Whether you're a seasoned chef seeking a new twist on classic recipes or a cooking novice looking to impress your guests, this panko crusted snapper is a breeze to prepare.
Imagine perfectly tender snapper fillets, coated in a symphony of crunch and seasoning, baked to golden perfection. Each bite offers a tantalizing combination of crispy panko breadcrumbs and the delicate taste of white fish, harmoniously balanced with a touch of paprika and garlic. This delightful recipe promises to be a standout star at any dining table, a wholesome and wholesome dish that caters to both culinary enthusiasts and seafood lovers alike.
Feel free to check out my Spicy Swordfish and my Blackened Swordfish recipe.
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What is Snapper?
Snapper is a type of fish belonging to the family Lutjanidae. It is a popular seafood choice known for its mild and sweet flavor, firm texture, and white flesh. Snapper fish are found in both saltwater and freshwater environments around the world, although they are most commonly associated with tropical and subtropical regions.
Snapper has a moderately lean flesh with a delicate, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with a wide range of seasonings and ingredients. Its firm texture holds up well to different cooking methods, making it a versatile choice for seafood dishes. When cooked, snapper typically has a flaky and moist consistency, making it an excellent option for fish tacos, ceviche, fish stews, or simply enjoyed as a fillet with some lemon and herbs.
Why you will love this recipe
- Irresistible Crunch: Panko breadcrumbs, with their light and airy texture, provide an exceptional crunch when used to coat the snapper. The result is a satisfying contrast between the crispy exterior and the tender, flaky fish within.
- Delicate and Flavorful: Snapper's mild and slightly sweet flavor pairs beautifully with the subtle crunch of the panko coating. The delicate taste of the snapper shines through, enhanced by the light seasoning of the breadcrumbs.
- Versatile and Adaptable: Panko-crusted snapper can be prepared in various ways, whether you choose to pan-fry it, bake it in the oven, or even air-fry it for a healthier twist. This versatility allows you to tailor the cooking method to your preferences and dietary needs.
- Quick and Easy: With its simplicity and ease of preparation, panko-crusted snapper is an ideal option for a quick weeknight meal or a weekend dinner. The breadcrumb coating adheres easily to the fish, ensuring a hassle-free cooking process.
Panko Crusted Snapper Recipe Ingredients
You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:
- Snapper or white fish
- Panko crumbs
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Cumin
- Egg
- Worcestershire sauce
- Tostadas
See recipe card for quantities.
How to make Panko Crusted Snapper
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. Prepare the coating station: In three separate shallow dishes or bowls, set up your coating station. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In the third bowl, beat the egg and mix in the Worcestershire sauce.
Coat the fish fillets: Dip each fish fillet first into the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the fillet into the beaten egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the fillet with the seasoned panko breadcrumbs, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the fish to adhere well. Place the coated fillet on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat for all fillets: Repeat the coating process for each of the remaining fish fillets.
Bake the fish: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the fish for approximately 12-15 minutes or until the fillets are cooked through and the panko coating is golden and crispy.
Serve: Once the fish is done baking, remove it from the oven and serve the panko-crusted snapper on tostadas or with tortilla chips. Garnish with lime wedges for added flavor.
Substitutions
- Snapper or White Fish: You can use any other firm white fish like cod, haddock, tilapia, or grouper.
- Panko Crumbs: Regular breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or crushed crackers can be used as alternatives.
- Paprika: Smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or chili powder can provide a similar flavor and color.
- Garlic Powder: Minced fresh garlic or garlic salt can be used instead.
- Cumin: Ground coriander, chili powder, or curry powder can be substituted for cumin.
- Egg: Milk, buttermilk, or mayonnaise can act as binding agents instead of eggs.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Soy sauce or tamari can provide a similar savory taste.
- Tostadas: Use tortilla chips, corn tortillas, or even bread slices as a crunchy base for serving.
Panko Crusted Snapper Recipe Variations
- Lemon and Herb Panko Crusted Snapper: Mix finely chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, or dill into the panko breadcrumbs. Add lemon zest for a bright citrusy flavor. The herbs and lemon will enhance the overall freshness of the dish.
- Spicy Panko Crusted Snapper: Add a kick of heat to your panko crust by incorporating spices such as paprika, cayenne pepper, or chili powder into the breadcrumbs. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before baking for an extra burst of spiciness.
- Parmesan and Garlic Panko Crusted Snapper: Combine grated Parmesan cheese and minced garlic with the panko breadcrumbs. The Parmesan adds a savory and nutty flavor, while the garlic infuses the fish with aromatic notes.
- Coconut Panko Crusted Snapper: Mix shredded coconut with the panko breadcrumbs for a tropical twist. The coconut adds a hint of sweetness and complements the snapper's delicate taste. You can also add a touch of curry powder for a more complex flavor profile.
- Asian-Inspired Panko Crusted Snapper: Incorporate Asian flavors by adding soy sauce, ginger, and sesame seeds to the panko breadcrumbs. This variation will give your snapper a delicious umami kick and pair well with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.
Check out my Smoked Fish Dip for a light appetizer.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet: A baking sheet or a shallow baking pan to place the snapper fillets on for baking.
- Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil: To line the baking sheet, preventing the fish from sticking and making cleanup easier.
- Mixing Bowls: Two medium-sized bowls, one for the egg wash and another for the panko breadcrumb mixture.
- Whisk or Fork: To beat the eggs for the egg wash.
- Tongs or Fork: To handle and coat the snapper fillets in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Knife and Cutting Board: To prepare any garnishes or trim the snapper fillets if necessary.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurement of ingredients.
- Cooking Spray or Olive Oil: To lightly grease the baking sheet and ensure the snapper doesn't stick.
- Oven: To bake the panko-crusted snapper. Preheat the oven to the specified temperature in the recipe.
- Optional: Cooling Rack: A wire cooling rack can be used to allow the baked snapper to cool slightly and prevent the bottom from becoming soggy.
How to store Panko Crusted Snapper
- Let the Snapper Cool: Allow the cooked panko-crusted snapper to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation and maintains the crispiness of the coating.
- Transfer to an Airtight Container: Place the cooled snapper fillets in an airtight container or a sealable plastic bag. Ensure the container is of an appropriate size to prevent the fillets from getting squished or broken.
- Layer with Parchment or Wax Paper: If you need to stack multiple fillets, place a layer of parchment or wax paper between each fillet to prevent them from sticking together.
- Refrigerate: Store the panko-crusted snapper in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. It's important to note that the longer it sits, the less crispy the coating may become. If you're concerned about maintaining the crispiness, consider storing the cooked fish and the panko coating separately and assembling just before serving.
- Reheat Properly: When ready to enjoy the leftovers, preheat the oven to a moderate temperature (around 350°F or 175°C). Place the snapper fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and reheat for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. This will help restore some of the crispiness.
Panko Crusted Snapper Recipe Top tips
- Choose Fresh Snapper: Opt for fresh snapper fillets with firm flesh and a mild, sweet aroma. Fresh fish will result in a better-tasting final dish.
- Pat Dry the Snapper: Before coating the snapper fillets with the panko mixture, pat them dry with a paper towel. Removing excess moisture helps the panko breadcrumbs adhere better and promotes a crispier coating.
- Season the Snapper: Season the snapper fillets with salt and pepper before coating them with the panko mixture. This ensures that the fish itself has well-balanced flavors.
- Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs provide a light and crispy texture to the snapper coating. If possible, opt for Japanese-style panko breadcrumbs, which are coarser and yield a more distinct crunch.
- Enhance the Flavor: Add extra flavor to the panko coating by incorporating herbs, spices, or grated cheese. Consider options like dried herbs (such as thyme, oregano, or paprika), garlic powder, or grated Parmesan cheese. These additions can elevate the overall taste of the dish.
- Double Coat for Extra Crunch: For an even crispier coating, you can double coat the snapper fillets. After the initial coating of egg wash and panko, dip the fillets back into the egg wash and coat them with another layer of panko. This method adds an extra layer of crunch.
- Use a Wire Rack: Placing the breaded snapper fillets on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet allows hot air to circulate evenly around the fish during baking. This helps maintain the crispiness on all sides of the fillets.
- Adjust Baking Time: The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the snapper fillets. Keep an eye on the fish while it bakes, and adjust the baking time accordingly. Overcooking can lead to dryness, so aim for a moist and tender interior.
- Squeeze Lime Juice: Before serving, squeeze fresh lime juice over the panko-crusted snapper fillets. The tangy acidity of the lemon enhances the flavors and provides a refreshing contrast to the crispy coating.
- Serve Immediately: Panko-crusted snapper is best enjoyed right after baking when the coating is at its crispiest. Serve it hot with your favorite accompaniments and enjoy the delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Panko Crusted Snapper Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Whether you're a seasoned chef seeking a new twist to impress your guests, this panko crusted snapper is a breeze to prepare.
Ingredients
- 4 snapper fillets or any white fish fillets
- ½ cup flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Tostadas or tortilla chips (for serving)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the coating station: In three separate shallow dishes or bowls, set up your coating station. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In the third bowl, beat the egg and mix in the Worcestershire sauce.
- Coat the fish fillets: Dip each fish fillet first into the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the fillet into the beaten egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the fillet with the seasoned panko breadcrumbs, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the fish to adhere well. Place the coated fillet on the prepared baking sheet.
- Repeat for all fillets: Repeat the coating process for each of the remaining fish fillets.
- Bake the fish: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the fish for approximately 12-15 minutes or until the fillets are cooked through and the panko coating is golden and crispy.
- Serve: Once the fish is done baking, remove it from the oven and serve the panko-crusted snapper on tostadas or with tortilla chips. Garnish with lime wedges for added flavor.
Notes
- Choose Fresh Snapper: Opt for fresh snapper fillets with firm flesh and a mild, sweet aroma. Fresh fish will result in a better-tasting final dish.
- Pat Dry the Snapper: Before coating the snapper fillets with the panko mixture, pat them dry with a paper towel. Removing excess moisture helps the panko breadcrumbs adhere better and promotes a crispier coating.
- Season the Snapper: Season the snapper fillets with salt and pepper before coating them with the panko mixture. This ensures that the fish itself has well-balanced flavors.
- Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs provide a light and crispy texture to the snapper coating. If possible, opt for Japanese-style panko breadcrumbs, which are coarser and yield a more distinct crunch.
- Enhance the Flavor: Add extra flavor to the panko coating by incorporating herbs, spices, or grated cheese. Consider options like dried herbs (such as thyme, oregano, or paprika), garlic powder, or grated Parmesan cheese. These additions can elevate the overall taste of the dish.
- Double Coat for Extra Crunch: For an even crispier coating, you can double coat the snapper fillets. After the initial coating of egg wash and panko, dip the fillets back into the egg wash and coat them with another layer of panko. This method adds an extra layer of crunch.
- Use a Wire Rack: Placing the breaded snapper fillets on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet allows hot air to circulate evenly around the fish during baking. This helps maintain the crispiness on all sides of the fillets.
- Adjust Baking Time: The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the snapper fillets. Keep an eye on the fish while it bakes, and adjust the baking time accordingly. Overcooking can lead to dryness, so aim for a moist and tender interior.
- Squeeze Lime Juice: Before serving, squeeze fresh lime juice over the panko-crusted snapper fillets. The tangy acidity of the lemon enhances the flavors and provides a refreshing contrast to the crispy coating.
- Serve Immediately: Panko-crusted snapper is best enjoyed right after baking when the coating is at its crispiest. Serve it hot with your favorite accompaniments and enjoy the delightful combination of textures and flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 123.7
- Sugar: 0.3 g
- Sodium: 222.8 mg
- Fat: 2.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Carbohydrates: 14.4 g
- Fiber: 2.3 g
- Protein: 12.3 g
- Cholesterol: 64.1 mg
Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
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