I’m making an effort to try new things these days. I find we eat the same things over and over again and especially since I’m on maternity leave, it feels even more mundane (probably because baby and meals is pretty much all I think about!). We’re a big chicken family. Sometimes beef and not-so-often pork. Enter: fish!
More specifically on the menu – Red Snapper. We’ve made snapper before, it’s just not something we do often. When it goes on sale at our local grocery store, I pick it up and try something new with it. Last time, I made a foil baked snapper and it turned our really well. This time, I decided to pan fry it and use aromatic spices and it turned out really delicious! I based this recipe off of Martha Stewarts Blackened Red Snapper Fillets recipe.
For the snapper, you’ll need:
- However many snapper fillets you need for your family and friends, I used 3 for the following ratio – adjust accordingly for the amount of fish you choose to use.
- 1 teaspoons paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- a little extra-virgin olive oil to pan fry
Mix all the spices together in a little bowl and set aside. Grab your snapper fillets and rub the spices on the fish on both sides and then refrigerate for an hour before frying. When you’re ready to fry, warm your pan and add the olive oil and fry for about 3-4 minutes each side, depending on how thick your fish is. Super fast and easy!
For the warm orzo salad, you’ll need:
- 1 1/2 uncooked orzo
- 1/4 leaks
- 1/2 cup of chopped red pepper
- 1 cup of chopped zucchini
- one minced garlic clove
- 1/2 cup of feta cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook orzo according to package instructions (very similar to pasta). Sauté the leaks, red pepper, zucchini and garlic in a medium-hot pan with the butter and olive oil. Add to the cooked orzo and mix in the feta cheese. Keep warm until the snapper is ready to serve.
The Results:
A super delicious and light meal. The snapper has some kick to it so if you don’t love spice, I would suggest cutting back a little on the Cayenne. We love spice in our family so it was perfect for us.
