Coconut Steamed Fish

Think tender, flakey steamed fish ( / kind of poached) in a coconut milk broth with cilantro, tomatoes, and just a touch of heat. It is delicate while still packing a punch in flavor.

This coconut steamed fish is one to save in the books. It’s easy to make, takes no time at all, and yet feels and tastes like a restaurant quality dish that will wow your family and friends. I swear every time I make this dish I find my self smiling the entire time because the best way to describe it is lovely. This seafood dish is a fantastic option to serve at a dinner party or for date night, and best part it it is a one-pot dish that comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal mess.

Not a fan of this flavor combo? Check out Steamed Miso Cod or Steamed Salmon (with lemon and capers).

JUICY, TENDER STEAMED FISH

Confession: this isn’t a traditional method of steaming fish. In fact, it cooks in contact with the steaming liquid. Think of this recipe as a cross between steaming and poaching/braising, as we aim to create a super delicate yet flavorful broth.

Steaming fish offers several benefits: perfectly cooked, delicate, and flaky fish with no mess, no hassle, and no guesswork. Even if you overcook it, the results are far better than overcooked pan-fried or broiled fish. Additionally, this method is incredibly easy and requires no special tools or pots (no steamer rack necessary). All you need is parchment paper and a braiser or a Dutch oven.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED FOR COCONUT STEAMED FISH

• Cod – Cod is the preferred fish for this recipe, however any mild flavor firm white fish will work. Haddock, and Pollock are great substitutes, just keep in mind you are looking for thick cuts, approx. 1 inch.
• Coconut Milk – The sauce get’s the majority of it’s flavor from unsweetened coconut milk, so don’t skimp out and buy full fat. Your coconut milk needs to be thick and creamy, not watery. Each brand is a little different. I find that some brands have a thick and creamy top and then gets watery as you dig into the can. My favorite brand is Thai Kitchen, the entire can is the same thick consistency.
• Broth – Chicken or vegetable.
• Cherry Tomatoes – I love to use vine cherry tomatoes for this recipe. With that said they might be harder to find off season. Feel free to swap with grape tomatoes, since those are in the supermarket year round.
• Cilantro – This recipe calls for a half a bunch, I know so exact. I personally love to leave the leaves on the stems since a huge part of the flavor is locked in the stems. If you don’t want to do this thats fine, use a full bunch of leaves.
• Calabrian Chilis – One of my favorite ingredients to use. This dish has just a little bit of heat from crushed Calabrian chilis. If you are sensitive to heat don’t worry, the creaminess of the coconut milk cuts into the majority of the heat. Calabrian chilis have become increasingly more common in supermarkets however, Delallo and Trader Joes have fantastic options. Or it can be ordered from Amazon HERE.
• Onions– White or yellow.
• Garlic– Fresh only, and a lot of it.
• Olive Oil

TOOLS NEEDED

• Heavy Bottom Braiser – My favorite pan to cook in is my Le Creuset braiser, however if you don’t have a similar enamel cast iron braiser this can also be made in a dutch oven.
• Parchment paper – Did you know that wax paper and parchment paper are 2 different things? I learned the hard way. Wax paper is NOT heat resistant and will melt and burn when exposed to heat. Since the parchment paper has direct contact with the pan you need it to wit stand heat, so avoid wax paper.

HOW TO MAKE COCONUT STEAMED FISH

Cut + Season the Fish – If the fish isn’t precut, on a clean cutting board with sharp knife cut the fish into 6-7oz fillets (slightly bigger than a deck of cards). Place the fish, sliced garlic, and sliced onions in a large bowl. Coat with 2 tbsp of olive oil, 2 tbsp of Calabrian chilis, and a heavy pinch of salt, approx. 1/2 tsp. Toss to coat.

Assemble the Pot – The preferred vehicle for this dish is a heavy bottom cast iron braiser. Line the braiser with 2 layers of parchment and lay the fish, onions, and garlic in the pan. Layer in the tomatoes in between the pieces of fish.

On the side add the chicken broth to the coconut milk and pop it in the microwave for just a few seconds until the coconut milk goes from a solid to a liquid. This mixture should not be hot. Pout the coconut milk + broth over the fish, top with cilantro a heavy pinch of salt, and cover.

Cook until Flakey – Cook the fish, fully covered for 15-20 minutes over low-medium heat. If your pieces of cod are thinner then this time will be shorter, always adjust the time for your pieces of fish. Just in case check at the 10-15 minute point. The tops of the fish should be completely cooked and the fish should be flakey.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH COCONUT STEAMED FISH

If you are looking for a protein forward and focused dish then this coconut steamed cod can be enjoyed as is. However if you would like to make it more substantial check out my recommendations below.

• Rice – This dish was made for fluffy rice; it’s a great carb to soak up all that spicy coconut broth. I suggest trying my easy Vermicelli Rice.
• Crusty Bread
• Roasted or Stir Fried Vegetables – Since this one-pot wonder is easy to make and doesn’t require much work in the kitchen, you’re free to put more energy into a side dish. My recommendation is to try my Spicy Garlic String Beans or Raw Carrot Salad for easy options.

STORAGE/REHEATING

I am not a huge fan of reheating fish, however leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days MAX. If you have a lot of the broth left, you can reheat in a covered pot or pan on low heat. If not reheat in the microwave, checking on the temp in 1 minute intervals.

Love this concept but want another flavor profile. I have a few of these, check out the recipes below.

Steamed Miso Cod
Mediterranean Fish
Steamed Salmon with Lemon and Capers

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