Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsReyes MezcaleriaSnapper Veracruz Recipe

Snapper Veracruz Recipe

Inspired by Reyes Mezcaleria
Time1h
Serves4

seared snapper, rich tomato sauce, spicy escabeche, cilantro rice

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Ingredients

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For the Snapper

For the Spicy Escabeche

For the Cilantro Rice

Method

Prepare the Cilantro Rice

  1. 1

    Cook Rice

    In a medium saucepan, combine white rice and water. Bring to a boil.

  2. 2

    Simmer Rice

    Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-18 minutes or until rice is tender and water is absorbed.

  3. 3

    Fluff Rice

    Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and stir in chopped cilantro, lime juice, and salt to taste.

Make the Tomato Sauce

  1. 4

    Heat Oil

    In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.

  2. 5

    Sauté Onion

    Add finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

  3. 6

    Add Garlic

    Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

  4. 7

    Simmer Sauce

    Add canned diced tomatoes, cumin, smoked paprika, lime juice, and salt. Stir well and let simmer for 10-15 minutes.

  5. 8

    Finish Sauce

    Stir in chopped cilantro just before serving.

Prepare the Spicy Escabeche

  1. 9

    Make Pickling Liquid

    In a saucepan, combine white vinegar, water, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil.

  2. 10

    Add Vegetables

    Add julienned carrots, sliced red bell pepper, sliced red onion, and sliced jalapeño to the boiling liquid.

  3. 11

    Cool Escabeche

    Reduce heat and let simmer for 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.

Cook the Snapper

  1. 12

    Season Snapper

    Season snapper fillets with salt and black pepper on both sides.

  2. 13

    Heat Skillet

    In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.

  3. 14

    Sear Snapper

    Add snapper fillets to the skillet and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.

Serve the Dish

  1. 15

    Plate the Dish

    To serve, place a scoop of cilantro rice on each plate, top with seared snapper, and spoon over the rich tomato sauce. Garnish with spicy escabeche.

  2. 16

    Final Touch

    Enjoy your Snapper Veracruz with additional lime wedges on the side if desired.

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