Description
This Thai Lime-Garlic Steamed Fish is a light, aromatic main-course filled with zesty lime, fragrant garlic, and savory fish sauce. Steamed gently for a moist, flaky texture and finished with fresh herbs and optional chili, it’s a quick, healthy dinner bursting with Thai-inspired flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish
- 4 white fish fillets (such as tilapia or cod)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Toppings
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- Sliced red chili (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, fish sauce, and sugar until the sugar has dissolved and the ingredients are fully combined.
- Arrange the Fish: Place the white fish fillets in a heat-safe dish or steamer tray, ensuring they are arranged in a single layer.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the fish fillets, making sure each piece is coated.
- Steam the Fish: Set the dish or tray inside your steamer, cover, and steam the fish for 8–10 minutes. The fillets are ready when they flake easily with a fork and appear opaque throughout.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped cilantro and optional sliced red chili over the fish just before serving. Pair with jasmine rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Tilapia, cod, or any mild white fish will work beautifully for this recipe.
- Adjust the amount of red chili for more or less heat to taste.
- This dish is also delicious with added ginger or lemongrass for extra aroma.
- For best results, serve immediately after steaming.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 70mg