Pan-Fried Butter Snapper

at a glance
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings 2 to 3 servings
5 — Votes 2 votes

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In honor of my favorite fish, this most-simple pan-fried butter snapper takes 2 ingredients to prepare and just 10 minutes to cook.

Pan Fried Butter Snapper topped with cilantro cream sauce and fresh cilantro leaves on a gray plate

Why Snapper?

I’ve recently unearthed a real love for snapper. A few months ago, I resolved to bring home a different piece of fresh fish each week. I’m ALWAYS game for a fun culinary adventure and making my way over to the fish counter felt like a thrill! I look forward to standing in front of the ice-filled chests, taking in all the fresh fish, making note of which are the most sustainable sources, and then inquiring with the fish counter clerk as to which is the most fresh.

Side note: if you’d like some help navigating the “best” and most sustainability-friendly fish choices according to YOUR location, the Monterey Bay Aquarium has us covered! They crafted a wonderfully thorough and regularly-updated “Seafood Watch” that does the thinking for you. Simply click HERE to open the page, choose your state, and review the document for your “best,” “good,” and “avoid” seafood choices.

In this weekly adventure, I’ve tasted and tested a LOT of fish! They all have their own unique signature, but snapper (turns out) has won my heart. It’s not too firm, not too flaky, is hardly ever “fishy,” and holds up incredibly well while cooked.

Pan Fried Butter Snapper topped with cilantro cream sauce and fresh cilantro leaves on a gray plate

Today’s pan-fried butter snapper recipe is an ode to my favorite fish! In honor of its natural awesomeness, we’re going to prepare it as simply as possible. Just a little sea salt and just a little butter. THAT’S IT! We don’t need the oven or a marinade. Just some fresh snapper, a hot skillet, and about 10 minutes.

As Is or Enhanced

Once the fish is done, you can enjoy it as-is (just with salt & butter), OR you can add a few drizzles of my most recent Cilantro Lime Cream Sauce! It is a wonderful addition to the fish. A quick garnish of fresh cilantro makes it a wow-worthy protein.

Pan Fried Butter Snapper topped with cilantro cream sauce and fresh cilantro leaves on a gray plate

What To Serve With Pan-Fried Butter Snapper

the top view of a roasting dish of baked cod topped with thin sliced lemons and roasted tomatoes

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Pan-Fried Butter Snapper

By: Cassy
5 — Votes 2 votes
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Servings: 2 to 3 servings
Pan-Fried Butter Snapper is made with 3 simple ingredients and comes together quickly! This is a delicious, easy dinner option that will be a hit!

Ingredients  

  • 2 tablespoons butter from grass-fed cows like Kerrygolds or ghee
  • 1 pound fresh snapper filet skin on (or off, your call)
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 3 tablespoons Cilantro Lime Cream Sauce (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro sprigs (optional)
  • cracked black pepper to taste (optional)

Instructions

  • Melt the butter or ghee in a cast-iron or other large skillet over medium/high heat. Liberally season the snapper with the sea salt. Once the butter is melted, lay the snapper non-skin-side face-down in the hot skillet. Cook on this side for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the snapper develops a slight golden brown color.
  • Carefully flip the fish over using a large spatula and cook for an additional 4 minutes.
  • If desired, drizzle with the Cilantro Lime Cream Sauce and then garnish with the fresh cilantro and cracked black pepper. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts
Pan-Fried Butter Snapper
Amount per Serving
Calories
252
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
9.7
g
15
%
Saturated Fat
 
5.2
g
33
%
Cholesterol
 
76.3
mg
25
%
Sodium
 
490
mg
21
%
Carbohydrates
 
0.5
g
0
%
Fiber
 
0.2
g
1
%
Sugar
 
0.2
g
0
%
Protein
 
31.4
g
63
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Meet the Author
Cassy Headshot

Cassy Joy Garcia

HOWDY! I’m Cassy Joy and I am just so happy you’re here. I’m the founder, Editor-in-Chief, and Nutrition Consultant here at Fed and Fit. What started as a food blog back in 2011 has evolved now into so much more.
Get to know Cassy

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Z says

    Z —  02/04/2017 At 20:13

    I’ve never cooked snapper, but I’m trying it tonight on your recommendation! Do you mean skin side down when you say face top-side face down?

    • Cassy says

      Cassy —  02/07/2017 At 16:11

      GOOD question. I’ll update the post to clarify. I mean non-skin-side (top) face-down.

  2. Bethany @ Athletic Avocado says

    Bethany @ Athletic Avocado —  02/12/2017 At 16:20

    Sometimes the simplest recipes are the best! This snapper looks insanely delicious and easy to make! Skin on all the way 🙂

    • Cassy says

      Cassy —  02/13/2017 At 15:09

      Absolutely!

  3. luca says

    luca —  07/30/2017 At 17:23

    I really liked the cooking tips.

  4. Ronda Corkhill says

    Ronda Corkhill —  02/09/2019 At 18:40

    I followed the directions to the T except I used my all clad. The fish doubled in height in the pan and only cooked on the outside. I left it in the pan for another 5 minutes on low to cook the interior after cutting the piece in half. Maybe next time I’ll try making snapper nuggets….

    • Charles Perkins says

      Charles Perkins —  12/11/2020 At 19:05

      If you “score” the skin side before cooking,this should reduce the amount of shrinkage of the fillets.

  5. John says

    John —  03/17/2021 At 16:26

    , lay the snapper non-skin-side face-down in the hot skillet.
    HOW ABOUT SKIN SIDE UP
    just so much easier to follow less confusing and less words to read

    • Brandi Schilhab says

      Brandi Schilhab —  03/18/2021 At 08:11

      Thanks for the input, John!

  6. Blitzo says

    Blitzo —  08/04/2022 At 19:57

    5 stars
    For me, this is one of the best meals I’ve ever serve to my family.

    • Melissa Guevara says

      Melissa Guevara —  08/08/2022 At 15:09

      We are so glad to hear that! Thank you for taking the time to share with us. -Team F&F