Thai Lime-Garlic Steamed Fish is a dish that perfectly captures the vibrant balance of flavors found in Thai cuisine. Fresh fish is gently steamed until tender, then infused with a bold sauce made from lime juice, garlic, chilies, and aromatic herbs. The result is a light yet deeply flavorful dish that feels both elegant and comforting.
The first time I prepared this recipe, I was surprised at how quickly it came together. Steaming preserves the fish’s natural sweetness while allowing the lime and garlic to shine without overwhelming it. The fragrance alone is enough to draw everyone to the kitchen. What I appreciate most about this dish is its simplicity—minimal ingredients, minimal effort, and maximum flavor. It is perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something healthy but still impressive. Served with steamed jasmine rice, this dish becomes a complete and satisfying meal that you will want to prepare again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is fresh, healthy, and bursting with bold citrus and garlic flavor. Steaming keeps the fish moist and tender while maintaining its nutritional value. It is quick to prepare, light on the stomach, and suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.
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Thai Lime-Garlic Steamed Fish: A Bright and Fragrant Seafood Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Thai Lime-Garlic Steamed Fish is a fragrant and vibrant dish featuring tender white fish gently steamed and topped with a zesty sauce of fresh lime juice, garlic, chilies, and herbs. Light, flavorful, and perfectly balanced between tangy, spicy, and savory.
Ingredients
- 2 whole white fish (such as snapper or sea bass), cleaned and scaled (about 2 pounds total)
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2–3 Thai red chilies, finely sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime slices, for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the fish thoroughly and pat dry. Score each side of the fish with shallow cuts.
- Place the fish on a heatproof plate that fits inside your steamer.
- Steam over boiling water for 10–15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- In a small saucepan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Remove from heat and stir in lime juice, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and sliced chilies. Mix until sugar dissolves.
- Carefully pour the lime-garlic sauce evenly over the steamed fish.
- Garnish with green onions, chopped cilantro, and lime slices.
- Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice.
Notes
- You can substitute fish fillets if whole fish is not available; adjust steaming time accordingly.
- Adjust chili quantity to control spice level.
- Ensure the steaming plate collects juices to enhance flavor.
- Best served fresh and hot for optimal taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Whole White Fish (such as snapper or sea bass)
A firm, mild-flavored fish works best for steaming. It absorbs the sauce beautifully while maintaining its delicate texture.
Fresh Lime Juice
Lime juice provides the bright acidity that defines this dish, balancing the savory and spicy elements.
Garlic Cloves
Finely minced garlic adds pungent depth and aromatic richness to the sauce.
Fresh Red Chilies
Chilies contribute heat and color, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
Fish Sauce
Fish sauce delivers umami and saltiness, creating the savory backbone of the dish.
Brown Sugar
A small amount of brown sugar balances the acidity and heat with subtle sweetness.
Fresh Cilantro
Cilantro adds herbal freshness and complements the citrus notes.
Green Onions
Sliced green onions provide mild sharpness and texture.
Ginger
Thinly sliced ginger enhances aroma and adds a gentle warmth.
Steamed Jasmine Rice (for serving)
Rice absorbs the flavorful sauce and completes the meal.
Directions
Begin by cleaning and patting the fish dry. Score the sides lightly to help the flavors penetrate. Place the fish on a heatproof plate that fits inside your steamer.
In a small bowl, combine fresh lime juice, minced garlic, chopped chilies, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
Scatter sliced ginger inside the fish cavity and over the top. Pour half of the lime-garlic mixture evenly over the fish.
Bring water in a steamer to a boil. Carefully place the plate with the fish into the steamer, cover, and steam for 12–15 minutes, depending on the size of the fish. The fish is done when the flesh flakes easily with a fork.
Remove the fish from the steamer and spoon the remaining sauce over the top. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro and sliced green onions before serving.
Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 2 to 4 people, depending on the size of the fish. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and steaming takes 12–15 minutes, bringing the total time to approximately 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, steam gently for a few minutes or warm covered in the oven at a low temperature. Avoid microwaving, as it may dry out the fish.
Variations and Customizations
Thai Lime-Garlic Steamed Fish is versatile and easy to adjust. If whole fish is unavailable, you can use thick white fish fillets such as cod or halibut. I once used fillets for convenience, and the result was equally flavorful.
For a spicier version, increase the number of chilies or add a spoonful of chili paste to the sauce. If you prefer milder heat, remove the chili seeds or reduce the quantity.
Adding thinly sliced lemongrass to the steaming plate enhances the aroma with a citrusy fragrance. For a slightly sweeter profile, increase the brown sugar slightly while maintaining balance with lime juice.
If you enjoy vegetables alongside your fish, steam bok choy or baby spinach in the same steamer during the final few minutes. The greens will absorb some of the flavorful steam and complement the dish beautifully.
For a low-sodium option, reduce the fish sauce and replace part of it with low-sodium soy sauce. Those following a gluten-free diet should ensure the fish sauce used is gluten-free.
With simple adjustments, this dish can suit various tastes while maintaining its authentic character.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Below is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings, excluding rice):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 4 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 520 mg |
Values are estimates and may vary depending on fish size and ingredient brands.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Choose Fresh Fish
Fresh, firm fish ensures the best texture and flavor.
Do Not Oversteam
Overcooking can dry the fish; monitor closely for doneness.
Balance the Sauce
Taste and adjust lime, sugar, and fish sauce for perfect harmony.
Serve Immediately
This dish is best enjoyed fresh while hot and fragrant.
Use a Heatproof Plate
Ensure the plate fits securely inside your steamer for safe cooking.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fish?
Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry before steaming.
What fish works best?
Snapper, sea bass, cod, or halibut are excellent choices.
Is this dish very spicy?
The spice level depends on the amount of chilies used.
Can I make it ahead of time?
It is best prepared fresh, though the sauce can be made in advance.
Can I bake instead of steam?
Yes, bake covered at 375°F (190°C) for about 15–20 minutes.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free fish sauce.
Conclusion
Thai Lime-Garlic Steamed Fish is a vibrant, healthy, and flavorful dish that showcases the beauty of simple ingredients prepared thoughtfully. Its balance of citrus, garlic, and subtle heat makes it both refreshing and satisfying. Quick to prepare and impressive to serve, this recipe is a wonderful addition to any home cook’s repertoire.
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