| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins – 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 325 | 10g | 2g | 7g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 2g | 15g | 1.2g |
Why I Love Thai Steamed Sea Bass with Lime, Basil and Basil Seeds
When you first tuck into a dish of our Steamed Sea Bass with Lime, Basil and Basil Seeds, the flavors transported in every bite act as a culinary passport, transporting you directly to the bustling markets of Thailand. This vibrant and aromatic dish takes New England’s famed sea bass and wraps it in Thai allure – a breathtaking fusion of mouth-watering tanginess, gentle heat, and the sweet undertone of basil seeds.
A Harmony of Flavors
There’s something tremendously satisfying about working with fresh, quality ingredients like a large 3-pound sea bass, ripe red chilies, and fragrant Thai basil leaves. Every element in this recipe contributes to an unison of flavors, resulting in an exciting and complex dish. The sea bass turns incredibly tender when steamed, an almost creamy juxtaposition against the acidity of lime and savoriness of soy and fish sauces. The aroma of the dish alone, redolent with lemongrass and zesty kaffir lime leaves is enough to get your mouth watering!
It’s dishes like this that make me nostalgic. While seafood is a common feature of my coastal Maine heritage and daily cooking, it’s also abundantly present in Thai cuisine, a facet introduced to me by none other than David Thompson, the Thai culinary wizard. Every recipe holds the potential of an epicurean adventure and this dish wholly embodies that spirit of exploration.
Steamed Sea Bass with Lime, Basil and Basil Seeds: The Health Factor
Aside from the delightful stimulation of our taste buds, this recipe offers a wealth of nutritional benefits. Steaming the sea bass ensures that it retains all its inherent goodness, making it a healthier cooking option than frying or roasting. Sea bass is a low-fat protein source packed with essential Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Pair this with the potent combination of fresh herbs and spices like Thai basil, galangal, and red chilies, and you’ve got a veritable powerhouse of nutrition on your plate.
Every bite of this Steamed Sea Bass with Lime, Basil and Basil Seeds offers the perfect balance of exceptional Thai flavors, satisfying New England seafood tradition, and healthful benefits. It breaks the boundaries of cuisine-tagged confines, merging contrasting culinary worlds into a harmony reflected beautifully in every mouthful. Perhaps most importantly, it’s a recipe my daughters, Erin and Samantha, often request as their favourite dinner treat!
Whether you’re a seafood-loving Mainer like myself or simply someone who appreciates a delightful melange of flavors, this recipe has something to offer you. I invite you to try this luxurious dish and relish the uniquely delicious experience it provides.
What You’ll Need
- 1 large sea bass (around 3 lbs)
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 4 red chilies, deseeded and finely chopped
- 8 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- 4 tablespoons basil seeds, soaked in water
- 2 stalks lemongrass, chopped
- 6 kaffir lime leaves
- 2 inches fresh galangal, sliced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- Lime slices for garnish
Method
Step One
Firstly, clean your sea bass thoroughly both inside and outside. Make several diagonal slashes on both sides of the fish, being careful not to cut too deep. This step is essential for the flavors to properly penetrate the fish.
Step Two
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, fish sauce, garlic, red chilies, lime juice, and brown sugar. Mix well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Step Three
Take your prepared sea bass and place it on a large plate. Pour half of the spice mixture you made over the fish, making sure to get it into the slashes you made. Let the fish marinate for about 1 hour, flipping it halfway through to ensure both sides are marinated equally.
Step Four
While your fish is marinating, prepare your steamer. You can use a traditional bamboo steamer, or a large pot with a steamer insert. Fill the steamer with water, add the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal. Bring the water to a boil.
Step Five
Once your fish is done marinating, discard the marinade. Place the fish on the steamer and cover it. Let the fish steam for about 20 minutes, or until it is cooked through. To check if your fish is cooked, the flesh should easily flake off when poked with a fork.
Step Six
While the fish is steaming, prepare the basil sauce. In a blender, combine the remaining spice mixture with the Thai basil leaves and soaked basil seeds. Blend until a smooth sauce forms.
Step Seven
Transfer the steamed fish to a serving platter. Pour the basil sauce over the fish and garnish with fresh coriander leaves and lime slices. Your Steamed Sea Bass with Lime, Basil and Basil Seeds is ready to serve and enjoy!
