Thai Lime-Garlic Steamed Fish is a light, fragrant, and flavorful dish featuring tender white fish steamed with a bold sauce made from fresh lime juice, garlic, chilies, and herbs. This healthy Thai-inspired recipe is refreshing, spicy, and perfect served with steamed jasmine rice.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
Equipment
- Steamer or large pot with steaming rack
- Heatproof plate or steaming dish
- Mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Spoon
Ingredients
For the Fish
- 2 whole white fish (such as snapper or tilapia), cleaned
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Lime-Garlic Sauce
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 Thai chilies, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
Garnish
- Lime slices
- Extra cilantro
- Sliced green onions
Ingredient Notes
- White Fish: Snapper, sea bass, or tilapia work beautifully for steaming.
- Fish Sauce: Adds authentic Thai savory flavor.
- Thai Chilies: Adjust the amount depending on your spice preference.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Gives the dish its bright, tangy flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fish
- Pat the fish dry with paper towels.
- Season inside and outside with salt and black pepper.
- Place fish on a heatproof steaming plate.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In a bowl, combine garlic, chilies, lime juice, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and cilantro.
- Stir until sugar dissolves.
Step 3: Steam the Fish
- Bring water in the steamer to a boil.
- Place the fish into the steamer.
- Cover and steam for 12–15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
- Carefully remove the fish from the steamer.
- Spoon the lime-garlic sauce generously over the hot fish.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Top with lime slices, cilantro, and green onions.
- Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving Approx.)
- Calories: 240
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fat: 10g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
Tips
- Do not overcook the fish to keep it moist and tender.
- Fresh lime juice gives the best flavor compared to bottled juice.
- Use parchment paper under the fish for easier cleanup.
- Add sliced ginger for extra aroma and warmth.
Variations
- Spicy Thai Fish: Add extra Thai chilies or chili paste.
- Lemongrass Version: Stuff the fish with lemongrass before steaming.
- Seafood Mix: Use shrimp or scallops with the same sauce.
- Low-Sodium Option: Reduce fish sauce and use low-sodium soy sauce.