Grilled Red Snapper with Cameroonian Spice Rub

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Fresh snapper fillets coated in a vibrant spice blend and grilled to tender perfection with a citrus finish. This ethiopian-inspired grilling ready in about 25 minutes pairs red snapper fillets, smoked paprika, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Ethiopian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to form a spice rub.
  2. Step 2: Place red snapper fillets in a shallow dish. Drizzle with lime juice and olive oil, then rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides.
  3. Step 3: Marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high (375°F). Lightly oil grates to prevent sticking.
  5. Step 5: Place fish on grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Red Snapper with Cameroonian Spice Rub take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Red Snapper with Cameroonian Spice Rub?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep red snapper fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Red Snapper with Cameroonian Spice Rub?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Red Snapper with Cameroonian Spice Rub for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Red Snapper with Cameroonian Spice Rub?

Ethiopian grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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