Steamed Fish with Spicy Lime and Garlic Sauce is a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s light yet packed with bold flavors! The tender fish, paired with a zesty, spicy sauce, is perfect over a bed of rice or served alongside fresh vegetables. Here’s how to make it:
Steamed Fish with Spicy Lime and Garlic Sauce
Ingredients:
For the Fish:
- 2 whole fish (snapper, tilapia, or your preferred type, about 1-1.5 lbs), cleaned and gutted
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2-3 slices of ginger
- 2 stalks of lemongrass (optional, bruised to release flavor)
- 1-2 fresh Thai bird’s eye chilies (or any chili you prefer)
- A few fresh cilantro sprigs (for garnish)
For the Spicy Lime and Garlic Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 Thai bird’s eye chilies, minced (or adjust to your spice preference)
- 2 tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce as a substitute)
- 1-2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (or palm sugar)
- 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional, for richness)
- Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Fish:
- Clean and gut the fish if you haven’t already. Pat them dry with paper towels, and season both the inside and outside of the fish with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the cavity of each fish with a couple of slices of ginger and lemongrass (if using). These will infuse the fish with aromatic flavors as it steams.
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Steam the Fish:
- Set up a steamer pot or a large pot with a steaming rack. If you don’t have a steamer, you can place a heatproof plate or small rack in the bottom of a large pot.
- Bring water to a boil in the pot. Once boiling, carefully place the fish on the steaming rack or plate. Cover the pot with a lid.
- Steam the fish for about 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the fish. The fish is done when the flesh is opaque and easily flakes with a fork.
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Make the Spicy Lime and Garlic Sauce:
- While the fish is steaming, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, heat sesame oil (or vegetable oil) over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and bird’s eye chilies, and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, and water to the pan. Stir well to combine and dissolve the sugar. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more lime juice or fish sauce to balance the sour, salty, and sweet flavors.
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Assemble the Dish:
- Once the fish is done, carefully transfer it to a serving platter. Spoon the hot spicy lime and garlic sauce over the fish, ensuring it gets into the cavity and covers the flesh.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and additional chilies if you like it extra spicy.
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Serve:
- Serve your steamed fish with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or a simple salad for a well-rounded meal. Enjoy!
Tips:
- Fish Choice: Choose a firm, white fish like snapper, tilapia, or even cod. Whole fish works best for this recipe, but fillets can be used if preferred.
- For Extra Flavor: If you have lime zest, you can add a bit to the sauce for an extra citrusy kick.
- Make it Vegan: Substitute the fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari for a plant-based version.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of bird’s eye chilies and add mild chilies like jalapeños instead.
This Steamed Fish with Spicy Lime and Garlic Sauce is a bright, fresh dish that combines the umami of fish sauce with the freshness of lime and the heat from chilies. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests!