Grilled Red Snapper with Garlic, Lemon & Herbs

Introduction
There’s something timeless about cooking whole fish. Grilled red snapper, dressed with garlic, lemon, and herbs, brings out the natural sweetness of the fish while delivering smoky, rustic flavours. It’s a dish that looks as impressive as it tastes, perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

• 1 whole red snapper (about 1.2 kg), cleaned and scaled
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sea salt
• Cracked black pepper
• 1 tsp chilli flakes (optional)
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• Fresh parsley or coriander, chopped, for garnish

Method

1. Preheat the grill or barbecue to medium-high heat.
2. Pat the fish dry. Score the skin with 3–4 shallow cuts on each side.
3. In a small bowl, combine garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and chilli flakes. Rub this mixture over the fish, including inside the cavity.
4. Stuff a few lemon slices and fresh herbs inside the cavity.
5. Place the fish on the grill, cooking 6–8 minutes per side, until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily. Use a wide spatula to turn carefully.
6. Transfer to a platter, garnish with parsley and lemon wedges, and drizzle with any remaining juices.

Serving Suggestion: Pair with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables for a complete, elegant meal.