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Red Snapper With Sambal

This vibrant red snapper with sambal is an excellent choice for a light yet flavourful weeknight meal. The delicate, flaky white fish is enhanced by a punchy marinade of lime juice, fish sauce, and sambal oelek, perfectly balancing salty, sour, and spicy notes. Scoring the skin allows these bold Southeast Asian flavours to penetrate deep into the fillets, ensuring every bite is seasoned to perfection.

As a diabetes-friendly main course, this dish is naturally high in protein and low in carbohydrates, making it a nutritious option for those monitoring their blood sugar. The quick grilling method keeps the fish succulent while creating charred, crispy edges on the skin. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad or steamed tenderstem broccoli for a healthy, balanced dinner that feels truly sophisticated.

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Ingredients for Red Snapper With Sambal

  • 4 red snapper fillets with skin cut into a 1/2" crosshatch pattern

  • Salt

  • 1 finely grated garlic clove

  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

  • 1 tablespoon hot chilli paste (such as sambal oelek)

  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar

  • Olive oil

  • Lime wedges for serving

How to make Red Snapper With Sambal

Score the skin of 4 red snapper fillets in 1/2" crosshatch pattern; season both sides with salt. Place on a rimmed baking sheet. Combine 1 finely grated garlic clove, 2 tablespoons fish sauce, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 tablespoon hot chilli paste (such as sambal oelek), and 1 tablespoon light brown sugar in a small bowl; spoon over snapper, making sure marinade penetrates score marks. Heat grill. Drizzle snapper with olive oil and grill until charred in spots and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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