2 whole small red snappers, cleaned but left whole

¼ cup fish sauce

1 tablespoon sesame oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

• With a sharp knife, make 3 deep diagonal slits on each side of the fish. Place the fish in an ovenproof baking dish.

• Combine the fish sauce, sesame oil, and garlic in a small bowl. Spoon the mixture over the fish, making sure it goes into the slits. Let the fish sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.

• Bake the fish in a 425-degree oven for 30 minutes or until the skin is crisp.

How to Find the Freshest Seafood

The best source for great fish is a great fishmonger, someone who will steer you to the best fish he or she has. If you are on your own, follow your nose. Fresh fish should NOT smell fishy. Instead it should smell clean, and if an ocean fish, like the sea. If there is any fishy smell at all, don't buy it. Other things to look for: Feel the skin; it should be slippery and moist. Press the fish; it should feel firm. Look at the eyes; they should be plump and clear.