Flavorful Veracruz-Style Red Snapper: A Delightful Mexican-Inspired Seafood Dish

Veracruz-style red snapper, also known as "Huachinango a la Veracruzana," is a vibrant and flavorful Mexican seafood dish. It features a delicate red snapper fillet cooked in a rich tomato sauce infused with olives, capers, and an assortment of fresh vegetables and herbs. This recipe brings together the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors, making it a must-try for any seafood lover.

Ingredients:

- 4 red snapper fillets- 2 tablespoons olive oil- 1 large onion, finely chopped- 3 garlic cloves, minced- 3 large tomatoes, chopped- 1/2 cup green olives, sliced- 1/4 cup capers, rinsed- 2 jalapeño peppers, thinly sliced- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced- 1 teaspoon dried oregano- 1 bay leaf- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped- 1 lime, cut into wedges- Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Snapper:- Rinse the red snapper fillets under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.- Season both sides of the fillets with salt and black pepper.

2. Cook the Tomato Sauce:- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add Vegetables and Herbs:- Add the chopped tomatoes, sliced green olives, capers, jalapeño peppers, and red bell pepper to the skillet.- Mix in the dried oregano and bay leaf.- Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the sauce thickens.

4. Simmer the Snapper:- Carefully place the red snapper fillets into the skillet, nestling them into the tomato sauce.- Spoon some of the sauce over the fillets to cover them.- Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

5. Garnish and Serve:- Discard the bay leaf.- Sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro over the top of the dish.- Serve the Veracruz-style red snapper hot with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Enjoy the robust and tangy taste of this authentic Mexican dish, filled with fresh seafood and zesty ingredients. Bon appétit!