Name: Broiled Spice-Rubbed Snapper
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 3 (8-ounce) snapper fillets 3⁄4 to 1 inch thick; 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt , divided; 1 tablespoon ancho chile powder; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon granulated garlic; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 2 tablespoons boiling water; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon lime juice , plus lime wedges for serving

Why This Recipe Works

For an easy way to cook fish that we could use in tacos or serve with a simple vegetable side, we brushed a spice mixture on snapper fillets and cooked them under the broiler. To maximize the flavor of the spices, we hydrated ancho chile powder, ground coriander, granulated garlic, dried oregano, and cayenne and black peppers in a couple tablespoons of boiling water to bring out their water-soluble flavors. Then we added oil, which, when heated under the broiler, brought out the oil-soluble flavors.

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Before You Begin

We developed this recipe using Diamond Crystal kosher salt. If using Morton's, which is finer, use ¾ teaspoon for the fish and ⅜ teaspoon for the spice paste. Sea bass or tilapia can be substituted for the snapper, if desired. If using tilapia, which is thinner, start checking for doneness at 8 minutes. We use granulated garlic in this recipe because fresh garlic burns under the broiler; feel free to substitute garlic powder. For an accurate measurement of boiling water, bring a kettle of water to a boil and then measure out the desired amount. If you prefer a spicier dish, add the full ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Serve the fish with steamed white rice or roasted potatoes and a vegetable; as a taco filling with cilantro leaves, avocado slices, and pickled red onions; or with a green salad and crusty bread.

Instructions

Sprinkle both sides of snapper evenly with 1 teaspoon salt. Refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes.

While snapper chills, combine chile powder, coriander, granulated garlic, oregano, pepper, cayenne, and remaining ½ teaspoon salt in small bowl. Stir in boiling water and let sit until thickened, 2 to 3 minutes. Mix in oil to make smooth paste.

Adjust oven rack 6 inches from broiler element and heat broiler. Line rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with vegetable oil spray. Place snapper, skinned side down, on prepared sheet and brush with spice mixture. Broil until top of fish is evenly browned and fish registers 135 degrees, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer snapper to platter and drizzle with lime juice. Using spatula or large spoon, break snapper into portions. Serve with lime wedges.