Grilled Red Snapper
- By Amy Dong
- Updated Apr. 14, 2025
This Grilled Red Snapper is a keeper! Ready in about 30 minutes, this recipe produces tender whole fish that is delicate, flaky, and full of flavor.
In This Article
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Why This Recipe Stands Out
The benefits of this Grilled Red Snapper recipe go beyond its delicious, fresh flavor. Here’s why it’s the perfect dish for your next cookout:
- Fresh Ingredients: Fresh whole red snapper ensures a light, clean flavor. It reminds us of this Pan Fried Halibut recipe.
- Healthy: Red snapper is a lean, healthy protein that’s packed with nutrients. By grilling it, we keep it low in fat and high in flavor.
- Easy to Make: The simple marinade and quick grilling time make this a perfect dish for a casual cookout or a weeknight family dinner, like this Lemon Butter Cod.
- Crowd Pleaser: Whether I’m feeding the family or hosting seafood lovers, this dish is popular, like this Easy Barramundi Recipe.
Key Recipe Ingredients
- Fresh Whole Snapper – The star of our dish, fresh whole snapper, is a flavorful and flaky fish that is perfect for grilling.
- Italian Dressing – We use Italian dressing to marinate the snapper. It infuses the fish with herbs and spices and helps to keep it moist while grilling.
- Tamari or Soy Sauce – Tamari or soy sauce, along with the sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, adds a savory umami flavor to the fish.
Substitutions And Variations
Here are some of our favorite variations and substitutions:
- Fish: Red snapper is delicious, but you can also use whole branzino, sea bass, or trout. If you’re working with fillets instead of a whole fish, just reduce the grilling time.
- Italian Dressing: Make your own Italian dressing with olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, and salt to taste. A splash of lemon juice adds a nice, zesty touch.
- Sweetener: You can use honey or brown sugar can be used in place of sugar.
- Garlic and Onion: Fresh minced garlic or onion can be used in place of the powdered versions if you want a bolder, fresher flavor.
Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions
- Rinse the whole snapper thoroughly and let it drain. Cut 3 deep vertical slashes on each side to help the marinade soak in.
- Whisk Italian dressing, tamari, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper.
- Pour over fish and marinate 3 hours or overnight, flipping once if needed.
- Oil and preheat the grill. Cook fish over medium-high heat for 6–7 minutes per side, basting with reserved marinade early on. Garnish with lemon and herbs and serve immediately.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
How To Prep Ahead
Take a look at our best prep-ahead tips for this recipe:
- Marinate the Fish: You can prepare this marinade in advance and let the fish marinate overnight in the fridge. This will infuse the fish with amazing flavor.
- Make the Marinade: You can also make the marinade a few days in advance and store it in the fridge.
What To Serve With Grilled Red Snapper
Rice
- I like serving this with Instant Pot Jasmine Rice. It’s soft, fluffy, and soaks up all the tasty juices from the fish.
- We also love it with Rice Pilaf. It’s full of flavor and adds something extra to the plate.
- When we want something fresh and zesty, we go for Cilantro Lime Rice. The citrusy flavor goes really well with grilled snapper.
Potatoes
- We usually make Smashed Potatoes when we want something crispy and fun. They’re so good with grilled fish.
- Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes are another favorite. They’re packed with flavor and make the meal feel super comforting.
Salads and Vegetables
- A side of Broccoli Apple Salad adds crunch and a little sweetness to the plate. It’s light, refreshing, and a great match for the fish.
- You can also keep it simple with some Easy Roasted Vegetables if you prefer something more classic.
Commonly Asked Questions
What is the best way to score the fish?
To score the fish, use a sharp knife to make 3 deep scores, 2-2 ½ inches long, across each side of the fish. The scores should be mostly vertical, from the top fin to the belly.
What if the fish isn’t fully submerged in the marinade?
If the fish isn’t fully submerged in the marinade, make sure to turn it over halfway through the marinating time to ensure that both sides get well-marinated.
Can I reuse the marinade for basting?
Yes, you can reuse the marinade for basting, but only during the first half of the cook time. Make sure to discard any leftover marinade that has come into contact with the raw fish to prevent cross-contamination.
How long does grilled red snapper keep?
Grilled red snapper can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
Did you make this?
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Grilled Red Snapper
This Grilled Red Snapper is a keeper! Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe produces a perfectly cooked snapper that is delicate, flaky, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb red snapper, whole, cleaned and scaled
- 2 cups Italian dressing
- 1 cup tamari sauce, or reduced sodium soy sauce
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- lemon slices, freshly chopped basil, parsley, or chives (optional garnishes)
Instructions
- Run fish under water to rinse thoroughly inside and out. Let drain in colander for a few minutes. Use a sharp knife to cut 3 deep scores, 2-2 ½ inches long, across each side of the fish. Scores will be mostly vertical, from top fin to belly. Set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, tamari, sugar, garlic, onion, and black pepper.
- Pour the marinade mixture over the fish in a baking dish or large freezer zip-bag. Let the fish marinate for at least 3 hours or up to overnight. If fish isn’t fully submerged, turn it over halfway through marinating time. Drain fish and reserve marinade for basting.
- Generously oil and heat clean grill until very hot. Over medium-high heat, cook fish 6-7 minutes per side; cook time will vary depending on the thickness of fish and temperature of grill. Baste with reserved marinade during first half of cook time. Discard marinade.
- Serve fish immediately with your choice of garnishes.
Notes
- To prevent fish skin from sticking to grill, be sure grill is thoroughly clean to start with. A very hot, generously greased grill is important as well. If fish skin still sticks, brush fish with cooking oil.
- Use regular Italian dressing with adequate oil content, not fat-free or low-fat dressing.
- Tamari sauce yields much better flavor than regular soy sauce, as it is naturally less salty yet has deeper flavor.
- This recipe is part of our 30-Minute Meals Recipe Collection.
- Serve this Grilled Red Snapper with some Instant Pot Jasmine Rice, Rice Pilaf, or Cilantro Lime Rice for a complete family meal.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 499kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 63mg | Sodium: 4516mg | Potassium: 948mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 224IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 85mg | Iron: 2mg
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