Name: Thai Lime-Garlic Steamed Fish Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 2 white fish fillets (such as tilapia, sea bass, or cod); 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 2 tablespoons fish sauce; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 2 teaspoons brown sugar; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small red chili, thinly sliced (optional); 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped; 2 green onions, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup water; lime wedges

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If you’re searching for dinner inspiration that is healthy, fast, and explodes with bold Southeast Asian flavors, Thai Lime-Garlic Steamed Fish is the answer you never knew you needed. Imagine flaky, tender white fish bathed in a zesty, aromatic sauce brimming with fresh lime, garlicky warmth, and the perfect hit of umami thanks to fish sauce and soy. It’s the kind of dish that steals the spotlight with its simplicity but rewards you with every bite — and anyone lucky enough to sit at your table will be smitten! This Thai Lime-Garlic Steamed Fish is weeknight-easy while channeling the vibe of your favorite Thai restaurant.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Thai Lime-Garlic Steamed Fish Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need an overflowing pantry to make Thai Lime-Garlic Steamed Fish; every ingredient has its purpose, bringing freshness, punch, and the signature lightness this dish is known for. Together, they create a meal that’s both elegant and effortless.

White fish fillets: Mild selections like tilapia, sea bass, or cod soak up the sauce while staying firm and flaky.
Fresh lime juice: Delivers a citrusy brightness that makes every bite pop.
Fish sauce: Essential for that deep, unmistakable Thai umami flavor.
Soy sauce: Adds savory depth and a touch of color to the finished fish.
Brown sugar: Balances the tartness and rounds out the savory notes.
Garlic, minced: Brings warmth and an aromatic punch that’s absolutely crucial.
Red chili, thinly sliced (optional): Guarantees a subtle bite for those who love a little heat.
Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped: Gives vibrant color and the refreshing herbal lift Thai dishes are famous for.
Green onions, thinly sliced: Adds crunch and a hit of mellow onion flavor you’ll love in every forkful.
Water: Keeps the steaming process gentle, ensuring delicate texture every time.
Lime wedges for serving: The last squeeze of citrus wakes up all the flavors just before serving.

How to Make Thai Lime-Garlic Steamed Fish

Step 1: Make the Sauce

Start by whisking together fresh lime juice, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and minced garlic in a small bowl. This quick mixing step turns into a salty, tangy, and slightly sweet mixture that sets the tone for your entire dish. It’s incredible how such a simple sauce brings so much character to Thai Lime-Garlic Steamed Fish — don’t skip tasting for balance!

Step 2: Prepare the Fish

Place your white fish fillets into a shallow, heatproof dish that comfortably fits inside your steamer basket (or improvise with a large pot and a rack). Pour the bright, punchy lime-garlic sauce right over the fish so everything gets coated, then scatter the sliced chili over the top for a pop of spicy color. It already looks and smells like dinner on a Bangkok night market stroll.

Step 3: Set Up Your Steamer

Pour water into the base of your steamer, then bring it to a gentle simmer. If you’re feeling a bit extra, toss in a couple slices of fresh ginger to infuse the steaming fish with even more fragrance. Once steam is rising, carefully place the dish of sauced fish in the basket, cover, and let the magic happen.

Step 4: Steam the Fish

Steam for 10 to 12 minutes, keeping an eye (and nose!) on the process. The fillets are done when they’re opaque and flake easily with a fork. By steaming, you guarantee moist, tender Thai Lime-Garlic Steamed Fish every time — plus, you’re locking in all those incredible flavors.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once cooked, carefully lift the dish from the steamer. Shower your fish with a generous flurry of chopped cilantro and green onions, adding freshness and a burst of color right at the end. Serve it immediately with steamy jasmine rice and extra lime wedges for squeezing. The aroma alone will have everyone rushing to the table!

How to Serve Thai Lime-Garlic Steamed Fish

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro and a handful of green onions do more than just look pretty — they lift all the flavors, keeping the dish feeling crisp and light. Add a few slices of extra red chili if you’re a spice fan, and those lime wedges are essential for that tart, zippy finish that keeps Thai Lime-Garlic Steamed Fish so irresistible.

Side Dishes

Enjoy this delicate fish alongside fluffy jasmine rice, which soaks up all the spicy-sour sauce. For added crunch, consider a quick cucumber salad tossed with vinegar and sugar, or keep it classic with lightly steamed Asian greens like bok choy or gai lan. These sides let the bright flavors of Thai Lime-Garlic Steamed Fish shine while making it a complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve the fish whole on a large platter, dressed with sauce and heaped with herbs for a beautiful, shareable centerpiece. Or, portion Thai Lime-Garlic Steamed Fish individually in banana leaves for a fun tropical touch. A scattering of toasted peanuts or shallots adds a crunchy, restaurant-worthy finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Thai Lime-Garlic Steamed Fish, transfer it (with all the sauce) to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The delicate fish will continue to absorb the tangy flavors, making it almost more delicious as leftovers!

Freezing

While you can technically freeze this dish, the texture of steamed fish is at its best when freshly made. If needed, freeze cooled portions of Thai Lime-Garlic Steamed Fish in tightly wrapped portions, then thaw gently in the fridge before reheating. Expect a softer, but still flavorful, result.

Reheating

Reheat gently to keep the fish tender! Steam leftovers for just 2 to 3 minutes or microwave on low in short bursts, covered, and with a splash of water to prevent drying out. Add fresh herbs and a squeeze more lime before serving to revive those electrifying flavors.

FAQs

Which type Main Course

Tilapia, sea bass, and cod are all fantastic, thanks to their mild flavors and ability to stay moist when steamed. Choose fillets that are fresh and not overly thick — this helps the fish cook through gently and pick up all the delicious sauce.

Can I make Thai Lime-Garlic Steamed Fish without a traditional steamer?

Absolutely! You can use a large pot with a rack or even a deep skillet with a lid, as long as your heatproof dish fits comfortably. Just make sure the fish sits above the simmering water and that the pot is tightly covered while steaming.

How spicy is Thai Lime-Garlic Steamed Fish?

The heat level is totally up to your taste. If you’re sensitive to spice, skip the red chili altogether, or start with just a few slices. For fans of heat, add more chili or scatter some Thai bird’s eye chilies for an extra fiery kick!

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari), Thai Lime-Garlic Steamed Fish is naturally gluten-free. Always check your labels to be sure, but this dish is perfect for those avoiding gluten.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Definitely! Mix your lime-garlic sauce up to a day ahead and store it in the fridge so dinner can come together even faster on busy nights. Just give it a good stir before pouring it over the fish.

Final Thoughts

It’s hard not to fall for the lively, fresh flavors of Thai Lime-Garlic Steamed Fish! I promise, once you try this recipe, it’ll find a regular spot in your weeknight rotation. Give it a go the next time you crave something exciting but effortless, and watch everyone come back for seconds.

Thai Lime-Garlic Steamed Fish Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine with this delicious and aromatic Thai Lime-Garlic Steamed Fish recipe. Tender white fish fillets are infused with a tangy lime-garlic sauce, creating a light and healthy dish that is perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the fish:

2 white fish fillets (such as tilapia, sea bass, or cod)
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons brown sugar
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small red chili, thinly sliced (optional)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
2 green onions, thinly sliced

For serving:

1/2 cup water
lime wedges

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Instructions

In a small bowl, prepare the sauce: Whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and minced garlic. Set aside.
Prep the fish: Place the fish fillets in a shallow, heatproof dish. Pour the sauce over the fish and top with sliced chili.
Steam the fish: Set up a steamer or large pot with simmering water. Steam the fish for 10–12 minutes until cooked through.
Finish and serve: Sprinkle the steamed fish with cilantro and green onions. Serve with lime wedges.