Steamed Fish with Herbs Citrus (Printable)

White fish fillets steamed with fresh herbs, ginger, garlic, and citrus create a bright, flavorful main course.

# List of ingredients:

→ Fish

01 - 4 white fish fillets (5.3 oz each, such as cod, tilapia, or sea bass), skinless and boneless
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - Salt, to taste
04 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Herbs & Aromatics

05 - 1 small bunch fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
06 - 1 small bunch fresh dill, roughly chopped
07 - 1 small bunch fresh parsley, roughly chopped
08 - 2 green onions, sliced
09 - 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
10 - 1 thumb-sized piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
11 - 1 red chili, deseeded and thinly sliced (optional)

→ Citrus

12 - 1 lemon, thinly sliced
13 - 1 lime, thinly sliced

→ Sauce (optional)

14 - 2 tablespoons light soy sauce (use gluten-free if necessary)
15 - 1 tablespoon sesame oil

# Steps:

01 - Pat fish fillets dry using paper towels. Season both sides lightly with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
02 - Layer half of the chopped herbs, ginger, garlic, and citrus slices on the bottom of a large heatproof plate or shallow dish suitable for steaming.
03 - Place the seasoned fish fillets on top of the herb mixture. Scatter the remaining herbs, ginger, garlic, and citrus over the fish. Add sliced chili if desired.
04 - Prepare your steamer—bamboo, metal, or an improvised setup using a pot and rack. Bring water to a gentle simmer.
05 - Place the dish with the fish into the steamer. Cover and steam for 12 to 15 minutes, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
06 - While steaming, combine light soy sauce and sesame oil in a small bowl for optional drizzling.
07 - Carefully remove the plate from the steamer using tongs. Drizzle the prepared sauce over the fish if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ideal for busy weeknights since total time is under thirty minutes
  • Packed with nourishing protein and low in carbs so it fits many diets
  • Relies on easy-to-find fresh herbs and pantry staples
  • Gentle cooking keeps the fillets tender and juicy every time
02 -
  • High protein and naturally gluten-free so ideal for varied diets
  • The dish is tender and never dry because steaming keeps moisture locked in
  • Freezes well if made without the citrus or greens and reheats gently for easy meals
03 -
  • Choose the freshest fish fillets for best moist texture
  • Herbs should be perky and brightly colored
  • Adjust chili and citrus amounts based on your taste or time of year
  • Always slice aromatics thin for fast and even flavor during steaming Layering the herbs on bottom and top ensures the fillet is seasoned on both sides Never over-steam check at twelve minutes and trust your fork to test flakes

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