Steaming Lemon Fish: A Quick, Healthy, And Delicious Dish

Lemon steamed fish is a delicious and healthy dish that can be prepared in a variety of ways. It is a popular choice for those seeking a low-calorie meal, as fish is rich in omega 3 fatty acids, essential oils, vitamins, minerals, and protein. The key to achieving the perfect lemon steamed fish lies in selecting fresh ingredients and carefully monitoring the cooking process to avoid overcooking. This dish can be easily customized by using different types of fish, such as cod, halibut, salmon, or snapper, and can be paired with sides like rice or mashed potatoes for a well-rounded meal.

Selecting a fish for lemon steaming

Freshness

The first consideration when selecting a fish is freshness. Look for clear eyes, bright and metallic scales, and no fishy or unpleasant odour. These are all signs of a fresh fish. If you're using a whole fish, ensure it's recently live or freshly caught.

Size

For steaming, it's best to choose a small fish, typically around 1-1.5 pounds (500-700 grams). Smaller fish cook faster, resulting in juicier and more tender meat. Ensure the fish fits your steamer or cookware; you may need to adjust the size by cutting it into halves if necessary.

Type of Fish

When it comes to lemon steaming, you have the option of using a whole fish or fillets. Whole fish, such as branzino, flounder, tilapia, red snapper, trout, or striped bass, offer a dramatic presentation and allow you to savour the cheeks, the tenderest part.

If you opt for fillets, you have a wider range of choices, including cod, halibut, salmon, sole, snapper, and more. Avoid fish that is prone to toughening, like swordfish or tuna.

Preparation

When purchasing a whole fish, ask the fishmonger to clean and scale it for you. Before cooking, ensure the fish is fully scaled by running your fingers from the tail to the head. Use kitchen shears to descale if needed, and then wash and dry the fish thoroughly. Score the fish by making diagonal incisions on each side to help it cook faster and allow the flavours to penetrate the meat.

Preparing the fish for cooking

Firstly, select a fresh whole fish. Look for clear eyes, a vibrant overall colour, and a fresh ocean or freshwater scent. You can ask your fishmonger to remove the internal parts and scales, or you can do it yourself. Scaling can be messy, so consider doing it inside a clean trash bag to contain the mess.

Next, make three diagonal incisions on each side of the fish, cutting all the way to the bone. This will help the fish cook more evenly and allow the flavours to penetrate the meat. Stuff the cavity with a few stalks of lemongrass, bruised and cut into chunks, to add fragrance and reduce any fishy odour.

Before steaming, pat the fish dry and place it on a plate that fits inside your steamer. You can use a wok or any other steaming device, ensuring there is enough space to seal in the steam. Place the fish-bearing plate on a trivet or rack above the water level.

The final step in preparing the fish is to time the steaming process carefully. For a medium-sized fish weighing 1-2 kilos, steam for about 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it, especially after the 10-minute mark, to avoid overcooking. The fish is done when the meat is firm to the touch, no longer transparent, and has turned white.

Making a lemon sauce to accompany the fish

Lemon sauce is a perfect complement to steamed fish, adding a burst of zesty flavour to the dish. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to make a delicious lemon sauce to accompany your steamed fish:

Ingredients:

• Butter
• Lemon
• Chicken broth (optional)
• Heavy cream (optional)
• Garlic (optional)
• Salt and pepper

Method:

• Start by browning the butter in a light-coloured saucepan or small skillet over medium heat. This step is crucial as it gives the sauce a rich, nutty aroma. Heat the butter until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty fragrance.
• Remove the browned butter from the heat and pour it into a small bowl.
• Add the lemon juice to the browned butter. You can adjust the amount of lemon juice used according to your taste preferences.
• Season the sauce with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavours.
• Stir the sauce until all the ingredients are well combined.
• Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning, adding more lemon juice, salt, or pepper as needed.
• Set the sauce aside, and it will stay pourable for up to 30 minutes.

Tips:

• Make the lemon butter sauce before preparing the fish so you can focus on getting the right consistency without distractions.
• Use a silver-based small skillet or pot so you can easily monitor the colour change of the butter.
• The sauce is rich and flavourful, so a little goes a long way. A tablespoon of sauce per fillet of fish is usually sufficient.

This lemon butter sauce is an excellent complement to steamed fish, adding a burst of flavour and a luxurious touch to your meal. Enjoy!

Cooking the fish

Firstly, you'll want to select your fish. Any type of fish will work, but some good options are halibut, cod, salmon, red snapper, trout, barramundi, tilapia, grouper, sea bass, or snapper. You'll want to make sure your fish is fresh, and if you're using a whole fish, it should be gutted and scaled.

Next, you'll want to prepare your fish for cooking. If using a fillet, cut six squares of aluminum foil large enough for each fillet. Place each fillet in the centre of a foil square. If using a whole fish, place it on a plate that fits inside your steamer. For a fillet, you can season the fish with a variety of spices, such as dill, onion powder, parsley, paprika, seasoned salt, lemon-pepper seasoning, and garlic powder. For a whole fish, stuff the cavity with a few stalks of lemongrass to add fragrance and remove some of the fishiness. Then, for a fillet, drizzle with lemon juice, and for a whole fish, drizzle with lemon slices.

Now you're ready to start cooking! If you're using a fillet, fold the foil squares around the fillets to make pockets, folding the edges to seal. Place the sealed packets on a baking sheet and bake in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. If you're using a whole fish, bring water in the steamer to a boil and steam the fish for 10-15 minutes, depending on its size.

Once your fish is cooked, you can finish it off with some additional ingredients. For a fillet, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with coarse salt. For a whole fish, combine ingredients for a lemon dressing, such as lime or lemon juice, fish sauce, garlic, red chilies, and coriander leaves, and pour the dressing over the fish. Steam the fish with the dressing for another 30 seconds.

Serving suggestions

Lemon steamed fish is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides and accompaniments to enhance its flavour and presentation. Here are some serving suggestions to make your lemon steamed fish a delightful and satisfying meal:

Rice and Noodles:

Steamed fish pairs well with various types of rice and noodles, adding a hearty and filling element to your meal. Try serving it with steamed jasmine rice, a white and wild rice blend, or even Thai sticky rice for a more authentic touch. If you prefer noodles, opt for rice noodles or even instant pot brown rice noodles for a gluten-free option.

Vegetables and Greens:

Include some vegetables or greens to round out your meal and boost its nutritional value. Steamed or roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or carrots, make excellent sides. You can also serve your lemon steamed fish with leafy greens like spinach, kale, or Swiss chard. For an extra flavour boost, try sautéing the greens with ginger, miso, or sesame oil.

Sauces and Dips:

A variety of sauces and dips can elevate your lemon steamed fish to the next level. Consider serving it with a simple lemon butter sauce, a tangy and spicy Thai-inspired dressing, or a garlic and herb dip. You can also offer a variety of condiments on the side, such as fresh lemon wedges, chopped coriander or parsley, and sliced chillies.

Accompaniments:

To make your meal more substantial and interesting, include some accompaniments that complement the flavours of the lemon steamed fish. Grilled haloumi cheese, roasted potatoes, or a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can add texture and flavour to your dish. You could also offer some crusty bread or flatbread to soak up the delicious juices and sauces.

Drinks:

When it comes to drinks, a crisp white wine or a refreshing beer can enhance the flavours of your lemon steamed fish. For a non-alcoholic option, try a sparkling water with a slice of lemon or a refreshing herbal tea.

Remember, the key to a successful meal is balance and variety. Mix and match these serving suggestions to create a delicious and memorable dining experience for your guests or family. Enjoy your homemade lemon steamed fish!

Frequently asked questions