Steaming Fish Perfection: Thermomix Style

Steamed fish is a delicious and healthy dish that can be easily prepared in a Thermomix. With its precise temperature and speed settings, the Thermomix ensures that your fish is cooked to perfection, retaining its nutrition and taste. Whether you prefer a whole fish or fillets, the Thermomix can steam it to flaky perfection. You can also cook rice and vegetables simultaneously, making it a convenient all-in-one meal. The key to a great steamed fish is in the seasoning and sauce, with ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, coriander, and chilli adding a burst of flavour. So, if you're looking for a light and healthy meal that's both tasty and pretty, steamed fish in the Thermomix is a fantastic option.

Preparing the fish

Firstly, you'll want to select the right type of fish. Firm, white-fleshed fish like barramundi or snapper works well, and you can choose to use either a whole fish or fillets. If you're using a whole fish, make sure it's scaled and cleaned, and consider leaving the head and tail on for presentation. For fillets, aim for a thickness that will cook through in the steaming time.

Once you have your fish, you'll need to prepare it for steaming. This involves making cuts on the surface of the fish to allow the steam to penetrate and flavour to absorb better. Make diagonal cuts on both sides of the fish and rub salt on the surface and inside the cavity. You can also add flavourings like shredded ginger inside the cavity and on top of the fish.

The next step is to prepare your Thermomix. Line the Varoma tray with baking paper and place the fish on top. If using fillets, you can add marinade or a drizzle of sauce on top of the fish. For a whole fish, you may want to wrap it in foil or baking paper before placing it on the Varoma tray.

With the fish prepared, you can now set up the Thermomix for steaming. Place water into the mixing bowl and bring it to a boil. Then, place the Varoma dish into position and set the temperature to Varoma. The steaming time will depend on the type and size of your fish, but for fillets, 10-15 minutes is usually sufficient, while a whole fish may take up to 40 minutes.

During the steaming process, keep an eye on the fish to ensure it doesn't overcook. The fish is done when it's opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Once it's cooked to your liking, remove the fish from the Thermomix and carefully unwrap it if it was wrapped.

Now your fish is ready to be served! You can garnish it with fresh herbs, spring onions, or coriander leaves, and serve it with rice and steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy your delicious and healthy steamed fish!

Preparing the Thermomix

Firstly, gather all the necessary accessories, including the steaming tray, varoma tray or basket, and the simmering basket. You will also need baking paper to line the varoma tray. If your fish is particularly delicate, you may also want to use a piece of foil or an additional sheet of baking paper.

Next, prepare your chosen ingredients. This may include washing, chopping, and marinating your fish and any vegetables or aromatics you plan to use. For example, you might want to slice ginger and place it inside the fish cavity, or marinate the fish in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. You can also prepare a sauce by blending ingredients such as coriander, salt, and olive oil in the Thermomix bowl.

Once your ingredients are ready, it's time to assemble the Thermomix. Place water into the mixing bowl—the amount of water will vary depending on the recipe, but typically around 1 litre is sufficient. If you are cooking rice, add the rice to the simmering basket and place it inside the mixing bowl. If you are cooking vegetables, place them in the varoma dish or tray. Set the varoma into position, ensuring it is secure.

Now, it's time to add the fish. Place the fish on the varoma tray, making sure it is lined with baking paper to prevent sticking. If you are using foil or an additional layer of baking paper, place the fish on top before wrapping it securely. This method ensures that the fish cooks gently in the steam without direct contact with the water.

Finally, with all the components in place, you are ready to start cooking. Set the Thermomix to the appropriate temperature and speed settings, typically Varoma temperature and speed 2 or 3, and let it steam until the fish is cooked to your desired level of doneness. The cooking time will depend on the type and thickness of your fish, so it's important to keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

By following these steps, you can efficiently prepare your Thermomix for steaming fish, resulting in a delicious and healthy meal that is both light and full of flavour.

Cooking the fish

First, prepare your fish. If you are using a whole fish, make a cut diagonally on the surface of the fish body. Rub salt on both sides and the cavity of the fish. You can then add ginger pieces/slices on top, bottom, and inside the fish cavity. If you are using fish fillets, place them on a Varoma tray lined with baking paper. You can also add a marinade or sauce on top of the fish.

Next, fill your Thermomix bowl with water and place the Varoma tray into position. Set your Thermomix to Varoma temperature and speed 2 or 3. Steam the fish for 10-15 minutes for fillets or 30-40 minutes for a whole fish, until it is cooked and flaking easily with a fork.

Once the fish is cooked, transfer it to a plate. You can then add any additional ingredients, such as spring onions, coriander, or a sauce, on top of the fish. Serve immediately with your choice of sides, such as rice and steamed vegetables.

Making a sauce

There are several sauce options you can make to accompany your steamed fish. Here are some ideas:

Chinese-style sauce

Add peanut oil to a wok and fry off a sauce made from soy sauce, sugar, and Chinese rice wine. Pour the sauce over the fish and serve immediately.

Greek-style sauce

Make a dressing with lemon rind, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, ground pepper, salt, and dried oregano. Line a steaming tray with baking paper, put the fish on the paper, and pour half of the marinade on top. After cooking the fish, serve with the remaining dressing drizzled on top.

Thai-style sauce

Place butter, coriander, and salt into the Thermomix bowl and blend. Form the mixture into a log shape, wrap it, and place it in the fridge until ready to serve. In a separate bowl, combine lime juice, olive oil, coconut sugar, fish sauce, and julienned chilli.

Soy/garlic/ginger sauce

Place peeled garlic and ginger in the Thermomix and chop. Add water, soy sauce, kecap manis, apple cider vinegar, and sesame oil. After cooking the fish, pour a little sauce over the fish before serving.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve steamed fish cooked in a Thermomix. Here are some ideas:

For a Chinese-style dish, use a whole fresh fish, scaled and cleaned, and rub salt on both sides and the cavity. Add ginger pieces on top and inside the fish cavity. Place the fish on a Varoma tray lined with baking paper. Boil water in the mixing bowl for 7 minutes, then place the Varoma dish into position and steam for 30-40 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the fish to a plate and garnish with chopped spring onion, coriander root, and coriander leaves. Serve with fresh rice and steamed Chinese vegetables.

For a Thai-inspired dish, blend coriander, butter, salt, and pink salt flakes in the Thermomix bowl. Form the mixture into a log shape, wrap it, and place it in the fridge until ready to serve. Prepare a lime juice mixture by combining lime juice, olive oil, coconut sugar, fish sauce, and julienned chilli. Place a piece of lemon grass on a sheet of foil or baking paper, lay the fish fillet on top, and drizzle with the lime juice mixture. Top with lime slices and grated ginger, then wrap securely. Repeat with the remaining fillets. Pour water into the Thermomix bowl, place the wrapped fish fillets into the steamer tray, and steam for 10-15 minutes. Slice the coriander butter and let it melt on each piece of fish. Serve with steamed rice and green vegetables.

You can also serve steamed fish with coconut rice and bok choy. Place rice, water, coconut milk, and turmeric in the mixing bowl, and line the Varoma tray with baking paper. Place the fish fillets onto the tray and set the Varoma into position. Cook for 13 minutes, then add the bok choy and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Divide the rice, fish, and bok choy between serving plates, and garnish with shredded spring onion, tatsoi leaves, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Sprinkle with black sesame seeds.

Another option is to serve steamed fish with vegetables and coconut rice. Prepare a marinade by blending ginger, garlic, sesame oil, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Place the fish on a Varoma tray with the marinade and chilli flakes. Cook for 15 minutes, then check if the fish is cooked to your liking. Use the fish marinade to flavour the rice and vegetables if desired.

Finally, you can serve steamed fish with a soy/garlic/ginger sauce and julienne salad. Prepare the sauce by blending garlic and ginger, then adding water, soy sauce, kecap manis, apple cider vinegar, and sesame oil. Place the fish on a Varoma tray and cook for 10-15 minutes. Serve the fish on a bed of rice, with the sauce drizzled on top and the salad sprinkled over.

Frequently asked questions