Steaming Fish Delicacy: Coconut Milk Magic

Steaming is a simple and healthy way to cook fish that yields tender, flaky results. This cooking method works especially well with fish, and the addition of coconut milk adds a rich flavour to the dish. There are many ways to prepare steamed fish in coconut milk, and it can be served with various side dishes.

Choosing the right fish

Type of Fish

The most common types of fish used for this dish are white fish with mild flavours and firm textures. Examples include cod, haddock, pollock, tilapia, flounder, halibut, snapper, and bass. These fish are ideal because their mild flavour won't overpower the coconut milk and other spices, while their firm texture will hold up well during steaming, resulting in tender and flaky fish.

Freshness

Always opt for fresh fish over frozen whenever possible. Look for fish with bright, clear eyes and shiny, firm flesh. Avoid fish with dull eyes and flesh that looks dry or discoloured. Fresh fish will not only taste better but will also have a better texture after steaming.

Sustainability

Consider the sustainability of the fish you choose. Opt for fish that are not overfished or caught using destructive methods. Look for labels indicating that the fish is wild-caught, locally sourced, or certified by a reputable sustainability organisation.

Thickness of Fillets

For steaming, it is best to choose fillets that are about 1 inch thick. Thicker fillets may take longer to cook, while thinner ones may overcook easily. Uniform thickness will help ensure even cooking.

Personal Preference

Lastly, consider your personal preference. If you are a seasoned fish enthusiast, you may have particular types of fish that you enjoy more than others. Trust your taste buds and choose a fish that you know you already like.

Remember to be adventurous yet mindful when choosing the right fish for steamed fish in coconut milk. By selecting the right type of fish and considering its freshness, sustainability, and thickness, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious and successful dish.

Preparing the sauce

The sauce for steamed fish in coconut milk is what gives the dish its unique and delicious flavour. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare the sauce:

• Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet or pan over medium heat. You can use cooking oil, olive oil, or extra virgin olive oil.
• Add the aromatics: chopped shallots or onions, ginger, garlic, lemon grass (tough outer layers removed), and chillies. Stir-fry or sauté these ingredients until they become translucent or fragrant and lightly coloured. This should take around 2 to 3 minutes.
• Transfer the aromatics to a blender or food processor. Add coconut milk, fish sauce, and fresh cilantro (including the stems).
• Blend or process the ingredients until they are finely blended and form a thick, creamy sauce.
• For an extra punch of flavour, you can also add ingredients like tomato paste, green seasoning, paprika, or all-purpose seasoning to the sauce.
• If you prefer a thinner consistency for your sauce, you can add some water or chicken/vegetable broth to the coconut milk before pouring it into the pan.
• Adjust the sauce to your taste by adding more salt, lime juice, or spices as needed.

Once the sauce is prepared, it is ready to be used for steaming or poaching the fish. Remember to reserve some of the sauce for serving, as it pairs well with steamed rice or other sides.

Cooking the fish

There are several ways to cook steamed fish in coconut milk. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to prepare this delicious dish:

Ingredients and Preparation:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need a firm white fish such as cod, haddock, tilapia, or snapper. Ensure the fish is cut into fillets, with each piece being around 1 inch thick and weighing around 6-7 ounces. For the coconut milk sauce, you will need unsweetened full-fat coconut milk. The sauce should have a thick and creamy consistency, so check the brand before purchasing.

Additionally, you will need various vegetables and spices. These can include onions, garlic, ginger, bell peppers, carrots, tomatoes, cilantro, green seasoning, tomato paste, paprika, and various seasonings like fish sauce, salt, and pepper. You may also add some heat with ingredients such as red chili peppers or Calabrian chilis.

Cooking Process:

Now, let's get cooking!

• Start by heating some oil in a pan over low to medium heat. You can use a heavy-bottom cast-iron braiser, a Dutch oven, or a simple skillet.
• Next, sauté your aromatics. This can include onions, garlic, ginger, and chili. Cook until they become translucent and fragrant, usually around 2-3 minutes.
• If you're using tomato paste, add it to the pan along with any other spices and seasonings, such as paprika or green seasoning. Stir everything together.
• Now, it's time to add the star of the show—the coconut milk! Pour in the coconut milk and, if needed, some broth or water. You can use chicken or vegetable broth. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer.
• Add your fish fillets to the coconut milk sauce. Ensure they are fully coated in the sauce. Cover the pan and cook over low heat. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fish fillets, but it should take around 15-20 minutes for the fish to cook through and become flaky.
• You can also steam the fish. To do this, arrange the fish fillets in a single layer on a heatproof plate or dish. Spread the coconut milk sauce over the fillets, and place the dish in a steamer basket or wok. Bring the water to a boil, then steam the fish for 6-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
• Once the fish is cooked, you can garnish it with freshly chopped parsley or culantro, and serve it with a side of rice, such as jasmine rice, to soak up all that delicious sauce!

There you have it! A delicious and healthy meal that your family and friends will surely enjoy.

Feel free to experiment with different types of fish and adjust the spices and seasonings to your taste. Enjoy your culinary adventure!

Serving suggestions

Steamed fish in coconut milk is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal and impress your guests:

• Rice: The most popular accompaniment seems to be rice, particularly jasmine rice. Its fluffy texture pairs well with the delicate fish and absorbs the fragrant coconut milk broth beautifully.
• Vegetables: You can serve this dish with a variety of vegetables, either steamed, roasted, or stir-fried. Some suggestions include spinach, snow peas, broccoli, bok choy, kale, Napa cabbage, or a raw carrot salad.
• Bread: For a heartier meal, serve with thick slices of grilled or toasted baguette to sop up the delicious coconut milk sauce.
• Spicy kick: For those who enjoy a little extra heat, serve with a squeeze of lime or a spicy green chili sauce on the side.
• Garnishes: Freshly chopped parsley or culantro (reminiscent of cilantro but with a stronger flavour) can be sprinkled over the dish for added freshness and colour.

Feel free to get creative and adapt the serving suggestions to your taste preferences and dietary needs. You can also experiment with different types of fish and vegetables to make the dish your own!

Recipe variations

There are several ways to vary the steamed fish in coconut milk recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary requirements. Here are some ideas:

• Type of fish: While cod is the preferred fish for this recipe due to its mild flavour and firm texture, you can use other types of thick white fish such as haddock or pollock. Alternatively, you could use tilapia, flounder, halibut, snapper, bass, or salmon. Just be aware that if you're using a softer fish, you need to be careful not to overcook it as it may fall apart.
• Coconut milk: For the best flavour, it's recommended to use full-fat, unsweetened coconut milk. Look for a brand that has a thick and creamy consistency throughout the entire can. If you can't find full-fat coconut milk, you can add some coconut cream to thicken it up.
• Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth is typically used in this recipe, but you could also use fish broth for an extra savoury boost.
• Vegetables: The recipe calls for cherry tomatoes, but you can also use grape tomatoes or vine tomatoes. If you want to add other vegetables, feel free to include sliced bell peppers, carrots, and pimentos. You can also add bok choy, kale, or Napa cabbage to the dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly so that the vegetables don't overcook.
• Spices and seasonings: In addition to the garlic, ginger, and chilli, you can add other spices like paprika, turmeric, or red pepper flakes. You can also use an all-purpose seasoning blend that already includes salt and other herbs and spices. Freshly chopped parsley or culantro can be used as a garnish.
• Cooking method: While steaming is the traditional method for this recipe, you can also poach or braise the fish in the coconut milk broth. This involves cooking the fish directly in the liquid, resulting in a super delicate and flavourful dish.
• Side dishes: This steamed fish dish goes well with a variety of side dishes. You can serve it with rice (jasmine rice or basmati rice are great options), roasted or stir-fried vegetables, a simple green vegetable like spinach, snow peas, or broccoli, or a crusty baguette to sop up all the delicious sauce.

Frequently asked questions