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Are you intimidated by making a whole fish? I used to be or maybe, I should say I am working through my intimidation. When I was at one of my grocery stores a couple of weeks ago, the guy next to me ordered the whole red snapper. I saw that the fish butcher (what exactly do you call the fish butcher) did something to the fish. So of course, I asked the fellow customer what he asked the fish butcher to do. He had him gut it. He had them take out the bones. How perfect! They take out all the “stuff” and leave the fish in the skin.
My creative juices were flowing. The biggest concern I had with a whole fish was how to get at the fish and not have to fuss with the bones. Problem solved. With this small obstacle behind me, I went back to this grocery store to buy some whole red snapper. With fresh fish, you do not need to do too much to it. Actually, you want to be careful to not overdo it. I spiced the whole red snapper simply with Old Bay seasoning and placed sliced lemons in the cavity. I scored the skin, and then, cooked it on the grill. The fish gets such a good flavor from the grill. The scoring allows the grilling to get into the snapper. The spice and the lemon is released through the heat, and perfectly, flavors the snapper.
- 1 - 2 pound whole red snapper, gutted
- 2 tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning
- 3 Lemon slices
- Beginning with a gutted fish, pat dry the inside flesh with a paper towel.
- Season with most of the Old Bay and place the lemons inside.
- Score the skin of the fish on each side and dust with the remaining Old Bay.
- Grill on each side for about 5 minutes on medium heat.
- Let rest for a minute or two. Squeeze the lemon slices on over the fish.
- Serve and enjoy!
The spice added to the inside of the snapper with the lemon.
The final plated dish.
Zayna @Measuring Cups Optional
Yummm! I love whole grilled fish. It’s the only way to eat fish, really.
Peter Block
I too have thought that. The skin holds in the moisture.
Cindy @ Hun... What's for Dinner?
What a wonderfully simple way to prepare red snapper!