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Vietnamese Baked Snapper Recipe

4.7 from 64 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 snapper fillets (about 6 ounces each)
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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).
  5. 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