Craving a vibrant and flavorful Thai dish that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this recipe for Spicy Steamed Tilapia in a Pot (หมกหม้อปลานิล). This authentic Thai recipe delivers a delightful explosion of tastes and textures, perfectly balancing the delicate sweetness of the tilapia with a fiery kick of chilies and aromatic herbs. The steaming method ensures the fish remains incredibly moist and tender, while the rich, flavorful broth infused with lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves elevates this simple dish to a culinary masterpiece.
Forget complicated techniques and lengthy preparation times; this recipe is surprisingly straightforward. The fragrant blend of spices and the succulent fish create a harmonious symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Ready to experience the deliciousness? Let's dive into the step-by-step guide and create this incredible Spicy Steamed Tilapia in a Pot together!
Tools Needed
- Mortar and pestle
- Steaming pot
- Gas stove
Ingredients
- Tilapia: 2 large
- Lemongrass: 3 stalks
- Sesame seeds: 1 tablespoon
- Dried chilies: 15
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Shallots: 5
- Mortar washing water: 150 ml
- Boiled fish sauce: 1.5 ladles
- MSG: 0.5 teaspoon
- Fish sauce: 1.5 tablespoons (optional)
- Chili peppers: to taste
- Kaffir lime leaves: torn, to taste
- Spring onions: 3, chopped
- Coriander/Basil: to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Spicy Paste and Tilapia
- Pound together lemongrass, sesame seeds, dried chilies, and salt until roughly blended.
- Add sliced shallots to the curry paste and pound again until well combined.
- Clean and scrape the tilapia. Finely grate the scales and cut the fish into pieces.
- Add the curry paste to the tilapia.
- Add mortar washing water, boiled fish sauce, and MSG (optional fish sauce). Mix well.
- Add chili peppers to taste.
Step 2. Steam the Tilapia
- Add the tilapia mixture to the steaming pot.
- Close the lid and steam over medium heat for 10-15 minutes.
Step 3. Add Aromatics and Finish Steaming
- Add torn kaffir lime leaves, chopped spring onions, and coriander/basil.
- Close the lid and steam for another 2-3 minutes to cook the vegetables.
Step 4. Serve
- Turn off the heat and serve.
Read more: Fresh Thai Steamed Fish: A Simple, Flavorful Recipe
Tips
- Pound the curry paste well to ensure a good blend of flavors.
- The mortar washing water helps enhance the aroma.
- Adjust the amount of chili peppers according to your spice preference.
- Feel free to add other herbs and vegetables you like.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the tilapia with another type of fish?
Yes, you can try other firm white fish like cod, snapper, or catfish. Cooking time may need slight adjustment depending on the fish's thickness.
2. What if I don't have all the listed herbs and spices?
While the full blend creates the best flavor, you can omit less crucial ingredients like galangal or adjust the chili amount to your preference. The lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves are essential for the aroma.
This Spicy Steamed Tilapia in a Pot (หมกหม้อปลานิล) is a testament to the magic of simple yet flavorful Thai cuisine. Enjoy the satisfying experience of creating this aromatic and delicious dish, perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. From its vibrant flavors to its surprisingly easy preparation, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.