Name: Healthy Steamed Small Fish Recipe (North Eastern India)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 500 gm Fish (small fish, cleaned and scaled (e.g., sardines, trout)); 5-7 Chilies (finely chopped; adjust quantity to taste, green); 5 clove Garlic (minced); 1 bunch Coriander (fresh, chopped); 1.5 tsp Salt; 1/2 cup Water

Healthy Steamed Small Fish Recipe (North Eastern India)

20 minutes

877 reads

4 from 4 votes

Indian Soul Food

About Healthy Steamed Small Fish Recipe (North Eastern India)

Dive into the vibrant heart of North Eastern Indian cuisine with this incredibly healthy and simple steamed small fish recipe. Forget heavy oils and complicated techniques – this dish lets the natural sweetness of the fish shine, perfectly balanced by the subtle heat of fresh green chilies and the bright aroma of coriander. It's a light yet satisfying meal, ideal for a quick and healthy lunch or dinner.

Using just a handful of fresh, readily available ingredients, this recipe is a breeze to make. The magic lies in steaming, a cooking method that preserves the fish's delicate texture while infusing it with incredible flavor. It's a guilt-free delight bursting with authentic taste and a welcome change from fried or heavily sauced dishes.

Feel free to adapt this recipe to your taste! Experiment with additions like mustard seeds or turmeric for a deeper flavor profile, or wrap the fish in banana leaves for an authentic North Eastern presentation. The possibilities are as endless as your culinary creativity!

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Recipe Time & More

Prep5

Cook15

Total20

Serves

Served AsDinner Lunch

Recipe TasteSalty Spicy

Ingredients

▢ 500 gm Fish small fish, cleaned and scaled (e.g., sardines, trout)
▢ 5-7 Chilies finely chopped; adjust quantity to taste, green
▢ 5 clove Garlic minced
▢ 1 bunch Coriander fresh, chopped
▢ 1.5 tsp Salt
▢ 1/2 cup Water

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Instructions

Prepare the Fish

Clean and thoroughly scale the fish. Pat them completely dry with paper towels.

Prepare the Aromatics

Finely chop the green chilies and mince the garlic. Chop the fresh coriander leaves.

Marinate and Steam

In a bowl, gently combine the fish, green chilies, garlic, coriander, and salt. Toss to ensure the fish is evenly coated with the seasoning.
Arrange the seasoned fish in a steamer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. Add about 1/2 cup of water to the bottom of the steamer.
Cover and steam over medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Allow any remaining water to evaporate completely.

Serve

Carefully remove the fish from the steamer. Serve immediately as a delightful side dish alongside fluffy rice and your favorite curry. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Expert Tips

Choose the right fish: Opt for small, firm-fleshed fish like trout, tilapia, or any local variety suitable for steaming. Avoid oily fish as they may become too greasy during steaming.
Don't overcrowd the steamer: Overcrowding prevents even steaming and can lead to unevenly cooked fish. Work in batches if necessary.
Adjust spice levels: Start with fewer green chilies and add more to taste. Remember, you can always add more spice, but you can't take it away!
Elevate the presentation: For a restaurant-worthy presentation, serve the steamed fish on a bed of fresh spinach or on banana leaves for an authentic touch.