Looking for a healthy, flavorful, and incredibly quick weeknight dinner? This recipe for Steamed Tilapia with Herbs is your answer. Forget greasy frying or complicated techniques; this dish utilizes the simple yet elegant method of steaming to create a perfectly moist and delicate fish, bursting with vibrant Thai-inspired flavors. The fragrant blend of herbs and spices elevates the tilapia to a culinary delight, far surpassing the mundane. Prepare to be surprised by how easily you can achieve restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.
This recipe requires minimal ingredients and even less cleanup! From selecting the freshest tilapia fillets to the final flourish of fresh herbs, each step is carefully explained to ensure success, even for novice cooks. Ready to experience the magic of steamed perfection? Let's dive into the step-by-step process and create this delicious and healthy meal together.
Tools Needed
- Steamer
Ingredients
- Nile Tilapia: 2 (about 200g each)
- Red Chili Peppers: 10 pieces
- Dried Chili Peppers: some
- Garlic: 15 cloves
- Shallots: 20
- Coriander Roots: 5-6 pieces
- Kaffir Lime Leaves: 7-8 leaves
- Lemongrass: 7-8 stalks
- Salt: 1/2 tablespoon
- Coarse Rice Water: 1 ladle
- Chicken or Pork Seasoning: 1 tablespoon
- Oyster Sauce: 4 tablespoons
- Curry Paste: 1 tablespoon
- Green-capped Seasoning Sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Fish Sauce: 2 tablespoons
- MSG: 2 tablespoons
- Sugar: optional
- Coriander: some
- Spring Onions: some
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Tilapia and Herb Mixture
- Wash the tilapia thoroughly with salt, paying attention to the belly area. Clean and cut the fish.
- red chilies, dried chilies, garlic, shallots, coriander roots, kaffir lime leaves, and lemongrass.
- salt, rice water, chicken/pork seasoning, oyster sauce, curry paste, green-capped seasoning sauce, fish sauce, and MSG. (Adjust sugar if desired).
Step 2. Marinate and Steam the Fish
- Marinate the tilapia in the herb and seasoning mixture for 20-30 minutes.
- Steam the marinated fish over medium-high heat for about 20 minutes.
Step 3. Add Finishing Herbs and Steam
- Add coriander and spring onions. Continue steaming for another 3-4 minutes.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve immediately.
Read more: Fresh Thai Steamed Fish: A Simple, Flavorful Recipe
Tips
- Use fresh fish for the best flavor and to avoid a fishy smell.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of herbs and spices to your liking.
- If using black chin tilapia, ensure it's a larger size.
- If adding more fish sauce, reduce the amount of other sauces to balance the flavor.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of fish instead of tilapia?
Yes! Cod, snapper, or even catfish would work well. Adjust cooking time depending on the fish's thickness.
2. What if I don't have all the listed herbs?
Feel free to substitute! Cilantro, basil, and mint are easily interchangeable. The key is fresh herbs for maximum flavor.
3. How do I know when the tilapia is cooked?
The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Overcooked fish will be dry, so it's best to slightly undercook it rather than overcook it.
This Spicy Steamed Tilapia with Herbs recipe delivers a burst of fresh, vibrant flavors in minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal. The delicate texture of the steamed fish beautifully complements the aromatic herbs and spicy kick, creating a dish that's both healthy and satisfying. Enjoy this simple yet elegant Thai-inspired recipe and impress your family and friends with your newfound culinary skills!