Thai Lime Garlic Steamed Fish (Pla Neung Manao)
A fragrant Thai classic that’s zesty, garlicky, and melt-in-your-mouth tender!
If you’re craving something light, healthy, and bursting with bold Southeast Asian flavors, this Thai Lime Garlic Steamed Fish is the dish for you! Delicate whole fish is steamed to flaky perfection with lemongrass and lime, then drenched in a vibrant lime-garlic sauce that’s tangy, salty, spicy, and utterly addictive. It’s a restaurant-worthy meal made right in your kitchen — best served with fluffy jasmine rice to soak up all that zesty goodness!
Ingredients:
- 2 whole white fish (snapper or sea bass), cleaned and scaled
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 fresh red chilies, finely sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 stalks lemongrass, lightly crushed
- 4–6 lime slices
- 2–3 kaffir lime leaves (optional)
- Steamed jasmine rice, for serving
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Fish:
- Rinse the fish under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Make 2–3 diagonal slashes on each side of the fish — this helps the marinade soak deep into the flesh for maximum flavor.
2. Make the Thai Lime-Garlic Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, lime juice, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and sliced chilies.
- Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved and the flavors are balanced — salty, tangy, garlicky, and spicy!
3. Steam the Fish:
- Stuff the fish cavity with lemongrass stalks and lime slices.
- Place the fish on a heatproof plate that fits into your steamer basket.
- Pour half of the sauce over the fish, spreading it evenly.
- Steam over boiling water for 15–20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is fully cooked through.
4. Serve and Garnish:
- Carefully transfer the steamed fish to a serving platter.
- Pour the remaining sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro and add kaffir lime leaves for a citrusy finish.
- Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice.
Tips & Variations:
- No steamer? You can use a large pot with a lid and a metal rack or a makeshift steamer setup using foil rings.
- Milder heat? Use fewer chilies or substitute with mild red peppers.
- More tang? Add an extra squeeze of lime just before serving!
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Calories: ~250 kcal per serving
- Yield: Serves 4
Fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor, this Thai steamed fish is proof that healthy food doesn’t have to be boring. It’s perfect for weeknights when you want something nourishing and light — yet totally crave-worthy!
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