Cá Hấp

Cá Hấp is a traditional Vietnamese steamed fish dish that highlights the freshness of the fish, complemented by aromatic herbs and spices. This Paleo-friendly recipe is simple yet full of flavor, perfect for a healthy meal.

Cá Hấp
30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Vietnamese
250 kcal

Ingredients

  • Whole fish (like tilapia or snapper) - 400 grams
  • Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
  • Ginger - 1 inch, sliced
  • Lemongrass - 1 stalk, minced
  • Fish sauce - 2 tablespoons
  • Lime juice - 1 tablespoon
  • Fresh cilantro - a handful, chopped
  • Fresh Thai basil - a handful, chopped
  • Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
  • Sea salt - 1/2 teaspoon
  • Chili pepper - 1, sliced (optional)
  • Water - 1 cup

Steps

  1. Clean the fish thoroughly and make 3-4 diagonal cuts on each side.
  2. In a small bowl, mix minced garlic, ginger, lemongrass, fish sauce, lime juice, black pepper, and sea salt.
  3. Rub the marinade all over the fish, including inside the cuts, and let it marinate for 15 minutes.
  4. Prepare a steaming setup by bringing water to a boil in a pot or steamer.
  5. Place the marinated fish on a heatproof plate and garnish with sliced chili pepper, chopped cilantro, and Thai basil.
  6. Once the water is boiling, place the plate with the fish in the steamer and cover it.
  7. Steam the fish for about 15-20 minutes, or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  8. Carefully remove the plate from the steamer and serve hot, garnished with additional herbs if desired.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 250
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Carbs: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
  • Total Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

  • High in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, supporting heart health.
  • Rich in vitamins and minerals from fresh herbs, enhancing overall health.

Tags

VietnamesePaleoMain Dish