Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Prep the Fish
- Pat the fish completely dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, make three diagonal slashes on each side, cutting down to the bone. Rub 1 tablespoon olive oil all over both fish, then season generously inside and out with salt and pepper. Stuff the cavities with lemon slices.
Make the Salsa Verde
- In a food processor, pulse the parsley, mint, capers, garlic, and anchovies until finely chopped but not pureed. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, and lemon juice. Season with salt to taste. Let sit at room temperature while you grill the fish; the flavors improve with 15-20 minutes of resting.
Grill the Fish
- For charcoal: bank hot coals to one side. For gas: preheat all burners to high, then turn one side to medium-low. Clean and oil the grates thoroughly - this is crucial for fish. The grill should be hot enough that you can only hold your hand 5 inches above for 2-3 seconds.
- Brush the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil on the fish. Lay the snapper diagonally across the hot grates and do not move for 5 minutes. The skin should release naturally when properly seared. Flip carefully with a fish spatula and grill the second side until the flesh flakes at the thickest part and registers 135-140F, about 4-5 minutes more.
- Transfer the fish to a platter and let rest 3 minutes. The internal temperature will climb to 145F. Spoon half the salsa verde over the fish and serve the rest on the side. Encourage guests to pull tender pieces of meat from the head and cheeks - the best bites.
Notes
Ask your fishmonger to clean and scale the snapper, but request they leave the head on - it keeps the flesh moist and looks impressive. If you cannot find whole red snapper, use branzino or sea bass with the same timing. The salsa verde keeps refrigerated for 3 days and is excellent on grilled vegetables, steak, or even eggs.
