Red snapper is a versatile fish that can be used in various recipes. If you’re looking for a substitute for red snapper, there are several options available.
Here are some of the best substitutes for red snapper:
11 Best Substitutes for Red Snapper
1. Grouper
Grouper is not only the easiest find on the list, but it also closest to red snapper in terms of flavor, texture, and versatility.
Although milder in flavor, it can replace red snapper in any recipe that you can think of.
It also has fewer bones, making it easy to prep and eat.
How to Substitute?
You can use a little less than a whole measure of grouper to replace red snapper in your recipes because grouper is a meatier fish.
Check out this pan-fried grouper recipe that you can try when you don’t have red snapper to work with –
2. Sea Bass
Sea bass is a firm and flaky mild-flavored fish with subtle notes of sweetness, much like red snapper.
You can use it for grilling, pan-searing, and frying.
It is a perfect alternative to red snapper when you are looking for a light and odor-free dinner option.
How to Substitute?
You can go ahead with a 1:1 ratio substitution for red snapper with sea bass in your recipes and it should turn out just as great.
If you are looking to experiment, here is a Chilean sea bass recipe that you can give a shot –
3. Tilapia
If you are looking for a fish that can be cooked in all kinds of ways, from baking to grilling and frying, Tilapia is the most versatile option.
It is a mild-flavored fish and one you can get on a budget as well.
To make prep easier, it is best to opt for skinless and boneless fillets.
How to Substitute?
You can use the same portion of Tilapia as you would have used red snapper in your recipes and it should work just fine.
For a baked tilapia recipe, check out this YouTube tutorial –
4. Cod
Cod is yet another easy find at stores and is a mild-flavored flaky fish.
It has a milky flavor and depending on the type of cod you opt for; you can get different levels of sweetness to your recipe.
The Atlantic cod is sweeter and flakier than the Pacific cod.
How to Substitute?
Cod can be used in a 1:1 ratio substitution for red snapper in most recipes that you can think of, although there will be a slight texture difference.
Here is a YouTube video to help you make the most of your cod, in three different ways –
5. Catfish
When it comes to making prep easy, there is no better option than catfish.
It has very few bones and is easily made into fillets that can be baked, grilled, pan-fried, or steamed.
It is mildly sweet with mild or neutral flavors and works as a great canvas for a wide range of flavors.
How to Substitute?
You can use the same measure of catfish as you would have used red snapper in your recipes and it should work just as well.
For a quick and easy fried catfish recipe, check out this YouTube tutorial –
6. Queen Snapper
If you like pink meat, then queen snapper is a good replacement for red snapper.
It offers similar flavors and levels of sweetness and can be cooked in almost any recipe if you would use red snapper.
But remember it is a small fish and might not be great for cutting into thin fillets.
How to Substitute?
You can use the same portions of queen snapper to replace red snapper in your recipes, though it might not work great as fillets.
Here is a recipe video for a whole baked queen snapper –
7. Haddock
Haddock is often used as a replacement for cod and can also be used as a replacement for red snapper.
It is best if you like intense flavors and don’t mind the fishy aroma.
It is a moist and flaky fish that will work in most recipes but great when grilled.
How to Substitute?
You can use the same ratio of haddock to replace red snapper in your recipes and it should work out just fine.
Check out this fried haddock recipe that you can try when you have run out of red snapper to work with –
8. Lane Snapper
For sweeter flavors, lane snapper is a great alternative to red snapper in most recipes.
It can be used for grilling, baking, frying, or pan-searing.
It has a firm and flaky texture and pairs well with citric flavors and marinades.
How to Substitute?
A 1:1 ratio substitution of red snapper with lane snapper in your recipe should work just fine, though there may be slight texture differences.
To make the most of your lane snapper, check out this YouTube tutorial –
9. Vermillion Snapper
If you are looking for a meatier fish but with mild and subtle flavors like red snapper, then vermillion snapper is a great alternative.
It is perfect for steaming, sauteing, and baking.
It can shine with a wide range of flavors and also with simple ingredients like garlic and parsley.
How to Substitute?
More or less the same measure of vermillion snapper can be used to replace red snapper in your recipes unless you want the meal to be light, in which case you can cut back a little.
For a lovely pan-seared vermillion snapper recipe, check out this video –
10. Mutton Snapper
Mutton snapper falls in the same fish family as red snapper and offers similar sweet and mild flavors.
It is a lean and delicate fish that is best paired with simple herbs and garlic.
It is perfect for those who want to have healthier and low-fat alternatives to red snapper.
How to Substitute?
You can replace red snapper with the same measure of mutton snapper but keep in mind that mutton snapper gives a lighter meal.
Here is an Italian mutton snapper recipe that you can try when you feel like switching things up a bit –
11. Yellowtail Snapper
Yet another fish that belongs to the same family as red snapper and offers similar flavors, yellowtail snapper can also be used in your recipes as an alternative.
It is mild in flavor and firmer in texture. It is best cooked by frying or grilling rather than steaming.
How to Substitute?
Red snapper can be replaced with the same measure of yellowtail snapper in most recipes, though it is best to cook it in oil for the best results.
For a yellowtail snapper recipe, check out this YouTube video –
Bottom Line
As you can see, if you’re looking for a substitute for red snapper, several options are available.
Tilapia, cod, and many others are all good substitutes for red snapper.
Each of these fish has its own unique flavor, so be sure to experiment to find the one that you like the best.
If you have any doubts or would like to share some recipes or substitutes of your own, it would be great to hear from you.
Feel free to share this article with your family and friends who love to eat fish.