WHITE SNAPPER RECIPES

Steps:

• Thaw fish, if frozen. Measure thickness of fish. Rinse fish under cold running water; pat dry with paper towels. Set aside.
• In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Place fish pieces in skillet, skin sides down. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes per 1/2-inch thickness of fish or until skin is crisp and fish flakes easily when tested with a fork, turning once. Transfer fillets to a serving platter, skin sides up.
• Return skillet to heat. Add white wine to skillet; cook for 2 to 2 1/2 minutes or until wine is almost evaporated, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the skillet. Add broth. Bring just to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, about 4 minutes or until liquid is reduced by about half. Add butter, stirring until it melts; stir in green onions and chives.
• Remove skillet from heat; add the lemon juice, capers, and pepper. Pour sauce over fish to serve. If desired, serve with lemon wedges.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F.
• In a large sauté pan over moderate heat, warm the oil. Add the onions and sauté, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the chopped garlic and sauté, stirring occasionally, for 1 minute. Add 3/4 cup wine and the bay leaves and bring to a simmer. Continue simmering until the onions are tender and the wine is slightly reduced, about 3 minutes. Whisk in the butter then remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the lemon juice.
• Arrange the snappers, side by side, in a 12- by 18-inch or larger roasting pan. Stuff the cavity of each fish with about 1/4 cup of the onion mixture, along with the whole garlic, tomato slices, and celery. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Spoon the remaining onion mixture over the fish then pour half the lime juice on and around the fish and add 2 cups of water to the pan. Wrap the pan snugly with foil and roast for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue roasting until the fish is cooked through, 20 to 25 minutes longer. Remove any onion from the top of the fish then carefully transfer the fish to a large serving platter (do not discard the onion or juices remaining in the pan). Drizzle the remaining lime juice over the fish and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
• Scrape the onion and juices from the roasting pan into a medium saucepan. Add the remaining 1/4 cup white wine and 1/4 cup water, and bring to a simmer. Continue simmering until slightly reduced, then pour through a fine-mesh strainer.
• Garnish the fish with cilantro and serve with the reduced pan sauce and lime wedges.