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Grilled Spiced Snapper with Mango and Red Onion Salad

This vibrant grilled spiced snapper with mango and red onion salad is a fantastic choice for those seeking a fresh, heart-healthy meal that does not compromise on flavour. By using a whole fish and scoring the skin, the aromatic spice rub penetrates deep into the flesh, creating a beautiful contrast between the charred, savoury exterior and the delicate, flaky white meat within. It is a visually stunning dish that brings a sophisticated taste of the tropics to your outdoor dining table.

Ideal for a light weekend lunch or a nutritious midweek dinner, this recipe celebrates seasonal ingredients like ripe mango and fresh coriander. The zesty salad provides a bright acidity that perfectly balances the heat of tandoori or chaat masala spices. Serving the fish whole not only retains moisture but also makes for an impressive centrepiece when shared with friends and family.

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Ingredients for Grilled Spiced Snapper with Mango and Red Onion Salad

  • 1 (5-lb.) or 2 (2 1/2-lb.) head-on whole fish (such as red snapper or black sea bass), cleaned

  • Kosher salt

  • 50g chaat masala, vadouvan, or tandoori spice

  • 80ml vegetable oil, plus more for grill

  • 1 ripe but firm mango, peeled, cut into irregular 1 1/2" pieces

  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced, rinsed

  • 1 bunch coriander, coarsely chopped (leaves and stems)

  • 45ml fresh lime juice

  • Extra-virgin olive oil (for drizzling)

  • Lime wedges (for serving)

How to make Grilled Spiced Snapper with Mango and Red Onion Salad

Place fish on a cutting board and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. With a sharp knife, make slashes crosswise on a diagonal along the body every 2" on both sides, cutting all the way down to the bones. Season fish generously inside and out with salt. Coat fish with spice mix, packing on more if needed (it should cover the entire fish, head to tail). Let sit at room temperature 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare a grill for medium-high heat. Clean and oil grate.

Drizzle both sides of fish with remaining 80ml vegetable oil to coat. Grill fish undisturbed, 10 minutes. Lift up slightly from one edge to see if skin is puffed and lightly charred and easily releases from grate. If not quite ready, leave alone for another minute or so and try again. Once it is ready, gently slide 2 large metal spatulas underneath and turn over. Grill fish until the other side is lightly charred and skin is puffed, 8–12 minutes, depending on the size of the fish. Transfer to a platter.

Toss mango, onion, coriander, lime juice, and a big pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and toss again to coat. Scatter mango salad over fish and serve with lime wedges for squeezing over.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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