Baked Snapper with Cilantro-Ginger Marinade

Name: Baked Snapper with Cilantro-Ginger Marinade
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 1 whole snapper (cleaned and scaled); 0.5 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 3 clove garlic, minced; 1 in ginger, minced; 0.5 small red onion, finely chopped; 0.5 green capsicum (bell pepper), finely chopped; 1 green chili, finely chopped (adjust for spice level); 1 lemon, juiced; 3 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 dash salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup guacamole; 2 cup steamed rice

by Diana Opoti (@dianaopotieats)

Prep Time

20min

Cook Time

30min

Total Time

50min

Fusion Dinner Main Course Vegan Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Seafood Nut-Free

A flavorful baked snapper dish marinated with cilantro, ginger, and spices, served with guacamole and steamed rice.

Ingredients

4 Servings

(1 serving = one portion of fish with guacamole and rice)

Main Ingredients

1
whole snapper (cleaned and scaled)
1/2cup
fresh cilantro, chopped
3clove
garlic, minced
1in
ginger, minced
1/2
small red onion, finely chopped
1/2
green capsicum (bell pepper), finely chopped
1
green chili, finely chopped (adjust for spice level)
1
lemon, juiced
3tbsp
vegetable oil
1dash
salt and pepper, to taste

For Serving

1cup
guacamole
2cup
steamed rice

How to make Baked Snapper with Cilantro-Ginger Marinade

Preparation of the Fish

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) to prepare for baking.
In a bowl, combine the cilantro, garlic, ginger, red onion, green capsicum, green chilies, lemon juice, vegetable oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until it forms a flavorful paste.
Using a sharp knife, make diagonal cuts on both sides of the snapper, about 1 inch apart. This helps the marinade penetrate deeper into the fish, ensuring maximum flavor.
Rub the cilantro-ginger marinade all over the fish, making sure to get it into the scored cuts and the cavity. Let it marinate for about 10-15 minutes for the flavors to absorb.
Place the marinated snapper on a baking sheet lined with foil. Cover it tightly with another layer of foil to trap in moisture. Bake in the preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, remove the top layer of foil and increase the oven temperature to 250°C (475°F). Bake for an additional 10 minutes to achieve a lightly crisp, golden finish on the fish.
Serve the baked snapper with guacamole on the side and a portion of steamed rice.

Tips & Tricks

Look for snapper with clear eyes and a mild smell for the freshest taste.
Make shallow cuts just deep enough to help the marinade seep into the flesh, which boosts flavor.
Wrapping the fish initially keeps it moist and tender, while uncovering it at the end crisps up the skin beautifully.
Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cumin to the marinade for a hint of smokiness.