Name: Thai Steamed Fish with Lemongrass and Tangy Lime Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 13 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 8 oz Cod filets; 2-3 stalks Lemongrass, bruised; 4 cloves Garlic, peeled; 1 bunch Coriander roots; 2 Thai chilis (adjust to spice preference); 1.5 tbsp Fish sauce; 1 tsp Sugar; 1/2 cup Chicken stock; 1 Lime, juiced; 3 sprigs Cilantro; 1 Chili pepper (for garnish); 2-3 slices Lime; 1 serving Jasmine rice (1/4 cup uncooked)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 80 reviews

There is something truly magical about the way fresh, delicate fish soaks up vibrant, zesty flavors in a Thai Steamed Fish with Lemongrass and Tangy Lime Sauce Recipe. This dish perfectly balances aromatic herbs, spicy chilis, and tangy lime, creating a light yet deeply satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug from Thai cuisine itself. Whether you’re craving an easy weeknight supper or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe highlights the pure, fresh tastes of Southeast Asia in a way that’s simple, healthy, and incredibly delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows cooking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. On the left side, a white wooden board holds three long green onions, fresh green cilantro, a whole white garlic bulb, a sliced lime half showing its light green inside, and a whole small red chili pepper. To the right of the board, two white bowls contain a light yellow liquid and a dark brown sauce. Above these, a small white spoon contains white granules. Next to these bowls, a small white bowl with a blue rim is filled with white rice. Below everything, a piece of light-colored raw fish is placed on brown parchment paper. A woman's hand is not visible in this image. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Thai Steamed Fish with Lemongrass and Tangy Lime Sauce Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredient list, each playing a vital role in creating harmonious flavors and textures. These essentials are easy to find yet powerful enough to elevate the dish to something you’ll want to make again and again.

4 cloves Garlic: Adds a pungent and savory depth, grounding the fresh flavors perfectly.
1 bunch Coriander roots: Gives an earthy, bright aroma that’s unique and traditional in Thai cooking.
2 Thai chilis (adjust to spice preference): Imparts a lively, spicy kick that wakes up your palate.
1 Lime: The star of the tangy element, balancing the spice and lifting the whole dish.
1.5 tbsp Fish sauce: A salty, umami powerhouse that brings authenticity and depth.
1 tsp Sugar: Just enough sweetness to mellow and round out the bold flavors.
½ cup Chicken stock: Adds gentle richness and a broth-like texture.
8 oz Cod filets: Mild white fish that absorbs the flavors beautifully without overpowering them.
2-3 stalks Lemongrass: Infuses a bright, citrusy note that is refreshingly fragrant.
1 serving Jasmine rice (¼ cup uncooked): The perfect fluffy companion to soak up the sauce.
2-3 slices Lime: For garnish and an extra burst of citrusy freshness.
3 sprigs Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal lift and vibrant color at the end.
1 Chili Pepper (for garnish): Optional but makes the final presentation pop with heat and color.

How to Make Thai Steamed Fish with Lemongrass and Tangy Lime Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Aromatics

First off, gather your fresh garlic, coriander roots, and Thai chilis. Slice the chilis finely, peel the garlic, and trim the coriander roots. Traditionally, you grind these ingredients in a mortar and pestle until they turn into a fine paste, making the flavors meld seamlessly in your sauce. No mortar and pestle? No worries! Finely mincing everything with a sharp knife still works beautifully—just take your time to really combine the flavors well.

Step 2: Make the Tangy Lime Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, fish sauce, fresh lime juice, and chicken stock to create a balanced, savory-tangy base. Next, stir in the aromatic paste you just prepared. The sauce should be more like a thin soup rather than thick, so it will generously infuse into the fish as it cooks, creating that signature zing and freshness that makes this Thai Steamed Fish with Lemongrass and Tangy Lime Sauce Recipe so irresistible.

Step 3: Prepare the Fish for Steaming

Set up a steamer by filling a large saucepan or wok with water halfway. If you don’t have a steamer basket, here’s a clever trick: use a large square of foil twisted into a circular spiral for the fish to rest on, then place a large plate over the foil. Lay bruised lemongrass stalks on the plate to infuse the fish with aromatic brightness. Place the lightly salted cod filets on top, cover, and bring the water to a gentle simmer. Steam the fish for about 3 minutes on low heat, getting it partly cooked before adding the sauce.

Step 4: Dress and Finish Steaming the Fish

Pour the tangy lime sauce over the partially steamed fish. Cover again tightly, allowing the fish to absorb all that amazing flavor as it finishes cooking. In about 5 more minutes, the fish will become perfectly opaque and flaky, ready to be enjoyed. This step ensures the sauce deeply penetrates the fish, creating a moist, aromatic finish to this Thai Steamed Fish with Lemongrass and Tangy Lime Sauce Recipe.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Carefully remove the cooked fish from the steamer, spooning any leftover sauce over the fillets. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro sprigs, additional lime slices, and a chili pepper for a kick of color and heat. Serve immediately, ideally with a side of fragrant jasmine rice, to scoop up every last drop of that heavenly sauce.

How to Serve Thai Steamed Fish with Lemongrass and Tangy Lime Sauce Recipe

A white round bowl holds two pieces of white fish fillets placed on top of green scallions. The fillets are covered with red chili slices, chopped garlic, and fresh green cilantro leaves, with lime wedges adding a pop of green on top. The fish sits in an orange-colored broth. To the side, there is a white bowl with steamed white rice and a dark brown cup. A wooden spoon rests on a gray cloth with white stripes. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface with scattered garnishes of lime and chili slices. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The final look of this dish truly brings it home. Fresh cilantro leaves add a pop of green freshness, while a few extra slices of lime allow each eater to add their personal zing. Thinly sliced fresh chili not only brightens the plate with its vivid red but also delivers heat if you love it spicy. These garnishes transform your meal into a stunning, inviting presentation ready to impress.

Side Dishes

Since the steamed fish is light and packed with vibrant flavors, it pairs beautifully with simple sides. Fluffy jasmine rice is a classic choice, soaking up the tangy lime sauce perfectly. For a little extra crunch and color, serve with a crisp cucumber salad or lightly sautéed Asian greens like bok choy or gai lan. These mild sides balance the richness of the fish and keep the meal refreshing and well-rounded.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to get a little creative? Serve the fish family-style on a large platter with the sauce drizzled over and garnishes scattered on top. Alternatively, wrap each filet individually in banana leaves before steaming to impart an extra layer of aroma and elegance. For a festive touch, serve with edible flowers like nasturtiums or Thai basil leaves to make every bite as beautiful as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Thai Steamed Fish with Lemongrass and Tangy Lime Sauce Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Since the fish is delicate, enjoy it quickly to appreciate the freshest flavors and ideal texture before the fish starts to dry out.

Freezing

While steaming preserves moisture, this delicate fish is not the best candidate for freezing as it may lose texture and flavor. If you must freeze, place the cooked fish and sauce in a sealed container and consume within one month. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a steamer or a microwave on low power to avoid overcooking. Adding a splash of water or stock before warming helps maintain moisture, keeping the fish tender and juicy. Avoid high heat as it can cause the fish to become dry and rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use fish other than cod for this recipe?

Absolutely! While cod works beautifully due to its mild flavor and delicate texture, feel free to use other white fish like tilapia, snapper, or sea bass. Just make sure the fish is fresh and has a texture suitable for steaming.

What if I don’t have coriander roots?

If coriander roots are unavailable, you can substitute with the stems of fresh cilantro. While the flavor won’t be as intense, it still adds a lovely herbal aroma. Another option is to increase the amount of chopped cilantro leaves slightly.

How spicy is this dish, and can I adjust the heat?

This Thai Steamed Fish with Lemongrass and Tangy Lime Sauce Recipe has a balanced moderate heat level that you can easily customize by adjusting the number of Thai chilis or removing the seeds before adding. For a milder dish, use fewer chilis or substitute with a sweet bell pepper for color without spice.

What if I don’t have a steamer?

No steamer? No problem! The recipe’s tip to use a foil spiral in a pan works wonders. Alternatively, you can place a heatproof rack or inverted bowl in a pot with water, making sure your fish doesn’t touch the water, and cover tightly to steam.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

This recipe is best enjoyed fresh due to its vibrant flavors and delicate fish texture. However, you can steam the fish and prepare the sauce ahead of time separately. Combine and reheat gently before serving for a quick, fresh-tasting meal.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend enough giving this Thai Steamed Fish with Lemongrass and Tangy Lime Sauce Recipe a try. It’s one of those dishes that feels effortlessly elegant yet comes together in a snap with simple ingredients you probably have on hand. The combination of fresh herbs, lively lime, and perfectly steamed fish creates a dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Once you’ve experienced those bright, fragrant flavors, this recipe will surely become one of your new favorites to revisit time and time again.