Ina Garten’s Mustard-Roasted Snapper Wows Hoda Kotb on Final Today Show

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Celebrity chef Ina Garten made a memorable appearance on Hoda Kotb‘s final episodes of the Today show last week, bringing with her a show-stopping mustard-roasted red snapper recipe and a toast to Kotb’s 25-year career at NBC.

Garten, known as the Barefoot Contessa, shared her six-ingredient snapper dish during Kotb’s farewell week, which she dubbed “Hoda-bration.” The recipe, which Garten learned from a Parisian coat check attendant, features red snapper topped with a flavorful mixture of crème fraîche, Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, shallots, and capers. The dish bakes in just 10 to 15 minutes, making it a quick and elegant dinner option.

“This is Hoda-friendly,” Garten joked during the segment, referencing Kotb’s love for simple recipes. The chef paired the snapper with roasted broccolini, seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and finished the meal with her signature lemon bars for dessert.

Kotb, who has long championed her own two-ingredient Ponzu Fish recipe, was thoroughly impressed. “That fish is so yummy,” she said after tasting the dish. Co-host Jenna Bush Hager, who admitted she typically avoids broccolini, also praised the side dish, saying, “You’ve changed my mind on broccolini.”

Garten’s recipe, while slightly more complex than Kotb’s go-to Ponzu Fish, offers a balance of tangy, savory, and aromatic flavors. The dish’s crème fraîche base, however, adds a significant amount of saturated fat. For a healthier twist, Garten suggested reducing the sauce portion or substituting low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Kotb’s final week on the Today show was marked by a series of celebratory moments, including appearances by high-profile guests like Prince Harry and Snoop Dogg. Garten’s visit and her culinary contributions added a personal touch to the festivities, highlighting Kotb’s passion for food and her appreciation for easy, flavorful recipes.

As Kotb moves on from her role at Today, her legacy of sharing simple, approachable cooking tips—and her love for dishes like Ponzu Fish—will undoubtedly continue to inspire home cooks everywhere.