Thai Style Spicy Sea Bream Fillet (Pla Neung Manao Style)
Back to blog

Thai Style Spicy Sea Bream Fillet (Pla Neung Manao Style)

Inspired by the famous Thai dish "Pla Neung Manao" this version uses tender sea bream fillets instead of whole fish; steamed and topped with a punchy sauce made of lime, garlic, chillies, and fish sauce. Zesty, spicy, and refreshing.



This zesty Thai-style preparation works beautifully with any white fish fillet such as blue cod, snapper, red cod, ling, hoki, or barramundi.


✅ Ingredients (Serves 2)

  • 2 Butcher Box Sea Bream Fillets (approx. 150–180g each)
  • 1–2 Thai bird’s eye chillies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 30g Ginger, minced
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 tsp palm sugar (or brown sugar)
  • 2 tbsp chicken stock or water
  • Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)
  • Optional: thinly sliced lemongrass or lime zest
  • Lime wedges and steamed jasmine rice to serve


👩🍳 Instructions

1. Steam the Fish

  • Slice lemongrass stalks lengthwise and lightly bruise them with the back of a knife.

  • Place the lemongrass at the bottom of a heatproof dish or shallow bowl.

  • Lay the sea bream fillets on top of the lemongrass.

  • Steam for 8–10 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

2. Make the Thai Dressing

  • In a small bowl, mix:

    • 2 tbsp fish sauce

    • 2 tbsp lime juice

    • 1 tsp sugar

    • 2 tbsp warm chicken stock or water

    • Minced garlic and ginger and chopped chillies

  • Stir until sugar is dissolved and the sauce is balanced (spicy-sour-salty-sweet).

3. Assemble

  • About halfway through steaming, carefully spoon the Thai dressing over the fish.

  • Cover and continue steaming for another 3–4 minutes, until fully cooked and infused with flavour.

  • Once done, transfer the fillets to serving plates.
  • Garnish with fresh coriander, extra chilli, or a few drops of sesame oil (optional).


🍚 Serve With:

  • Steamed jasmine or brown rice

  • Thai-style green papaya salad (Som Tum)

  • Stir-fried morning glory or bok choy


🌿 Chef’s Notes:

  • For an extra aromatic kick, steam with a few slices of lemongrass or lime leaves.

  • If you don’t have a steamer, you can bake the fish in foil packets instead.


🌊 Butcher Box Sea Bream – Perfect for Thai Cuisine

Delicate sea bream fillets cook beautifully in Thai-style steamed or baked dishes. No mess, no fuss; just fresh, high-quality seafood delivered to your door.

👉 Shop Sea Bream Fillets