Steamed fish with okra is a light and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare. Here’s a simple recipe for making Steam Fish and Okra:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs whole fish (snapper or sea bass work well), scaled and cleaned
- 1 lb okra, washed and trimmed
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tomatoes, sliced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 scallion, chopped
- 1 sprig thyme
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, whole (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime or lemon
Instructions:
- Prepare the Fish:
- Clean and scale the whole fish. Make a few diagonal cuts on both sides of the fish to allow the flavors to penetrate. Rub the fish with salt and black pepper, and squeeze lime or lemon juice over it. Let it marinate for about 15-30 minutes.
- Prepare the Okra:
- Wash and trim the okra. If the okra is large, you can slice it into smaller pieces.
- Assemble the Steamer:
- If you have a steamer, fill the bottom with water, and bring it to a simmer. If you don’t have a steamer, you can improvise one by placing a heatproof dish or rack over a pot of simmering water.
- Steam the Fish:
- Place the marinated fish in the steamer, ensuring it’s not submerged in the water. Add the whole Scotch bonnet pepper (if using) and thyme on top of the fish. Cover and steam for about 15-20 minutes or until the fish is cooked through.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- While the fish is steaming, heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the sliced onion, minced garlic, bell pepper, and tomatoes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
- Add Okra:
- Add the okra to the sautéed vegetables and continue cooking for a few minutes until the okra is tender but still vibrant.
- Season the Vegetables:
- Stir in soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), and chopped scallion. Adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine Fish and Vegetables:
- Once the fish is done steaming, carefully transfer it to a serving platter. Pour the sautéed okra and vegetables over the fish.
- Serve:
- Garnish with additional chopped scallion and serve the steamed fish and okra hot. You can serve it over steamed rice or with your favorite side dishes.
This light and healthy steamed fish and okra dish is not only delicious but also showcases the natural flavors of the ingredients. Adjust the seasonings to your liking and enjoy this simple yet satisfying meal.