10-Minute Red Snapper with Lemon Butter Caper Sauce

Pan Seared Red Snapper is made with a lemon butter caper sauce that will knock your socks off! Fresh red snapper fillets, butter, tangy capers, lemon, and simple seasonings.

Ths recipe only takes 10 minutes thanks to pan searing! Here's the easy process:

1. Pat dry the snapper then sprinkle with seasonings (1 minute).
2. Melt butter in a pan and cook the fish (4 minutes per side).
3. Remove the fish and add more butter, lemon juice, and capers. Simmer. (30 seconds).
4. Return fish to pan; spoon sauce over fish (30 seconds). Ready to serve!

Why This Recipe is Special

This recipe is special to me because it was given to me by my sister, Leesa.  We were on a family group call when everyone was talking about what they made for supper. She said she made red snapper with butter, capers, and lemon. It sounded so delicious that I told her I wanted to share it on my blog.  She said yes! I made it, and my husband and I loved it!

Reader Praise and Comments

Becky - The best fish recipe I’ver ever made. Made it twice in a week it was so good!

Tasia - This is my favorite way to cook fish now, I also added Badia complete seasoning and dried oregano to the seasoning mix.

Elvira - This recipe turned exquisite! And it's just as simple as it seems. In 10 minutes you have and elegant and delicious dish that everyone will remember for. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Reasons to Love It

This pan seared snapper is packed with flavor thanks to the lemon butter caper sauce. The nutty browned butter pairs perfectly with the tangy lemon and briny capers, and it highlights the mild sweetness of the red snapper.

Another lemony fish recipe we love is this Lemon Dill Salmon, which is also a quick and easy meal - ready in 20 minutes.

Recipe Steps with Photos

Pan searing red snapper is a quick and easy way to enjoy this delicious seafood!

(1) First, pat both sides of the fillets with a paper towel. Next, lightly sprinkle each side with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

(2) Now, melt butter in a pan over medium heat. When the butter starts to bubble a bit, add the fillets, SKIN SIDE UP, and slow simmer for 3-4 minutes. Flip fish over and cook for another 3-4 minutes. 

Tip: When pan frying fish, use medium heat, not high heat.  You don't want the fish to be sizzling too hot or the butter will burn.

(3) Remove the fish from the pan and set aside. Add the remaining butter, lemon juice, capers (drained), and parsley flakes.

(4) Slow simmer for about 30 seconds, then return the fish to the pan. Spoon the lemon butter caper sauce over the fish and heat just until hot - about 30 seconds. Transfer fish to a plate and serve with your favorite side dish.

Tips You Should Know

• When pan searing red snapper, it's best to use real, salted butter for the best flavor and consistency!
• When pan frying fish, use medium heat, not high heat.  You don't want the fish to be sizzling too hot or the butter will burn.
• To get the most juice from a lemon, roll a whole lemon around on your countertop with the palm of your hand while using firm pressure. This will break up the inside membranes and make the lemon juicier and easier to squeeze.

Make it a Meal

• This red snapper goes well with a variety of sides. Lemon caper butter sauce is a natural pair for pasta or mashed potatoes.
• My sister serves her red snapper with an orzo, spinach, and pine nut mixture, which sounds divine.
• If you prefer grains, you can opt for seasoned wild rice, brown rice, or rice pilaf.  
• If you're looking to up your veggie intake, I also like to serve this fish with a mixture of cauliflower, broccoli, and baby carrots. Smothered cabbage would also be yummy!