Rinse the red snapper under cold water and pat it dry
Scale the fish if needed
Gut and clean the cavity if the fish is whole
Remove the gills if desired
Trim fins if needed
Make a few diagonal slashes on both sides of the fish
Season the fish with salt and pepper
Add garlic, herbs, lemon, or spices if desired
Brush with oil or melted butter
Preheat the oven, grill, or skillet
Place the fish on a baking sheet, grill, or pan
Cook until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork
Serve with lemon wedges or your preferred sides