Vietnamese Baked Snapper Recipe
Introduction
Vietnamese Baked Snapper is a simple, flavorful dish that highlights the delicate taste of fresh snapper with aromatic garlic, ginger, and savory fish sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels both comforting and exotic.

Ingredients
- Snapper fillets (about 4 fillets)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the snapper fillets on a baking dish.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the fish sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Spoon this mixture evenly over each fillet, making sure they are well coated.
- Step 3: Bake the fillets for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 4: Remove from the oven and serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs or sliced chilies if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the fish in the garlic-ginger sauce for 15-30 minutes before baking.
- Add a splash of lime juice before serving for a bright, fresh finish.
- Serve with steamed rice and sautéed greens to complete the meal.
Storage
Store any leftover baked snapper in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying out the fish.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen snapper fillets for this recipe?
Yes, frozen snapper can be used. Thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning and baking to ensure even cooking.
What can I substitute for fish sauce?
If you don’t have fish sauce, soy sauce mixed with a little lime juice can be a good alternative, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
PrintVietnamese Baked Snapper Recipe
Vietnamese Baked Snapper is a simple and flavorful dish featuring tender snapper fillets marinated in a savory blend of fish sauce, garlic, and ginger, then baked to perfection until flaky and aromatic. This recipe highlights traditional Vietnamese flavors with a quick and easy cooking method, perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 snapper fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
Instructions
- Prepare the Fish: Pat the snapper fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the marinade adhere better and ensures even cooking.
- Marinate: In a small bowl, combine the fish sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Spoon this mixture over both sides of each fillet, making sure they are well coated. Let the fish marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator to develop flavor.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the fish. This temperature allows the snapper to cook through gently without drying out.
- Bake the Fish: Place the marinated snapper fillets in a single layer in a baking dish. Bake uncovered for about 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Serve: Remove the snapper from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy it with steamed rice and fresh vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- For added brightness, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or sliced green onions before serving.
- You can adjust the amount of fish sauce to taste, depending on your salt preference.
- If snapper is unavailable, other firm white fish like cod or sea bass work well.
- Marinating the fish longer enhances flavor, but avoid exceeding 30 minutes to prevent the fish from becoming too soft.
- For a slightly caramelized top, broil the fish for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, watching closely to avoid burning.
Keywords: Vietnamese fish recipe, baked snapper, easy fish dinner, garlic ginger fish, healthy seafood

