Go Back
Grilled Red Snapper with Salsa Verde topped with fresh herb sauce on a white plate.
Reda

Grilled Red Snapper with Salsa Verde

Whole red snapper gets the charcoal treatment and a bright, herby Italian salsa verde for a restaurant-worthy summer dinner.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

For the Fish
  • 2 lb whole red snapper cleaned and scaled, about 1.5 lb each
  • 3 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 lemon thinly sliced
For the Salsa Verde
  • 1.5 cups flat-leaf parsley leaves and tender stems, packed
  • 0.5 cup fresh mint leaves, packed
  • 2 tbsp capers drained and roughly chopped
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 2 anchovy fillets optional but recommended
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 0.5 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed

Equipment

  • Charcoal or gas grill
  • Fish Spatula
  • Small food processor or mortar and pestle
  • Instant-Read Thermometer

Method
 

Prep the Fish
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.