Charcoal-Grilled Blackened Red Snapper - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 tablespoons sweet paprika
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
3/4 teaspoon ground coriander
3/4 teaspoon table salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 red snapper fillets, 6 to 8 ounces each, 3/4 inch thick
vegetable oil, for grill rack

Preparation

Combine paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, coriander, salt, and peppers in small bowl. Melt butter in 10-inch skillet over medium heat. When foaming subsides, stir in spice mixture. Cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and spices turn dark rust color, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer mixture to pie plate and cool, stirring occasionally, to room temperature, about 10 minutes. Once cooled, use fork to break up any large clumps.
Light large chimney starter filled two-thirds with charcoal (4 quarts, or about 65 briquettes) and allow to burn until coals are fully ignited and partially covered with thin layer of ash, 15 to 20 minutes. Build modified two-level fire by arranging coals to cover one half of grill. Position cooking grate over coals, place large disposable roasting pan on grate directly over coals, cover grill, and heat grate until hot, about 5 minutes. Remove roasting pan and scrape grate clean with grill brush. Grill is ready when coals are hot (you can hold your hand 5 inches above grate for 2 to 3 seconds).
Meanwhile, pat fillets dry on both sides with paper towels. Using sharp knife, make shallow diagonal slashes every inch along skin side of fish, being careful not to cut into flesh. Place fillets skin side up on rimmed baking sheet or large plate. Using fingers, rub spice mixture in thin, even layer on top and side of fish. Flip fillets over and repeat on other side (you should use all of the spice mixture). Refrigerate until needed.
Lightly dip wad of paper towels in oil; holding wad with tongs, wipe cooking grate. Place fish perpendicular to grill grates, skin side down, on hot side of grill. Grill, uncovered, until very dark brown and skin is crisp, 3 to 4 minutes. Using thin metal spatula, carefully flip fish and continue to grill until dark brown and beginning to flake, and center is opaque but still moist, about 5 minutes longer. Serve immediately.