Steamed Fish with Zesty Tahini Sauce: A Lebanese Delight

This recipe transports you to the sun-drenched shores of Lebanon with its vibrant flavors and surprisingly simple preparation. Steamed fish, a culinary cornerstone of Lebanese cuisine, is elevated to new heights with the addition of toum, a creamy, garlicky Lebanese sauce that's both addictive and incredibly versatile. Forget heavy, greasy frying – this method preserves the delicate texture of the fish, allowing its natural sweetness to shine through while the aromatic steam infuses it with subtle herbs and spices. The result is a healthy, flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.

Imagine flaky, succulent fish bathed in a luscious, garlicky sauce. This isn't just a meal; it's an experience. The combination of the tender fish and the intensely flavorful toum is a match made in culinary heaven. Ready to create this Lebanese masterpiece in your own kitchen? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions.

Tools Needed

  • Steamer basket
  • Pot
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Strainer
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spoon

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Fish and Steamer

  • Slice ginger and garlic. Prepare green onions, reserving some for garnish.
  • Create a bed of sliced green onions in the steamer basket. Add sliced garlic and ginger.
  • Place the cod fillets on top of the green onion bed in the steamer basket.
Slice ginger and garlic. Prepare green onions, reserving some for garnish. (29.46)Create a bed of sliced green onions in the steamer basket. Add sliced garlic and ginger. (35.61)Place the cod fillets on top of the green onion bed in the steamer basket. (118.71)
Prepare the Fish and Steamer

Step 2. Steam the Fish

  • Steam the fish until cooked through (about 15 minutes).
Steam the fish until cooked through (about 15 minutes). (130.92)
Steam the Fish

Step 3. Make the Zesty Tahini Sauce (Toum)

  • In a bowl, vigorously stir tahini until smooth.
  • Add lemon juice, mixing thoroughly. Gradually add water to reach desired sauce consistency.
  • Pound garlic and add it to the sauce. Add salt to taste.
  • Mix until you achieve a smooth paste.
Prepare the Toum sauce: In a bowl, vigorously stir tahini until smooth. (152.53)Add lemon juice, mixing thoroughly. Gradually add water to reach desired sauce consistency. (195.34)Pound garlic and add it to the sauce. Add salt to taste. (273.17)Mix until you achieve a smooth paste. (324.889)
Make the Zesty Tahini Sauce (Toum)

Step 4. Serve and Garnish

  • Once the fish is cooked, spoon the toum sauce generously over the fish. Garnish with remaining green onions and cilantro (optional).
Once the fish is cooked, spoon the toum sauce generously over the fish. Garnish with remaining green onions and cilantro (optional). (457.02)
Serve and Garnish

Read more: Fluffy Chicken Steamed Buns: Perfect Baozi Recipe

Tips

  • Stir tahini well to prevent clumping.
  • Add water gradually to control the sauce consistency. Add more tahini if needed.
  • Adding salt directly to the garlic helps break it down.
  • Use iodized salt for easier mixing and potential thyroid health benefits.
  • When adding salt, start with less than you think you need and add more gradually.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?

Yes! Firm, white-fleshed fish like cod, snapper, or sea bass work best. Avoid overly delicate fish that might fall apart during steaming.

2. How can I make the tahini sauce less thick?

Add a tablespoon or two of water or lemon juice to the tahini sauce, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. You can also whisk in some extra olive oil for a smoother texture.


This Steamed Fish with Zesty Tahini Sauce offers a healthy and flavorful journey to the heart of Lebanese cuisine. The simple yet elegant preparation allows the fresh ingredients to shine, creating a dish that's both satisfying and surprisingly easy to recreate. Enjoy this delicious and authentic taste of Lebanon!