| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 380 | 15g | 3g | 30g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 2g | 30g | 1.2g |
Just when you thought you had tried all there is to seafood, along comes this delightfully fresh and aromatic dish: Grilled Fish with Rice Paddy Herb Sauce. It’s a quintessential expression of culinary dexterity, bringing in flavors from various corners of the world, much like the beautiful city I call home, New York. This dish captures that spirit, that melding of cultures and cuisines, in the most delicious way possible.
The Secret Behind the Sauce
Truly, the soul of Grilled Fish with Rice Paddy Herb Sauce lies in its unique blend of spices, herbs, and sauces. Just think about finely minced garlic and ginger, chopped green onions and rice paddy herb leaves, and a touch of sweetness from the granulated sugar. The savory aspect is beautifully handled by the soy sauce and fish sauce. And it’s all brought together with the freshness of lime juice and a dash of salt and pepper. This is a symphony of flavors singing in perfect harmony, and it’s impossible not to be entranced.
Healthful and Savory in Every Bite
Not only is this recipe bursting with taste, but it’s also packed with numerous health benefits. Fish, as we know, is replete with omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, and vitamin D. The herbs and spices contribute antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits. Soy and fish sauce, apart from lending that perfect umami note, are great sources of sodium and vitamins too. Every bite you take, every morsel you savor, you’re nourishing your body.
Pairing this dish with fragrant jasmine rice not only enhances its overall flavor profile but also makes it more filling – a perfect meal for a revitalizing lunch or a hearty dinner.
You’d find this dish to be reminiscent of traditional Vietnamese cuisine, where rice paddy herb is a popular inclusion. If you’re planning a themed dinner, it might pair well with a Vietnamese Rice Noodle Salad as a starter, and maybe follow up with Vietnamese Iced Coffee Pops for dessert.
So, whether you’re a seasoned gourmet or an adventurous novice in the kitchen, it’s a recipe worth trying. It stands at the crossroads of the known and the unknown, seamlessly blending familiarity and novelty. Just like my hometown. Just like all good things in life.
What You’ll Need
- 6 fish fillets (about 5 ounces each)
- 1 cup of rice paddy herb leaves, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 inches fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/3 cup fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 limes, juice extracted
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
Method
Step One
Start by preparing the fish fillets. Season them with salt and pepper to taste and set them aside. Heat the oil in a grill pan over medium heat till it’s hot.
Step Two
Place the fish fillets on the grill pan. Grill for approximately 3-4 minutes each side, until they are cooked through and golden brown. Once done, remove from the heat and cover to keep warm.
Step Three
In a separate bowl, combine the finely chopped rice paddy herb leaves, green onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir them together until well combined.
Step Four
Add the soy sauce, fish sauce, extracted lime juice, and granulated sugar to the mixture. Stir well until all the ingredients are well mixed and the sugar has dissolved.
Step Five
Add the chicken broth to the mixture and stir one more time. This forms your Rice Paddy Herb Sauce. Set the sauce aside for a few minutes for flavors to meld together.
Step Six
Almost there! Now it’s time to assemble. Serve the grilled fish hot and top it with the Rice Paddy Herb Sauce. It’s even better if you pair it with some freshly cooked jasmine rice.
Step Seven
Enjoy your Grilled Fish with Rice Paddy Herb Sauce, and savor the unique blend of flavors that explode in your mouth. This dish is not just sumptuous but it’s quite healthy too!
