Description
This Simple Coconut Milk Poached Fish recipe offers a delicate and flavorful dish where fresh fish fillets are gently poached in a fragrant coconut milk sauce infused with garlic, ginger, and lime. It’s an easy, nutritious meal perfect for a light lunch or dinner, delivering tender, flaky fish with a rich, aromatic sauce accented by fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Fresh fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or snapper)
- 1 can (13.5 oz) Full-fat coconut milk
- 2-3 cloves Minced garlic
- 1 inch Fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced or grated
- 1 whole Juice of lime
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
- 2-3 Chopped green onions
- Cilantro or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all necessary ingredients, ensuring fish fillets are thawed if previously frozen to guarantee even cooking.
- Make the Poaching Liquid: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the coconut milk, minced garlic, sliced ginger, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Stir gently to mix the flavors.
- Heat to Simmer: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Avoid boiling vigorously to preserve the delicate aroma of coconut milk and spices.
- Season the Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry and season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the natural flavor of the fish.
- Add Fish to Sauce: Carefully add the seasoned fish fillets to the simmering coconut milk mixture, making sure they are fully submerged for even poaching.
- Poach the Fish: Cover the saucepan and poach the fish gently for about 10-15 minutes, or until the fish turns opaque and flakes easily when tested with a fork.
- Remove Fish: Remove the saucepan from heat and transfer the fish fillets to a serving plate using a slotted spatula to drain excess sauce.
- Serve with Sauce and Garnish: Ladle the remaining coconut milk sauce over the fish, then garnish with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro or basil for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately, ideally paired with steamed rice or a fresh salad to complement the rich flavors of the dish.
Notes
- Choose fresh, firm white fish fillets like cod, tilapia, or snapper for best texture and flavor.
- Adjust lime juice to taste for more or less acidity based on preference.
- If coconut milk is too thick, thin it slightly with a splash of water or fish stock.
- Keep the poaching liquid at a gentle simmer; a rolling boil may toughen the fish.
- Ginger can be grated finely or thinly sliced depending on texture preference.
- Leftover poaching sauce can be served over rice or vegetables for added flavor.
- To make this recipe gluten free and dairy free, ensure all ingredients are certified accordingly.
