THE FISH LIST PORTAL

 

SNAPPER…there are a few.

Vermilion Snapper pack a punch in flavour and resilience. These slow-growing fish can live up to 15 years and start reproducing early, spawning multiple times from April to September, with peak action in the summer months. Their diet’s a buffet of bottom-dwelling delights: fish, shrimp, crabs, squid, and even plankton. On the plate, Vermilion Snapper offers sweet, mild, melt-in-the-mouth meat that’s ideal for anyone put off by overly oily or “fishy” fish. While Red Snapper tends to steal the spotlight - bigger, bolder, and generally considered the butcher one of the two, Vermilion’s no second fiddle; it’s just a bit more refined.

Summary:

  • Taste: Mildly sweet with a delicate, slightly nutty flavor. It’s a bit richer than some white fish but still light and clean.

  • Texture: Firm, flaky, and moist when cooked properly, similar to red snapper but slightly more delicate.

  • Fat Content: Moderately lean, which makes it versatile for various cooking methods without becoming greasy.

  • Aroma: Mild and fresh, not fishy or strong.

Because of its mild and slightly sweet flavor, vermilion snapper is great for grilling, baking, or pan-searing and pairs well with citrus, herbs, and light spices.

Recipes we like

Stuffed Vermilion Snapper…this be sexy. Pan-Seared Vermillion Snapper - lovely and simple.

Booze pairings:

For Vermilion Snapper, a versatile white fish with a subtly sweet, nutty flavor, consider wines and spirits that enhance its delicate complexity. Gewürztraminer, with its aromatic notes of lychee, rose, and spice, pairs beautifully with dishes featuring ginger, chili, or tropical fruits. A great spirit complement here would be a Lychee Martini or a Ginger Vodka Collins, both echoing the wine’s exotic character. Torrontés, Argentina’s floral and citrusy white, brings freshness and brightness—ideal alongside a Pisco Sour, which mirrors its vibrant acidity and aroma. For something more grounded, Fiano, an Italian white with hints of honey, nuts, and minerality, adds earthy depth to the pairing. A White Vermouth Highball or Amaretto Spritz makes a perfect spirit match, highlighting the snapper’s natural richness and Fiano’s subtle complexity.