| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 35 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 400 | 24g | 5.4g | 10g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 3g | 42g | 1.2g |
Why I Love Thai Steamed Sea Bass with Lime, Green Pepper, Basil, and Basil Seeds
The moment I first savored the exquisite taste of the Thai dish, Steamed Sea Bass with Lime, Green Pepper, Basil, and Basil Seeds, I knew I had stumbled upon a culinary gem. The tantalizing fusion of flavors packed into this sea bass recipe, is powerful enough to transport your taste buds to the vibrant night markets of Bangkok. It instantly became a sentimental favorite of mine, perhaps for its resemblance to diverse NYC culinary scene which I frequently pay tribute to in my dishes.
The Symphony of Flavors & Influences
There’s a meticulously balanced heat, tang, and sweetness in this Steamed Sea Bass recipe that hails from Thai cuisine’s quintessential sapidity. The dish’s exuberant usage of fresh herbs and spices speaks to the heart of authentic Thai cookery, much of what Chef David Thompson, a world-renowned Thai cuisine expert, has championed over the years. And these profound Thai flavors, combined with the familiarity of a classic American sea bass, remind me of the multicultural charm of NYC food culture that I hold so dear.
Complementing Dishes & Presentation
This exquisite recipe, audaciously Thai and subtly NYC, thrives not only for its taste but for being wonderfully versatile in its pairing potentials. It goes tremendously well with dishes that bear a linear flavor profile or a creamy texture. In particular, a mild Thai Coconut Rice or a lightly seasoned sautéed Bok Choy can create a perfectly balanced meal.
The unsurpassed beauty of this dish, however, lies in its presentation. The vibrancy of peppers and basil rudely interrupting the immaculate whiteness of the sea bass not only teases the eye but also enhances the dining experience. It’s akin to how a splash of color can bring a character to life on the theatre stage – an aspect I, as a stage actor, deeply connect with.
What You’ll Need
- 2 whole sea bass (about 2-3 pounds each)
- 6 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 green peppers, seeded and thinly sliced
- 1 cup of fresh basil leaves
- 4 tablespoons of basil seeds
- 6 red chillies, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup of fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup of fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons of white sugar
- 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro
- 2 limes, cut into wedges
Method
Step One
Clean the sea bass by removing the scales and guts. Rinse well under running water, then pat them dry with a paper towel.
Step Two
In a bowl, mix together the garlic, green peppers, basil leaves, basil seeds, red chillies, lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and chopped cilantro to create the marinade.
Step Three
Pour half of the marinade into the cavity and over the surface of the sea bass. Let them marinate for about 20-30 minutes.
Step Four
Prepare a steamer and bring the water to boil. Place the marinated sea bass in the steamer and cover. Steam them for about 15-20 minutes or until the fish is cooked through.
Step Five
Take out the steamed sea bass from the steamer, then pour the rest of the marinade over the top of the fish.
Step Six
Serve the steamed sea bass with lime wedges on the side.
