Grilled Pesto Snapper
Grilled Pesto Snapper
As a person interested in food, for good health and yumminess, the parable about the five loaves and two fish, is one of my favorites. Jesus sure knows how to serve up a great lunch!
Fish is an excellent source of protein, and many fish contain good levels of vitamin D, which helps the immune system. Salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel are high in healthy omega-3 fats, but not everyone likes these types of fish because the fish flavor is robust and pronounced.
Red Snapper has red scales though the flesh is white with a mild flavor. This recipe is for a whole snapper, which may sound ambitious, but if you do any grilling at all, you will love this recipe because it is so simple, and the fish is cooked perfectly. Use a timer to be sure not to over-cook the fish. If you would like to make your own pesto, follow the recipe below, or use a prepared pesto from a jar. Either way, it will taste great and makes for a wonderful dinner.
Grilled Pesto Snapper
Ingredients
Two, 1.5-2 pound whole fresh snapper, cleaned and scaled
Fish Pesto Seasoning
2 -4 tablespoons of prepared pesto
OR
Home-made pesto - mix the next 6-7 ingredients together
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup finely chopped basil
3 garlic cloves , minced finely
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
2 tablespoons salted capers, rinsed & finely chopped
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper (optional if you like it spicy)
Plus about 1/4 cup olive or avocado oil
Preparing the fish
Make 3 angled or parallel 3 slashes on each side of the fish; almost through to the bone.
Dry the fish off with a paper towel
Sprinkle with salt & pepper
Fill the slashes with the prepared pesto paste OR the combined home-made pesto
Drizzle or spray with olive or avocado oil
Instructions
Preheat gas grill to 400*
Turn down to 350* once the fish are put on the grill
If you have a fish basket, use it. It will help the fish stay together.
If you don’t have a fish basket, lightly oil the grill so the fish will not stick
Place fish on the grill – set the timer for 10 minutes
Put the lid of the grill down to grill/ roast the fish
After ten minutes, flip the fish over – time for additional 10 minutes
Test for doneness by trying to flake the fish with a fork
Remove from grill and place on platter
Using 2 serving forks, lift the fish flesh up off the bone and serve to the dinner plate
