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    Home » Main Course » Red Snapper Fish with Lemon Caper Butter Sauce

    Red Snapper Fish with Lemon Caper Butter Sauce

    Published: Dec 16, 2020 · Modified: Apr 5, 2022 by Anne Clark · This post may contain affiliate links · 25 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    pan seared red snapper fillets image for Pinterest

    Pan Fried Snapper is a delicious meal that's ready in 10 minutes! Made with a lemon butter caper sauce that will knock your socks off!

    We use fresh red snapper fillets, butter, capers, lemon, and simple seasonings to create a special weeknight meal.

    baked snapper topped with capers on white plate with fork

    Why This Recipe Works

    I'm excited to share with you this delicious pan fried snapper recipe for two. This quick and easy recipe is ready in 10 minutes and the flavor is truly amazing.

    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 it 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!

    Why You'll Love It

    This pan fried 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.

    Make this delicious red snapper with an amazing lemon butter caper sauce tonight!

    Ingredients

    There are only 9 ingredients for this mouth-watering, pan fried snapper recipe!

    Ingredients measured out in individuals containers

    red snapper fillets - I like the skin on for this recipe. The skin holds the fish together better after cooking and it crisps up so nicely from the butter.

    butter - salted butter is recommended as it adds a flavor boost to the capers and lemon

    capers - don't leave these out! They add a tangy, lemony flavor boost to the sauce!

    lemon - you can substitute bottled lemon juice. You'll need 2-3 tablespoons of juice.

    salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley flakes

    How to Make It

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

    photo collage of recipe steps

    (1) First, pat both sides of the fillets with a paper towel. This will help reduce splatter while cooking. 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. Now it's time to make the lemon caper butter sauce! 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.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Do you leave the skin on red snapper?

    There is no need to remove the skin before cooking the snapper.  The skin is edible and actually crisps up nicely.  However, if you want to remove the skin, it's easier to do after the fish is cooked.

    What does red snapper fish taste like?

    Red snapper is a firm white fish that is delicate and mild in flavor.

    What do capers taste like?

    Capers have a flavor akin to green olives, though they have a more pronounced lemony flavor. If you need a substitute, feel free to finely dice green olives or use pickled nasturtiums instead.

    How long will fresh fish stay fresh?

    Fresh fish is best cooked the day it is purchased. However, it will keep for two days in the refrigerator as long as it's stored in an air-tight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap. If it is wrapped in paper, then wrap it with plastic over the paper. 

    How do you store leftovers?

    If you have leftovers, store them covered in the refrigerator and eat the very next day for best results. Store in airtight containers for best results. I prefer to use BPA-free glass containers with locking lids.  Check out this 18-piece set of glass food storage containers with locking lids from Bayco, available now on Amazon.

    Expert Tips

    When pan frying 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.

    What to serve with Snapper

    This pan fried snapper goes well with a variety of sides. Lemon caper butter sauce is a natural pair for simple carbs like pasta or potatoes. My sister serves her red snapper with an orzo, spinach, and pine nut mixture, which sounds divine.  See her picture below (thanks, Leesa, for sharing your photo!).

    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. Sautéed spinach or kale would also be yummy!

    You can't go wrong with any of these side dish suggestions. All of them complement this pan fried snapper to a tee. 

    baked snapper topped with capers on white plate with fork
    Tender, flaky red snapper in the best lemon butter caper sauce!

    More delicious seafood inspiration

    • Easy Ginger Miso Salmon Recipe - A Healthy Dinner Just for Two
    • Keto Cod with Garlic Herb Butter
    • Thai Coconut Shrimp Soup
    • Easy Grilled Salmon with BBQ Sauce

    If you’d like some recipe inspiration delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for my email newsletter on my subscribe page.

    Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, or Facebook for delicious recipe ideas!

    If you tried this recipe, please rate it and leave me a comment. I'd love to hear from you!

    baked snapper topped with capers on white plate with fork

    Leesa's Red Snapper Fillets with Lemon Caper Sauce

    Pan Fried Snapper is a delicious and healthy meal that's ready in 10 minutes! Learn how to quickly cook red snapper with lemon butter caper sauce. If you're nervous about cooking fish, this recipe for red snapper fillets is a great place to start.
    4.83 from 17 votes
    Print Pin For Later Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 1 minute
    Cook Time: 9 minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes
    Servings: 2 servings
    Calories: 429kcal
    Author: Anne Clark

    Ingredients

    • 2 red snapper fillets, skin on
    • light sprinkling of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder
    • 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
    • 1 lemon
    • 2 tablespoons capers (drained)
    • light sprinkling of parsley flakes

    Instructions

    • Pat fish fillets with paper towel. Lightly sprinkle each side with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Exact measurements are not given as you only want to lightly sprinkle these seasonings on each side of the fish.
    • Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a pan over medium heat.  Add the fillets, SKIN SIDE UP, and slow simmer for 3-4 minutes.  Flip fish over and cook for another 3-4 minutes.  Use medium heat, not high heat.  You don't want the fish to be sizzling too hot or the butter will burn.
    • Remove the fish from the pan and set aside.  Add the remaining butter, juice of one lemon, capers, and parsley flakes.  Slow simmer for about 30 seconds, then return the fish to the pan.  Spoon the sauce over fish and heat just until hot - about 30 seconds.  Transfer fish to a plate and serve with your favorite side dish.

    Notes

    There is no need to remove the skin before cooking the snapper.  The skin is edible and actually crisps up nicely.  However, if you want to remove the skin, it's easier to do after the fish is cooked.

    What to Serve with Snapper

    For a lower carb meal, serve with cooked cauliflower rice (after the fish has cooked, spoon pan sauce over the cauliflower rice), roasted cauliflower, broccoli, and carrot mixture (use the handy steam in bag version - fresh or frozen), or your favorite side.

    Storing Fresh Fish

    Fresh fish is best cooked the day it is purchased.   However, it will keep for two days in the refrigerator as long as it's stored in an air-tight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap.  If it is wrapped in paper, then wrap with plastic over the paper. 

    Storing Leftover Fish

    If you have leftovers, store covered in the refrigerator and eat the very next day!
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @mykitchenserenity or tag #mykitchenserenity on Instagram!!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 429kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 45g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 15.2g | Trans Fat: 0.9g | Cholesterol: 142mg | Sodium: 524mg | Sugar: 1g

    This recipe was originally published in 2020 and was updated in 2022.

    Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy to my readers. I'm not a nutritionist and I don't guarantee the accuracy of this data. The data may differ according to the brands I used versus the brands you use. To calculate the data yourself using your brands, try using an online nutrition calculator or app.

    « Easy Red Beans and Rice with Sausage
    Easy Ginger Miso Salmon Recipe - A Healthy Dinner Just for Two »

    About Anne Clark

    Hi! I'm Anne, the founder and content creator at My Kitchen Serenity, a food blog focused on serving the needs of busy moms and dads who are looking for easy and delicious recipes for the family.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. April K.

      September 14, 2022 at 9:24 am

      5 stars
      This was the best recipe! Delicious, quick and easy! I didn’t have capers so I just a bit of anchovy paste and it turned out better than any fish I have had in a restaurant!

      Reply
      • Anne Clark

        September 14, 2022 at 10:55 am

        Outstanding, April! I’ll have to try the anchovy paste. I’m so glad you liked the recipe 🙂 thank you for letting me know!

        Reply
    2. Diane

      September 29, 2022 at 7:03 pm

      5 stars
      Loved this dish, easy and great favor!

      Reply
    3. Becky

      October 10, 2022 at 5:11 pm

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

      Reply
      • Anne Clark

        October 10, 2022 at 7:13 pm

        Wow, this makes me so happy! Thank you so much for letting me know, Becky!

        Reply
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    Hi. I’m Anne and I’m happy to share with you my easy, family-friendly recipes. I’ve been cooking for my family for 30 years, and what I’ve learned is that most busy families appreciate easy homemade meals. Now that the kids are grown, my passion is creating and sharing flavorful food for you and your family to enjoy as well. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at [email protected] 

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