Description
This Thai Lime-Garlic Steamed Fish recipe features tender white fish fillets steamed to perfection and topped with a vibrant, tangy sauce made from lime juice, garlic, fish sauce, and aromatic herbs and spices. Quick to prepare and packed with fresh flavors, it’s an ideal healthy main course that pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or sautéed vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Marinade
- 2 white fish fillets (such as snapper, sea bass, or cod), about 6 ounces each
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 to 2 Thai chilies, thinly sliced or 1 teaspoon chili paste
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
For Serving
- Lime slices
Instructions
- Prepare the Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels and place them on a heatproof plate that fits inside your steamer. This ensures even cooking and easy handling when steaming.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the finely minced garlic, fresh lime juice, fish sauce, light brown sugar, soy sauce or tamari, toasted sesame oil, Thai chilies or chili paste, grated ginger, and half of the chopped cilantro. Stir until well blended to create a flavorful marinade and sauce.
- Marinate the Fish: Spoon the prepared mixture evenly over the fish fillets, coating them well to infuse the fish with vibrant Thai flavors as it steams.
- Steam the Fish: Bring water in your steamer to a gentle boil. Place the plate with the marinated fish into the steamer basket, cover, and let steam for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the fish turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork, indicating it is perfectly cooked.
- Serve: Carefully remove the plate from the steamer. Spoon any remaining sauce from the plate over the fish fillets for extra flavor. Garnish with the remaining fresh cilantro and serve immediately alongside lime slices for added zest.
Notes
- You can substitute lemon juice for lime juice if lime is unavailable.
- To reduce heat, either omit or lessen the quantity of Thai chilies or chili paste used in the sauce.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
