Authentic Thai Steamed Fish with Lime (Pla Nueng Manao) Recipe

Ingredients

1 whole Tilapia or any white fish, about 1.5 pounds
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
5 bird's eye chilies, finely chopped
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup fish sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
2 stalks of lemongrass, finely chopped
2 fresh kaffir lime leaves, finely chopped
1/4 cup chicken broth

Steps and instructions

Preheat your steamer. Clean the fish thoroughly and make sure to remove the scales, gills, and internal organs. Once clean, place the fish in the steamer and steam for about 15 minutes or until the fish is fully cooked.
While the fish is steaming, prepare the sauce. In a mortar and pestle, combine the garlic and bird's eye chilies and pound until you get a paste. Alternatively, you can use a food processor.
Add the lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar to the mortar and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Adjust the taste according to your preference. The flavor should be a balance of sour, salty, and slightly sweet.
Add the chopped cilantro, mint, basil, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves to the sauce and mix well.
Once the fish is cooked, transfer it to a serving plate. Pour the chicken broth over the fish to keep it moist.
Finally, pour the prepared sauce over the fish, making sure to cover all areas. Serve the Pla Nueng Manao immediately, while still hot.

Tools for making

Steamer - A kitchen tool used to steam the fish.
Mortar and pestle - A traditional tool for grinding and pounding ingredients such as garlic and chilies to make the sauce.
Food processor - An alternative to a mortar and pestle, used to blend the garlic and chilies into a paste for the sauce.
Serving plate - A plate used to present and serve the Pla Nueng Manao.

Recipe variations

Substitute the Tilapia with any other white fish, such as snapper or sole.
Add sliced ginger or lemongrass to the steaming water to infuse additional flavors into the fish.
For a spicier version, increase the amount of bird's eye chilies or add some sliced Thai chili peppers.
Add thinly sliced shallots or red onions to the sauce for added crunch and flavor.
For a vegetarian or vegan option, substitute the fish with tofu or tempeh and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Experiment with different herbs and aromatics, such as Thai basil, coriander, or galangal, to customize the flavor profile.
If you prefer a sweeter taste, add a small amount of palm sugar or honey to the sauce.
For a tangier version, add a splash of tamarind paste or vinegar to the sauce.
For a richer sauce, mix in some coconut milk or coconut cream.

Recipe overview

Pla Nueng Manao is a classic Thai dish famous for its vibrant flavors. This recipe involves steaming a whole white fish until it's perfectly cooked, then drenching it in a tangy, spicy sauce brimming with fresh herbs. The sauce, a delightful mix of garlic, bird's eye chilies, lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and a handful of aromatic herbs, gives the dish its characteristic Thai flavor. The preparation process is straightforward, and the result is a beautifully presented fish that's perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a special meal at home. Expect a perfect balance of sour, salty, and slightly sweet flavors that will make your taste buds dance with delight. Enjoy this authentic Thai culinary experience right from your kitchen.

Common questions

Can I use a different type of fish?
Yes, you can use any white fish of your choice for this recipe. Tilapia is commonly used, but other options include sea bass, snapper, or cod.
Can I adjust the level of spiciness?
Absolutely! You can increase or decrease the amount of bird's eye chilies according to your preference for spiciness. Adjust it to suit your taste.
Can I substitute lime juice with lemon juice?
While lime juice is traditionally used in Pla Nueng Manao, you can substitute it with lemon juice if you don't have limes available. Keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
It is best to prepare the sauce fresh, just before serving. However, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and combine them when you're ready to serve the dish.
Can I steam the fish using a different method?
Yes, if you don't have a steamer, you can also bake the fish in the oven or poach it in a shallow pan with water. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Serving dishes and utensils

Steamer - A steamer is essential for cooking the fish to perfection. It allows for gentle and even steam cooking.
Mortar and Pestle - A mortar and pestle or a food processor is needed to make the sauce by pounding or grinding the garlic and chilies.
Serving Plate - A large serving plate is necessary to present the Pla Nueng Manao beautifully.
Sauce Bowl - A small bowl for serving the sauce alongside the fish so that each person can add more according to their taste.
Knife - A sharp knife is required for chopping the garlic, chilies, cilantro, mint, basil, lemongrass, and lime leaves.
Cutting Board - A cutting board is needed for safely chopping the ingredients.
Measuring Cups - Measuring cups are useful for accurately measuring the lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar.

Origin stories

Pla Nueng Manao is a popular dish in Thailand, known for its vibrant flavors and simplicity of preparation. This dish is traditionally made using fresh river fish, caught from the abundant waterways that crisscross the Thai landscape. In fact, the word "Pla" in Thai means fish, reflecting how integral seafood is to the Thai culinary experience. The dish is a perfect exemplification of the balance of flavors that Thai cuisine is famous for - spicy from the chilies, sour from the lime, and salty from the fish sauce. It's often enjoyed in the hot summer months, with the refreshing citrus notes providing a welcome respite from the heat. The herbs used in the dish, such as basil, mint, and lemongrass, are commonly grown in Thai households and are considered essential ingredients in many Thai dishes, further illustrating how this dish is deeply rooted in the local culture and lifestyle.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.