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Crispy Skin Snapper with Mango Salsa

Yields4 ServingsPrep Time20 minsCook Time20 minsTotal Time40 mins

Discover the vibrant flavors of Crispy Skin Snapper with Mango Salsa – a quick, healthy, and elegant seafood dish. Perfectly pan-seared snapper fillets with golden crispy skin are paired with a zesty mango salsa for a fresh and tropical twist. Ready in just 40 minutes, this restaurant-quality meal is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Crispy Skin Snapper with Mango Salsa

For the Snapper
 4 snapper fillets, skin-on (about 6 oz each)
 Salt, to taste
 Black pepper, to taste
 2 tbsp olive oil
 1 tbsp unsalted butter
 Lemon wedges, for serving
For the Mango Salsa
 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
 ½ small red onion, finely chopped
 ½ red chili (or jalapeño), deseeded and finely chopped
 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
 Juice of 1 lime
 Salt, to taste
 Optional: 1 tsp honey (if mango is not very sweet)
Prepare the Mango Salsa
1

  1. In a bowl, combine diced mango, red onion, chili, and cilantro.

  2. Squeeze in lime juice, season with salt, and add honey if needed.

  3. Toss well and refrigerate while you cook the snapper. This allows the flavors to meld.

Prepare the Snapper
2

  1. Pat snapper fillets dry with paper towels—dry skin is essential for crispiness.

  2. Season both sides of the fillets with salt and pepper.

Pan-Sear the Snapper
3

  1. Heat olive oil in a large nonstick or stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat.

  2. Once hot, place the fillets skin-side down. Use a spatula to gently press the fillets flat for the first 30 seconds to prevent curling.

  3. Cook for about 4–5 minutes, skin-side down, until the skin is golden and crispy.

  4. Flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes, until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily.

  5. Add butter in the last 30 seconds and spoon over the fillets for added richness.

To Serve
4

  • Plate each fillet skin-side up.

  • Spoon generous amounts of mango salsa over or alongside.

  • Serve with lemon wedges and optionally a side of coconut rice or sautéed greens.

Tips
5

  • Use a very hot pan and thoroughly dry skin for perfect crispiness.

  • Mango salsa can be made 1 hour ahead for deeper flavor.

Nutrition Facts

4 servings

Serving size