Description
This Lemony Steamed Fish recipe offers a light, flavorful, and healthy way to prepare white fish fillets such as cod, tilapia, or halibut. The fish is delicately steamed over a lemon-infused broth with garlic, herbs, and spices, resulting in moist, tender fillets bursting with fresh citrus and aromatic notes. Ready in just 22 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick, nutritious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish
- 4 white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or halibut)
Seasonings & Herbs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano (or thyme)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Other Ingredients
- 2 lemons, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
Instructions
- Prepare the simmering broth: In a large steaming pot, bring the vegetable or chicken broth to a gentle simmer. This will create the steam needed to cook the fish evenly and infuse it with subtle flavor.
- Season the fish: Pat the fish fillets dry and season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried oregano or thyme, ensuring the flavors penetrate the fish.
- Arrange lemon slices in the steamer basket: Place the lemon slices in the bottom of the steamer basket to act as a fragrant bed for the fish, infusing it with fresh citrus aromas during steaming.
- Layer the fish on the lemon slices: Place the seasoned fish fillets on top of the lemon slices in the steamer basket, ensuring they are spaced out for even cooking.
- Add olive oil and garlic: Drizzle olive oil over the fish fillets and sprinkle minced garlic evenly to enhance the aroma and taste with a subtle garlic richness.
- Steam the fish: Cover the pot with a lid and steam the fish for 8 to 12 minutes, adjusting based on the thickness of the fillets. The fish is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish and serve: Carefully remove the fish from the steamer. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately with extra lemon slices on the side for added brightness.
Notes
- Choose fresh white fish fillets for the best texture and flavor.
- Steaming time varies with fillet thickness; thicker pieces may need closer to 12 minutes.
- Use either vegetable or chicken broth according to your dietary preference.
- Substitute dried oregano with thyme if preferred for a slightly different herbal note.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or rice for a balanced meal.
- Do not overcook the fish to prevent dryness; monitor closely during steaming.
