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Grilled Whole Red Snapper with Mint Chimichurri

by Robert E. Jones
Course Main Course
Cuisine + Season All Year
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

Chimichurri

  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2-6 tablespoons red wine vinegar (to your taste and consistency)
  • 1 cup(s) fresh mint leaves
  • 1 cup(s) fresh Italian parsley leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon(s) red pepper flakes
  • 6 tablespoons olive oil

Red Snapper

  • 1 whole 2-lb red snapper (gutted, gilled, scaled)
  • 1/4 cup(s) salt
  • 1/4 cup(s) fresh-ground black pepper
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 3-6 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 2 cups olive oil (not extra virgin)
  • 2 cups fresh herb mix (thyme, basil, oregano, etc.)

Instructions
 

For the Chimichurri

  • Mince the garlic in a food processor with the vinegar. Add the remaining ingredients, pulse it down to the consistency you prefer and set aside.

For the Red Snapper

  • Pat the fish dry inside and out.
  • Generously salt and pepper the cavity before lining it with lemon slices and rosemary sprigs (gently mash the sprigs to release aroma).
  • Combine the olive oil with the herb mix in the blender on slow speed until smooth but not emulsified.
  • Coat both sides of the fish with the herb oil and several pinches of salt and pepper. Place the fish on an oiled grill heated to 425° and cover. (Pro tip: Place the fish down quickly, and do not move it until it’s time to turn it over or it will stick.)
  • After 5 to 7 minutes, uncover the grill and gently roll the fish over, using the spine as an imaginary hinge, to cook the other side.
  • Re-cover, and after another 5 to 7 minutes, check the meat in the cavity to see if it looks cooked and flaky. If not, give it a few more minutes.
  • Plate the fish, generously cover in the mint chimichurri and serve it family-style for a meal that wows.

Notes

Photography by Nathan Beels
Keyword chimichurri, fish, grilling, mint, seafood, snapper