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Thai Coconut Lemongrass Fish Stew

A delightful Thai dish combining tender fish fillets with a creamy coconut broth infused with lemongrass and lime, served over fragrant jasmine rice.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Thai
Keyword: coconut fish stew, comfortable meal, Jasmine Rice, lemongrass fish, Thai stew
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 350kcal

Ingredients

For the Stew

  • 500 g white fish fillets Choose cod, haddock, or sea bass.
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil Adds depth and flavor.
  • 1 piece onion Thinly sliced for sweetness.
  • 3 cloves garlic Minced for flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger Grated for a zesty kick.
  • 2 stalks lemongrass Use the white part only.
  • 1-2 tablespoons red curry paste For vibrant color and kick.
  • 400 ml coconut milk Creates a rich broth.
  • 1 cup fish or vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce or soy sauce For umami flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar To balance flavors.
  • 1 piece lime Juice and zest for brightness.
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro or Thai basil For garnish.
  • 1 cup jasmine rice For serving.
  • 2 cups water For cooking the rice.
  • 1 pinch salt To season the rice.

For Garnish

  • optional sliced red chili For extra heat.

Instructions

Prepare the Rice

  • Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  • In a pot, combine rinsed rice, 2 cups of water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to simmer for 15 minutes. Let it rest for 10 minutes off heat.

Make the Stew

  • Heat coconut oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, and lemongrass, sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
  • Stir in red curry paste and cook for an additional minute.
  • Pour in coconut milk and broth, stir to combine. Add fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and zest. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Carefully add fish pieces, cooking for 6-8 minutes until tender and flaky, avoiding overcooking.

Serve

  • Serve jasmine rice in bowls, ladle fish stew over the top, and garnish with fresh herbs. Optionally, add sliced red chili and an additional squeeze of lime.

Notes

Ensure fish is fresh for the best flavor and texture. Variations can include different fish or shellfish. Consider adding snap peas or bell peppers for crunch.