Blackened Red Snapper

Blackened Red Snapper (Cast Iron Skillet Recipe)

This Blackened Red Snapper is one of my favorite seafood recipes because it's incredibly simple, packed with flavor, and ready in about 15 minutes. A hot cast iron skillet creates a beautiful crust while keeping the fish moist, flaky, and tender inside. Finished with fresh lemon juice, it's an easy weeknight dinner that tastes like something you'd order at a seafood restaurant.

Whether you're cooking fresh Florida red snapper or frozen fillets, this recipe is an easy way to enjoy one of the best fish for blackening.

Ingredients

• 2 red snapper fillets (6-8 ounces each)
• 1-2 tablespoons blackening seasoning (Traeger Blackened Saskatchewan Rub is my favorite. I use it on burgers, steak, chicken, and seafood because it has incredible flavor.)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Olive oil, avocado oil, oil spray, or melted butter
• ½ lemon

Equipment

• 12-inch cast iron skillet
• Outdoor propane burner or camping stove (optional but recommended)
• Fish spatula or wide spatula

Directions

1. Pat the red snapper fillets completely dry with paper towels.
2. Lightly brush both sides with oil or melted butter.
3. Season generously on both sides with blackening seasoning.
4. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until it's hot.
5. Add the butter and swirl it around to coat the skillet.
6. Carefully place the fillets into the pan.
7. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the fish flakes easily with a fork or reaches an internal temperature of 135-140°F.
8. Remove from the skillet and immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top.
9. Serve right away with your favorite sides.

Tips for the Best Blackened Red Snapper

• Pat the fish dry. Removing excess moisture helps develop a better blackened crust.
• Use a hot cast iron skillet. Cast iron produces the best sear and even cooking.
• Don't flip more than once. Red snapper is delicate and can break apart if handled too much.
• Avoid overcooking. The fish should be moist and flaky, not dry.
• Cook outdoors if possible. Blackening seasoning creates a little smoke, so I often use a Coleman propane camping stove outside to keep the house smoke-free.

What to Serve with Blackened Red Snapper

This recipe pairs perfectly with:

• Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
• Homemade Caesar Salad
• Homemade Caesar Dressing
• Garlic & Thyme Steak Fries with Garlic Aioli
• Foil Packet Asparagus
• Grilled Zucchini
• Rice or roasted potatoes

My personal favorite is serving this blackened red snapper over a generous spoonful of Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Sauce. The smoky sweetness of the peppers complements the bold blackening seasoning perfectly and turns this into one of my favorite seafood dinners. If you're looking for something lighter, a crisp Caesar Salad with my homemade Caesar Dressing is another excellent choice.

Final Thoughts

Red snapper is one of my favorite fish to cook because of its mild, slightly sweet flavor and tender, flaky texture. It doesn't need complicated ingredients or fancy techniques—just a hot cast iron skillet, a flavorful blackening seasoning, and a squeeze of fresh lemon.

If you're looking for an easy blackened fish recipe that's full of flavor and simple enough for any night of the week, this Blackened Red Snapper is one you'll want to make again and again.

More Saalf Life recipes:

• Blackened Salmon Caesar Salad
• Grilled Jerk Chicken Rasta Pasta
• Blackened Shrimp Gochujang Noodles
• Blackened Swordfish with Pineapple Salsa
• Grilled Chicken Tikka Masala
• Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Thanks for stopping by Saalf Life! If you enjoyed this recipe, follow along on YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest for more recipes, reviews, and outdoor adventures.