Haitian-Style Snapper with Tamarind Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Fresh snapper fillets baked with a bright, tangy tamarind sauce and aromatic herbs for a light, flavorful meal. This haitian-inspired seafood ready in about 29 minutes blends (6 ounces each) snapper fillets, tablespoons tamarind paste, tablespoons lime juice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.1 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 14 min Serves 4 Haitian cuisine 280 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place 4 snapper fillets (6 ounces each) on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1/2 tablespoon coconut oil, then season with 1 teaspoon dried thyme and 2 minced garlic cloves.
  2. Step 2: Whisk 2 tablespoons tamarind paste, 2 tablespoons lime juice, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a bowl until smooth. Spoon evenly over the snapper fillets.
  3. Step 3: Bake for 12-15 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the sauce is bubbling at the edges.
  4. Step 4: Garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro before serving immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Haitian-Style Snapper with Tamarind Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 29 minutes (15 min prep + 14 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Haitian-Style Snapper with Tamarind Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Haitian-Style Snapper with Tamarind Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Haitian-Style Snapper with Tamarind Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Haitian-Style Snapper with Tamarind Sauce?

Haitian seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes