Name: Thai Chili Lime Baked Snapper
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Thai cuisine
Ingredients: 4 pcs snapper fillets (about 6 oz each, skin on or off); 0.25 cup fresh lime juice; 2 pcs red chilies (Thai bird's eye, minced (adjust to taste)); 1 tbsp lemongrass (finely minced, white part only); 3 pcs garlic (cloves, minced); 1 tbsp palm sugar (or brown sugar); 2 tbsp fish sauce; 0.25 cup fresh cilantro (chopped, plus more for garnish); 1 tbsp vegetable oil; lime wedges (for serving)

Flaky baked snapper fillets are arranged artfully on a white plate, drizzled with a vibrant chili-lime sauce and sprinkled with fresh cilantro and red pepper flakes.

Discover the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia with this Thai Chili Lime Baked Snapper. Tender snapper fillets are bathed in a zesty, spicy, and aromatic marinade featuring fresh lime juice, fiery red chilies, fragrant lemongrass, garlic, and a touch of sweet palm sugar, then baked to perfection until the fish flakes beautifully. This dish is a weeknight wonder, coming together quickly while delivering a sophisticated taste. The bright acidity cuts through the richness of the fish, while the chili and herbs create a complex flavor profile that is both warming and invigorating. Ideal for those seeking a healthy yet flavor-packed meal, it pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice and a side of crisp bok choy. Experience a delightful fusion of sweet, sour, spicy, and savory notes that will transport your taste buds.

Preparation time: 20 min
Cooking time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Servings: 4

Instructions

Preparation

1Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2In a medium bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, minced red chilies, minced lemongrass, minced garlic, palm sugar, fish sauce, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. This will be your marinade.
3Pat the snapper fillets dry with paper towels. Place the fillets in a shallow dish or a zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them, ensuring each fillet is well coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.

Baking

1Remove the snapper from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the fillets, skin-side up if applicable, on the prepared baking sheet.
2Brush the fillets lightly with vegetable oil to help achieve a nice golden finish.
3Bake in the preheated oven for 12-18 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your fillets.

Serving

1Carefully transfer the baked snapper fillets to serving plates. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro and a couple of lime wedges.
2Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice and a side of bok choy for a complete and flavorful meal.

Instructions

Preparation

1Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2In a medium bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, minced red chilies, minced lemongrass, minced garlic, palm sugar, fish sauce, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. This will be your marinade.
3Pat the snapper fillets dry with paper towels. Place the fillets in a shallow dish or a zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them, ensuring each fillet is well coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.

Baking

1Remove the snapper from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the fillets, skin-side up if applicable, on the prepared baking sheet.
2Brush the fillets lightly with vegetable oil to help achieve a nice golden finish.
3Bake in the preheated oven for 12-18 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your fillets.

Serving

1Carefully transfer the baked snapper fillets to serving plates. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro and a couple of lime wedges.
2Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice and a side of bok choy for a complete and flavorful meal.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 250 kcal
Protein: 35 g
Fat: 9 g
Carbs: 7 g

Nutrient	Per serving
Calories	250 kcal
Protein	35 g
Fat	9 g
Carbs	7 g

Tips

For an even zestier flavor, finely grate some lime zest into the marinade along with the juice. This adds an extra layer of citrus aroma.
To prevent overcooking, check the fish at the shorter end of the baking time. Snapper cooks quickly and should be removed as soon as it flakes easily.