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
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In a small bowl, mix:
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2 tbsp fish sauce
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2 tbsp lime juice
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1 tsp sugar
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2 tbsp warm chicken stock or water
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Minced garlic and ginger and chopped chillies
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Stir until sugar is dissolved and the sauce is balanced (spicy-sour-salty-sweet).
3. Assemble
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About halfway through steaming, carefully spoon the Thai dressing over the fish.
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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:
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Steamed jasmine or brown rice
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Thai-style green papaya salad (Som Tum)
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Stir-fried morning glory or bok choy
🌿 Chef’s Notes:
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For an extra aromatic kick, steam with a few slices of lemongrass or lime leaves.
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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.