Here’s a flavorful and aromatic recipe for Thai Steamed Fish, a healthy and delicious dish that’s full of traditional Thai flavors like lemongrass, lime, and garlic. This dish is light, fresh, and perfect for any seafood lover.
Thai Steamed Fish Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 whole white fish (like snapper, sea bass, or tilapia), about 1 ½ – 2 pounds, cleaned and scaled
- 2 stalks lemongrass, trimmed and smashed
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, thinly sliced
- 2-3 kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces (optional)
- 2-3 fresh red chilies, sliced (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable stock
- 3-4 sprigs fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Jasmine rice (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Fish
- Clean and score the fish: Clean the fish by removing any scales and insides if not done already. Score the fish by making 2-3 diagonal cuts on each side to help it cook evenly and absorb the flavors.
- Stuff the fish: Place some of the smashed lemongrass, ginger slices, and kaffir lime leaves (if using) into the cavity of the fish for extra fragrance during steaming.
Step 2: Prepare the Steaming Liquid
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and stock. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
Step 3: Steam the Fish
- Set up the steamer: If you have a steamer basket, line it with some extra lemongrass stalks and ginger slices to infuse more flavor. If you don’t have a steamer, use a large pan with a lid, placing a heatproof plate on a rack above boiling water.
- Place the fish in the steamer: Lay the fish on a heatproof plate that fits in your steamer. Pour the sauce over the fish, and scatter the minced garlic, chilies, and more ginger slices on top.
- Steam the fish: Cover and steam the fish over boiling water for 12-15 minutes, depending on the size of the fish, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Once the fish is done, carefully transfer it to a serving platter. Spoon some of the steaming liquid over the top and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
- Serve: Serve the Thai steamed fish with jasmine rice and additional lime wedges on the side.
Tips:
- If using fillets instead of a whole fish, adjust the steaming time to about 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- For added flavor, you can also include thin slices of red onion or scallions in the steaming liquid.
This Thai Steamed Fish is light, healthy, and packed with bright, aromatic flavors—perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!