Imagine a dish that transports you to a Caribbean paradise with just one bite - crispy, golden-seared snapper topped with a vibrant, zesty mango avocado salsa that will make your taste buds dance! This restaurant-quality meal looks incredibly impressive but is surprisingly simple to prepare, proving that gourmet cooking can be within everyone's reach. Whether you're looking to impress a date, treat your family to something special, or simply escape into a culinary vacation, this recipe is your ticket to flavor heaven.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Caribbean
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 snapper fillets
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking
Instructions
- Pat the snapper fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Prepare the mango avocado salsa by combining diced mango, diced avocado, finely chopped red onion, and fresh lime juice in a medium bowl. Gently mix and season with a pinch of salt. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add a thin layer of olive oil, ensuring the pan is evenly coated.
- Once the oil is shimmering and hot, carefully place the seasoned snapper fillets skin-side down in the pan. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes without moving, allowing the skin to become crisp and golden brown.
- Gently flip the fillets using a thin spatula and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove the snapper from the pan and let rest for 1-2 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Plate the seared snapper and generously top with the prepared mango avocado salsa.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with an extra squeeze of fresh lime juice if desired.
Tips
- Pat the fish completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crisp, golden sear
- Use a cast-iron skillet if possible for the best heat distribution and crispiest skin
- Don't move the fish while it's searing - this helps develop a beautiful golden crust
- Choose ripe but firm avocados and mangoes for the best salsa texture
- Use fresh lime juice for the brightest, most vibrant flavor in your salsa
- Let the fish rest briefly after cooking to keep it moist and tender
- Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast between the warm, crispy fish and cool, fresh salsa
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 495kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 48g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 90mg
