Are you looking for a healthy and easy-to-make main course recipe? Look no further than the Thai steamed fish recipe. This dish is a popular Thai cuisine that features a delicate white fish cooked to perfection with the perfect balance of sour, spicy, and garlicky flavors.
The Thai steamed fish recipe is a great option for anyone looking for a healthy and flavorful meal. This dish is low in calories and high in protein, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. Plus, the recipe is easy to make, even for those who are new to cooking. With just a few simple ingredients and a steamer, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
Key Takeaways
- The Thai steamed fish recipe is a healthy and easy-to-make main course option.
- This dish features a delicate white fish cooked to perfection with the perfect balance of sour, spicy, and garlicky flavors.
- The recipe is low in calories, high in protein, and requires just a few simple ingredients and a steamer.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Selecting the Right Fish
When making Thai steamed fish, it's important to select the right type of fish. The most commonly used fish for this dish is barramundi, but you can also use other white fish fillets such as tilapia, snapper, red snapper, sea bass, or grouper. If you prefer to use a whole fish, make sure it's fresh and has its guts and gills removed.
Essential Thai Ingredients
To achieve that authentic Thai flavor, there are a few essential ingredients that you'll need. These include lime, garlic, fish sauce, lemongrass, chili, palm sugar, coriander, and fresh lime juice. You can find these ingredients at most Asian grocery stores or online.
Flavour Enhancers
If you want to add some extra flavor to your Thai steamed fish, you can try using ginger, spring onions, or Chinese celery. These ingredients will not only enhance the flavor but also add some extra nutrients to your dish.
If you're looking to make some substitutions, keep in mind that some ingredients are harder to replace than others. For example, fish sauce is a crucial ingredient that cannot be substituted with anything else. However, you can use soy sauce or salt as a substitute for fish sauce if you're unable to find it. Similarly, if you can't find palm sugar, you can use brown sugar instead.
Cooking Process
Preparing the Fish
To make the perfect Thai steamed fish, you need to start by selecting the freshest fish available. Head to your local market or fishmonger and pick out a fish that is still firm to the touch and has clear, bright eyes. Ask the fishmonger to clean and scale the fish for you, leaving the head and tail intact. Once you have your fish, use a sharp knife to make a few deep slashes on each side of the fish, cutting down to the bone. This will help the fish cook more evenly and allow the flavors to penetrate the flesh.
Steaming Techniques
To steam your fish, you will need a steamer basket or a heatproof plate that fits inside a large pot. Fill the pot with enough water to come just below the bottom of the steamer basket or plate. Add a few slices of ginger and a splash of fish stock to the water to infuse the steam with extra flavor. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
Place the fish on a trivet or a few scrunched up balls of foil inside the steamer basket or on the plate. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and steam the fish for 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the size of the fish. Avoid overcooking the fish, as this will cause it to become dry and tough.
Serving Suggestions
Once the fish is cooked, carefully remove it from the steamer and transfer it to a serving platter. Drizzle the fish with a generous amount of lime sauce and garnish with fresh coriander and sliced chilies. Serve the steamed fish with hot steamed jasmine rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Thai steamed fish is a classic dish in Thai cuisine and is often served in Thai seafood restaurants. You can easily recreate this dish at home by following these simple steps. For more Thai cooking inspiration, check out the Hot Thai Kitchen YouTube channel. The combination of steaming and lime sauce brings out the umami taste of the fish, making it irresistibly delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of fish is most suitable for a Thai steamed fish dish?
When making Thai steamed fish, the most commonly used fish is barramundi. However, you can also use other types of white fish such as snapper, cod, or halibut. It's important to choose a fish that is fresh and has a delicate flavor.
How long should I steam a fish to achieve the perfect texture?
The steaming time for a fish depends on its size and thickness. As a general rule, a 1kg fish should be steamed for about 15-20 minutes. To check if the fish is cooked, insert a toothpick into the thickest part of the fish. If it goes through easily, the fish is ready.
Can you list the essential ingredients for a classic Thai fish sauce?
The essential ingredients for a classic Thai fish sauce are fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chopped chilies. You can also add garlic and coriander to enhance the flavor.
Is it advisable to use lime when preparing Thai steamed fish?
Yes, lime is an essential ingredient when preparing Thai steamed fish. It gives the dish a tangy and refreshing flavor. You can squeeze lime juice over the fish before steaming or add lime slices on top of the fish while steaming.
What are the key herbs to include in a Thai steamed fish with lemongrass recipe?
The key herbs to include in a Thai steamed fish with lemongrass recipe are lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and Thai basil. These herbs add a unique and aromatic flavor to the dish.
How can I infuse a Thai lemon flavour into my steamed fish?
To infuse a Thai lemon flavour into your steamed fish, you can add lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and lime slices on top of the fish while steaming. You can also add a mixture of lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and chopped chillies as a dipping sauce for the fish.