Get ready to embark on a culinary journey to the stunning coastal regions of Mexico with this mouthwatering Snapper de Vera Cruz recipe! Imagine a perfectly cooked whole snapper swimming in a rich, aromatic sauce that bursts with fresh tomatoes, fragrant spices, and a hint of Mexican magic. This dish isn't just a meal; it's a flavor explosion that will make your dinner guests think you've secretly trained in a professional kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole snapper, cleaned and scaled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Ensure the whole snapper is cleaned and scaled properly. Rinse it under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm for about 1 minute.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Incorporate the chopped bell pepper into the skillet, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until it softens.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let the mixture cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down slightly and create a sauce.
- While the sauce is simmering, prepare the snapper. Season the inside and outside of the fish with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the sauce has cooked for 5 minutes, carefully place the snapper into the skillet. Spoon some of the sauce over the top of the fish.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and let the snapper cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the snapper with fresh cilantro before serving.
- Serve the Snapper de Vera Cruz hot, accompanied by rice or tortillas to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips
- Fish Selection: Choose a fresh, high-quality whole snapper with clear eyes and firm flesh. Ask your fishmonger to clean and scale the fish for you to save preparation time.
- Seasoning Secret: Don't be shy with your seasoning! The key to an authentic Vera Cruz flavor is layering spices like cumin and paprika throughout the cooking process.
- Sauce Consistency: Allow your sauce to simmer and reduce slightly before adding the fish. This concentrates the flavors and creates a more intense taste profile.
- Cooking Technique: Use a lid while cooking to trap steam and ensure the fish remains moist and tender. Avoid overcooking – the fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh cilantro isn't just a garnish; it's a flavor enhancer. Chop it right before serving to maintain its vibrant taste and aroma.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 85mg
