pat the red snapper fillets dry with paper towels.
6. Rub lightly with olive oil, and season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Bake the Fish

7. Place the fillets skin-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet or lightly oiled baking dish.
8. Spread half of the lemon herb butter evenly on top of the fish.
9. Bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness, until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Step 4: Add More Butter

10. Remove from the oven and immediately top the hot fillets with the remaining butter so it melts into the fish.
11. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh parsley.

Baked Red Snapper with Lemon Herb Butter

Flaky, tender red snapper baked to perfection and topped with a rich lemon herb butter — a light, elegant, and flavorful seafood dish ready in 30 minutes.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 2 fillets

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Seafood

Calories: 330

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Red Snapper

• 2 fillets red snapper about 6 oz each
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• salt and pepper
• 1 lemon sliced for garnish

Lemon Herb Butter

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter softened
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tsp dill optional

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowl
• Small spatula
• Zester or grater

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine butter, garlic, lemon zest, juice, parsley, thyme, and dill in a small bowl.
3. Pat red snapper dry, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Place fish on baking sheet, spread half of the lemon herb butter on top.
5. Bake 12–15 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork.
6. Top with remaining butter immediately after baking. Garnish with lemon slices and parsley.

Notes

Use fresh red snapper for best flavor. You can substitute tilapia, halibut, or cod with the same cooking time.

Tips for Perfect Baked Red Snapper

1. Don’t Overbake: Red snapper cooks quickly — check it at 12 minutes. It should flake easily but remain moist.
2. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley, thyme, and dill make a huge difference in brightness.
3. Butter Quality Matters: Use real unsalted butter for the richest flavor.
4. Add Veggies: Bake alongside asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for a complete meal.
5. Skin-On or Skinless: Skin-on fillets hold moisture better, but both work beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your baked red snapper with these simple, flavorful sides for a balanced meal:

• Garlic mashed potatoes or lemon rice pilaf
• Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus
• Crusty bread to soak up the extra lemon butter
• A light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for pairing

If you want to turn this meal into something extra special, drizzle the leftover butter from the pan over your sides — it ties the whole plate together.

Variations

• Spicy Cajun Snapper: Add Cajun seasoning or a touch of paprika to the butter for a Southern kick.
• Mediterranean Style: Replace dill with basil and add a handful of chopped olives and cherry tomatoes.
• Garlic-Lime Butter: Swap lemon for lime and use cilantro instead of parsley.
• Foil Packet Version: Wrap each fillet in foil with butter and herbs — perfect for grilling or camping.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• To Make Ahead: Prepare the herb butter up to 3 days in advance. Store in the fridge and soften before using.
• Leftovers: Store baked fish in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheating: Warm gently in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes or in a covered skillet with a splash of water. Avoid microwaving to prevent drying out.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 330
• Protein: 34g
• Carbs: 2g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 350mg

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

This Baked Red Snapper with Lemon Herb Butter strikes the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. It’s a dish that looks impressive but takes minimal effort — and it’s healthy, too.

The lemon herb butter infuses the fish with layers of flavor: tangy, garlicky, buttery, and fresh. Each bite feels bright and melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a special dinner, this recipe will make you feel like a chef — without breaking a sweat.