Zesty Thai Steamed Snapper with Ginger and Lime
Experience the vibrant flavors of Thailand with this Zesty Thai Steamed Snapper recipe. This light and healthy dish showcases succulent red snapper fillets infused with aromatic ginger and zesty lime, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests. The combination of fresh herbs and spices elevates the natural sweetness of the fish, creating a delightful culinary experience. Ready in less than 30 minutes, this dish is not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes. Serve it over jasmine rice or paired with steamed vegetables to complete your meal.
N/A
Servings
83
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Red Snapper Fillet
1 lb (skinless)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Vegetable Oil
1 tablespoon (for cooking)
Ginger
1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
Green Onion
1 (thinly sliced)
Thai Chiles or Serrano Chilies
2 (seeded and cut into very thin strips)
Lime Zest
from 1 lime (grated)
Fish Sauce
2 teaspoons
Cilantro Leaves
for garnish (fresh)
Lime Wedge
1 (for serving)
Instructions
1
Prepare your steamer by arranging a steamer basket or a cake rack inside a large wok or deep skillet. Add enough water to the wok to reach just below the rack, then set aside.
2
Lay the snapper fillet on a large piece of parchment paper that has been lightly oiled. Sprinkle salt evenly across the fish to season it.
3
In a small skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped ginger, sliced green onions, and thinly sliced chilies. Sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant but not browned.
4
Add the grated lime zest and fish sauce to the skillet, cooking for an additional 10 seconds until combined. Pour this aromatic mixture over the snapper evenly.
5
Fold the parchment paper around the fish to create a snug packet, sealing it well to retain the flavors.
6
Carefully place the parchment packet on the rack inside the wok or skillet. Cover the vessel with a lid and bring the water to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
7
Steam the fish for approximately 8 to 10 minutes, or until it is just cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
8
Once done, use caution to remove the parchment packet from the steamer. Place it on a serving plate, gently unwrap, and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges before serving.
Nutrition Information
3
Fat
4
Carbs
10
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Thai Steamed Snapper?
It is a light and healthy Thai-inspired dish featuring red snapper fillets infused with aromatic ginger and lime, steamed to perfection in under 30 minutes.
How long does it take to prepare and cook this dish?
The entire recipe can be prepared and cooked in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for quick weeknight dinners.
What type of fish is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 lb of skinless Red Snapper fillet.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a light and healthy dish that uses steaming as the primary cooking method.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 83 calories.
What is the protein content of the Zesty Thai Steamed Snapper?
The dish provides about 10 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 3 grams of fat per serving in this recipe.
What are the carbohydrate levels?
This recipe contains 4 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I prepare the steamer?
Arrange a steamer basket or cake rack inside a large wok or skillet and add water until it reaches just below the rack.
Do I need to use parchment paper?
Yes, the snapper is steamed inside a sealed parchment paper packet to retain flavors and moisture.
How should the ginger be prepared?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh ginger.
What aromatics are sautéed for the sauce?
Finely chopped ginger, sliced green onions, and thinly sliced Thai or Serrano chilies are sautéed together.
How long should I sauté the ginger and onion mixture?
Sauté the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant but not browned.
What role does fish sauce play in this recipe?
Two teaspoons of fish sauce are added to the aromatic mixture to provide a savory, authentic Thai flavor.
How do I season the fish before steaming?
Sprinkle salt evenly across the snapper fillet after laying it on the oiled parchment paper.
How long does the fish need to steam?
Steam the parchment packet for approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
How can I tell when the snapper is cooked through?
The fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork.
What is used to garnish the dish?
Garnish the finished snapper with fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges.
Which chilies are best for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using 2 Thai chiles or Serrano chilies, seeded and cut into thin strips.
Can I substitute the red snapper?
While red snapper is recommended, you can use other similar white fish fillets if necessary.
What type of oil should I use for sautéing?
One tablespoon of vegetable oil is used to sauté the ginger, onions, and chilies.
Does this recipe use lime juice or zest?
It uses the grated zest of one lime in the sauce and lime wedges for serving.
How many green onions are needed?
One thinly sliced green onion is required for the aromatic topping.
What should I serve with the Thai Steamed Snapper?
It is delicious served over jasmine rice or paired with steamed vegetables.
Is this recipe suitable for guests?
Yes, it is described as an impressive meal that is perfect for entertaining guests.
How do I seal the parchment packet?
Fold the parchment paper around the fish to create a snug packet and seal it well.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
The recipe is tagged with Thai, seafood, healthy, steamed fish, quick meal, and 30 minutes or less.
How much salt is used?
Salt is used to taste for seasoning the fish fillets.
Is the snapper skin-on or skinless?
The recipe specifies using a skinless red snapper fillet.
Should I use fresh or dried cilantro?
Fresh cilantro leaves are recommended for the best flavor and presentation.