| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins – 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 285 | 2g | 0.6g | 4.8g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 0.5g | 0.9g | 59g | 2.1g |
As an Atlantic coast native, there’s nothing quite like the clean, fresh taste of seafood. A dish that beautifully encapsulates this sentiment is Steamed Fish with Kaffir Lime Leaves. A symphony of flavors that dance on your tongue, with each note perfectly in tune with the others – there’s a reason this dish is a coastal classic.
Versatile and Hearty Recipe
Although my roots lay deep in the rocky beaches of Maine where lobsters and clams took the center stage, branching out into this tropical fish dish was a natural and rewarding step. Steamed Fish with Kaffir Lime Leaves has a way of transporting you to the heart of a bustling Thai market, all while being a delightful balance of spicy, salty and tangy flavors that beautifully complement a lean white fish.
Similar to other steamed or poached fish recipes, you might find across the globe, like the French ‘Poisson en papillote’ or Chinese-style steamed fish; this dish is a perfect centerpiece for a light dinner. Considering a complementary dish? It pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, allowing you to sop up all the delicious flavors left behind.
A Recipe for Memory and Health
Before I dived into the food industry, I was just a mom trying to make healthy meals for my daughters Erin and Samantha, and this recipe is one that takes me back to those days. It’s not just about the tantalizing taste; this fruit-based recipe boasts numerous health benefits too. The kaffir lime leaf, an essential ingredient, is known for its high content of beneficial compounds like antioxidants, essential oils, and more. The rest is piled high with ingredients that pack a nutritional punch, like ginger and garlic, known for their numerous health benefits, as well as soy and fish sauce, making it a heart-healthy choice that would please any gourmand.
So whether you’re a seafood lover looking for a refreshing dish or a parent on a quest for a healthy, delicious meal, Steamed Fish with Kaffir Lime Leaves promises to be a palate-pleaser. I hope you enjoy it as much as I and my family do.
What You’ll Need
- 6 fillets of white fish, each about 6 ounces
- 12 fresh kaffir lime leaves, finely chopped
- Zest and juice of 2 fresh limes
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 inch piece of fresh ginger, finely grated
- 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
- 1 red chili pepper, deseeded and finely chopped
- 1 bunch of fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- 1 bunch of fresh mint leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Extra lime slices, for serving
Method
Step One
Prepare your steaming setup by bringing water to a boil in a steamer. If you don’t have one, simply use a large pot with a wire rack over it. Place a heatproof dish on top where you can place your fish.
Step Two
Season both sides of your fish fillets with salt and pepper. Arrange them on the prepared dish in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping.
Step Three
In a food processor or manually using a knife, combine the chopped kaffir lime leaves, lime zest, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, fish sauce, and chopped red chili. Process or mix until the ingredients are fully combined to produce a marinade.
Step Four
Pour the marinade evenly over the fish fillets, making sure all areas are covered. Sprinkle the chopped fresh coriander and mint leaves over the top.
Step Five
Place the dish into your steamer or onto the rack over the pot of boiling water, ensuring it is not in direct contact with the water. Cover and allow the fish to steam for about 10-15 minutes, or until the fillets are cooked through and opaque. The precise time will vary dependent on the thickness of your fillets.
Step Six
Carefully remove the dish from the steamer, being cautious of the hot steam. Serve the fish hot with extra lime slices on the side for guests to add as desired.
