Steamed Pomfret Drenched in a Zesty Tom Yum Dream

Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever craved Thai food but felt too lazy to order? This Steamed pomfret recipe delivers the zesty Tom Yum flavours straight to your kitchen! It's all about that perfect balance of sour, spicy, and fragrant.
Brief Overview
This dish originates from Southeast Asia, blending Thai flavours with delicate steamed fish. It is an easy fish recipe that is perfect for any day.
This recipe is fairly easy to master, only takes about 45 minutes, and serves two.
Main Benefits
Steaming is a super healthy way to cook fish, preserving all its nutrients. It is a perfect occasion for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, or impress someone with a fancy Steamed fish with tom yum .
Honestly, it's the sauce that makes this dish special.
So, are you ready to elevate your White fish recipes repertoire? It's easier than you think, and it's going to blow your mind! Let's dive into the ingredients.
A Tale of Two Fishes
I remember the first time I tried to make something similar. I tried to wing it without a recipe, using all the tom yum paste for marinating, I thought that I was being smart by adding all tom yum paste as possible, the fish was inedible!, what a disaster.
This Pomfret recipe is a much more refined and, dare I say, foolproof method.
The Star of the Show: Steamed Pomfret
Okay, so the key is fresh pomfret. A good size would be about 300-400g per fish. When getting the fish make sure the eyes are clear and the flesh is firm.
The marinade uses 50g of tom yum paste. Fresh celery leaves, chopped, are for garnishing. These simple ingredients creates a Healthy fish recipe .
The Aromatic Tom Yum Dream Team
Now, for the sauce! Grab 500ml of water, 3 small chopped cayenne peppers, and 1 quartered tomato. Also, you will need 2 stalks of lemongrass, bruised, and 1 medium chopped red onion.
Also, 1 finely chopped red chili, and juice of half a lemon. Salt, sugar, or fish sauce balances the flavours.
You can find alternative Asian steamed fish by checking the ingredients, and also in the variations section.
Tools of the Trade
You will need a steamer, saucepan, chopping board, knife, and measuring cups. With this equipment, you will find that is a Quick seafood dinner .
Don't worry if you don't have a fancy steamer. A metal steamer basket and pot will do the trick.
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Steamed Pomfret Recipe
Okay, let's dive into what you need for this amazing Steamed pomfret recipe . Honestly, the ingredients are pretty simple. You can easily adapt this, you know?
Main Players: Fish & Flavour
- Pomfret: You will need 1 whole pomfret (about 300-400g/10-14oz ). Make sure it is cleaned and scaled. The fresher, the better, as with any Thai fish recipe ! Look for bright, clear eyes and firm flesh.
- Tom Yum Paste: 50g (about 1/4 cup ). This is the heart of our flavor. I recommend Maesri for that authentic kick, but any brand will do!
- Garnish: Fresh celery leaves, roughly chopped. These leaves aren't only decoration; they add a nice fresh touch.
Tom Yum Inspired Sauce Ingredients
Here's where the magic happens. This is what turns ordinary fish into an Asian steamed fish dish.
- Water: 500ml (or 2 cups ).
- Spice: 3 small Cayenne Peppers , finely chopped (or chilli flakes to taste). Adjust to your spice preference, you know yourself!
- Tomato: 1 medium Tomato , quartered.
- Lemongrass: 2 stalks , bruised. Don’t skip bruising it really releases the oils.
- Red Onion: 1 medium , roughly chopped.
- Red Chili: 1 , finely chopped.
- Lemon Juice: Juice of 1/2 Lemon (about 2 tablespoons ).
- Seasoning: Salt and sugar or fish sauce to taste. Taste as you go and make it YOURS . Some people love fish sauce , I do!
Seasoning Notes for the best Steamed Fish with Tom Yum
Tom Yum is all about balance! You want sour, spicy, and a little sweet. You could get creative with galangal or kaffir lime leaves.
But this recipe is straightforward and should yield a killer sauce to complement any white fish recipes . The salt and sugar (or fish sauce) are there to fine tune that balance.
Don't be afraid to experiment!
Essential Equipment for Easy Fish Recipe
- Steamer (bamboo or metal basket, and a pot to steam).
- Small saucepan.
- Chopping board and knife.
- Measuring cups/spoons.
- Thermometer for checking the fish is safe to eat.
For steaming, if you don't have a proper steamer, you can totally improvise! A metal colander over a pot works in a pinch.
Just make sure it fits snugly and the fish isn't touching the water. Honestly, that easy fish recipe is all about the simplest solution for every situation!
Steaming is such a healthy fish recipes . It keeps the fish moist and flaky. Plus, it's really easy! It’s one of my favourite ways to cook fish, and this Pomfret recipe is one of the best!
Cooking Method: Steamed Pomfret Recipe with a Kick!
Okay, let's get this culinary party started! Today, we're diving headfirst into a Steamed Pomfret recipe that's going to blow your socks off.
Forget boring steamed fish; this is the Steamed fish with tom yum twist you never knew you needed. Honestly, this Easy fish recipe is so simple, even I can't mess it up!
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission
First things first: the essential mise en place. Get your 1 whole pomfret fish (approx. 300-400g ) cleaned and scaled, ready to go.
Then, measure out your 50g Tom Yum paste. Roughly chop some celery leaves for garnish. For the Tom yum sauce recipe , chop the 3 small cayenne peppers , quarter 1 medium tomato , bruise those 2 stalks of lemongrass , chop 1 medium red onion and 1 red chilli , and juice half a lemon .
Seriously, having everything prepped makes life so much easier. It's like having your own sous chef, but without the attitude.
Safety tip: Watch those chilies! Trust me; you don't want chili oil in your eyes.
step-by-step Process: From Raw to Delicious
Alright, here's the Steamed pomfret process:
- Marinate the fish: Gently massage the Tom Yum paste all over the pomfret. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes .
- Steam the fish: Bring water to a boil in your steamer. Place the fish on a heat proof plate. Steam for 15- 20 minutes . Look for opaque and flaky flesh.
- Prepare the sauce: Combine all the sauce ingredients in a saucepan.
- Simmer the sauce: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10- 15 minutes . Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Assemble and Serve: Place the Asian steamed fish on a plate. Pour the sauce over it. Garnish with celery leaves.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Pomfret Game
Want to really impress? Use the freshest pomfret you can find. The Healthy fish recipes start with quality ingredients! And don't overcook the fish! Seriously, nobody likes dry fish.
A good internal temperature to aim for is around 145° F ( 63° C) . You can sub the fish with another White fish recipes , like sea bass or cod! Want to make the sauce ahead? Go for it! It will keep in the fridge for a few days.
I hope you like this Thai fish recipe
Now go, my friend, and cook up a storm! I'm pretty sure you'll be serving Quick seafood dinner in no time.
Recipe Notes for Your Steamed Pomfret Recipe
Okay, let's dive into a few extra bits about this Steamed Pomfret recipe . It's not just about following the steps.
Honestly, I've messed up recipes more times than I care to admit, so these little notes are what I've picked up along the way.
Serving Suggestions: Make it Look and Taste Good!
Presentation matters, you know? Plating this Asian steamed fish just right makes all the difference. I like to serve the Steamed pomfret on a bed of fluffy jasmine rice.
Drizzle that amazing tom yum sauce recipe all over! Fresh coriander or celery leaves add a pop of colour. On the side? Some stir fried bok choy is always a winner.
Drinks wise, a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light Thai beer really complements the Thai fish recipe . The crispness cuts through the spice nicely.
You could also try some steamed greens.
Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh!
Got leftovers? No problem! Pop the fish and sauce into separate airtight containers. The fish will keep in the fridge for up to 2 days . Make sure it's properly chilled.
Freezing isn't really ideal for the fish itself. It can change the texture. But, you can freeze the tom yum sauce for up to a month .
Just defrost it thoroughly before reheating. To reheat, gently simmer the sauce on the stove. Reheat the fish in the microwave or steamer until it is piping hot aim for an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) , use a thermometer for accuracy.
Variations: Get Creative in the Kitchen
Fancy a change? Let's talk variations! For a milder easy fish recipe , reduce the amount of chili. You could even deseed the chilies before chopping.
Want it extra spicy? Add a bird's eye chili to the sauce.
Got dietary needs? No sweat! If you're avoiding gluten, double check your tom yum paste. Some brands contain wheat. For a lower carb version, serve with cauliflower rice instead of jasmine rice.
You can also easily substitute the pomfret with other white fish recipes like sea bass or cod.
Nutrition Basics: Healthy & Delicious
This Healthy fish recipe is packed with goodness. Fish is a great source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
These are great for your heart and brain, which is pretty cool! The tom yum sauce also adds vitamins and antioxidants from the vegetables and herbs.
It's a quick seafood dinner option that's both nutritious and satisfying.
Estimated calories? Around 350-450 per serving, give or take. It depends on your portion sizes and ingredients. Remember this is a rough estimate.
So there you have it! A few extra tips to make your Steamed pomfret with tom yum dish even better.
Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Cooking should be fun, right? You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Help! I'm new to steaming fish. How do I know when my pomfret is cooked in this Steamed pomfret recipe ?
No worries, everyone starts somewhere! The fish is cooked when the flesh turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. A good rule of thumb is to check after 15 minutes of steaming. For extra confidence, you can use a food thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
The Tom Yum sauce is too spicy for my taste! What can I do to tone it down?
Spice tolerance is a very personal thing, isn't it? The easiest fix is to reduce or completely remove the cayenne peppers. You can also deseed the red chili before chopping it. A dollop of plain yogurt (Greek style if you're feeling fancy!) served alongside can also help cool things down.
Can I use a different type of fish for this Steamed pomfret recipe ? Pomfret is hard to find near me.
Absolutely! While pomfret is lovely, this recipe works well with other white fish like sea bass, snapper, or even cod. Just adjust the steaming time accordingly thinner fillets will cook faster. You could even use salmon for a bolder flavour, but bear in mind it's quite different to Pomfret!
How long can I store leftover steamed pomfret with Tom Yum sauce?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The fish might lose a little of its texture, but the flavors will still be delicious! When reheating, gently steam or microwave until heated through. Be careful not to overcook it during reheating or it will dry out.
Is this recipe healthy? I'm watching my calorie intake.
Steaming is a very healthy cooking method as it doesn't require added fats. Pomfret is a good source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids. The Tom Yum sauce does contain some sodium, so you can control this by using low-sodium ingredients and tasting as you go! As with any recipe, moderation is key!
I don't have any lemongrass on hand, can I substitute with something else in this Steamed pomfret recipe ?
While lemongrass brings a unique citrusy and slightly floral aroma that's integral to Tom Yum, you can use a small amount of grated fresh ginger and a squeeze of lime zest as a substitute. The ginger will add a spicy fragrance, while the lime zest offers a citrusy note.
However, it won't perfectly replicate the flavour of lemongrass, but it's a great option in a pinch!
Steamed Pomfret Drenched In A Zesty Tom Yum Drea

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 400 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 5g |