Exotic Coconut-Baked Fish
Transform your dinner table with this gorgeous Exotic Coconut-Baked Fish, a dish of tender, juicy fish embraced by a rich, creamy coconut sauce embellished with aromatic spices, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Infuse your meal with the vibrant flavors of the tropics, complemented beautifully with a side of steamed hot rice to soak up the delightful sauce. Whether you choose halibut, cod, or salmon, prepare for a culinary adventure that tantalizes the senses and leaves you longing for more. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this dish promises a smooth blend of texture and taste, ensuring every bite is a piece of paradise.
4-6
Servings
220
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fish steaks
2 lbs (halibut, cod, or salmon, cut into 2-inch wide strips)
Fresh lemon juice
4 teaspoons (mixed with oil to marinate fish)
Vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (for marinating fish)
Finely chopped onions
2 cups (for frying)
Vegetable oil
1/4 cup (for frying onions)
Minced garlic
2 teaspoons (for stir-frying)
Minced ginger
2 teaspoons (for stir-frying)
Minced green chili peppers
1 teaspoon (serrano, thai, or jalapeno)
Chopped fresh tomato
1 cup (for spice mixture)
Ground coriander
6 teaspoons (for spice paste)
Ground cumin
1 teaspoon (for spice paste)
Ground red pepper
1/4 teaspoon (cayenne)
Ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (for spice paste)
Ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon (for spice paste)
Fennel seed
1/2 teaspoon (coarsely ground with mortar and pestle)
Salt
1 1/4 teaspoons (for seasoning)
Canned unsweetened coconut milk
1/2 cup (for sauce)
Chopped cilantro
1/4 cup (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Slice the fish fillets crosswise into strips that are about 2 inches wide.
2
In a small bowl, mix lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Rub this mixture over the fish strips and let the fish marinate, covered, in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
3
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
4
In a medium frying pan, heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onions and fry them, stirring often, until they are nicely browned at the edges.
5
Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic, ginger, and green chili peppers. Stir them for about 2 minutes until they release their flavors.
6
Add the chopped tomatoes, ground spices, fennel seed, and salt. Continue to cook, stirring constantly until the tomatoes break down and form a chunky paste.
7
Pour in the coconut milk and simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes until it becomes thick and rich.
8
Arrange the marinated fish in an oiled baking or serving dish large enough to hold the pieces in a single layer.
9
Place the dish, uncovered, in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes.
10
Pour the prepared sauce over the fish, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil, and return it to the oven. Bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until the fish is opaque and has absorbed the flavors.
11
Garnish the baked fish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving. Enjoy with hot rice.
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
6g
Carbs
22g
Protein
600mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Exotic Coconut-Baked Fish?
It is a tropical-inspired dish featuring tender fish fillets baked in a rich, creamy sauce made from coconut milk, aromatic spices, and fresh herbs.
What types of fish are recommended for this recipe?
You can use halibut, cod, or salmon for the best results in this baked fish dish.
How should the fish be prepared before cooking?
The fish fillets should be sliced crosswise into strips that are approximately 2 inches wide.
What is used to marinate the fish?
The fish is marinated in a mixture of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
How long should the fish marinate?
The fish should be covered and marinated in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
What is the required oven temperature for baking?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit before baking the fish.
How do I prepare the onions for the sauce?
Finely chop the onions and fry them in 1/4 cup of vegetable oil until they are nicely browned at the edges.
Which aromatics are added to the fried onions?
Minced garlic, ginger, and green chili peppers are added to the onions and stirred for about 2 minutes.
What kind of green chili peppers should I use?
You can use serrano, Thai, or jalapeno peppers depending on your heat preference.
How are the tomatoes prepared for the sauce?
Chopped tomatoes are added to the spice mixture and cooked until they break down into a chunky paste.
What spices are included in the spice paste?
The sauce includes ground coriander, cumin, red pepper, black pepper, and turmeric.
How do I prepare the fennel seeds?
The fennel seeds should be coarsely ground using a mortar and pestle before being added to the sauce.
What type of coconut milk is required?
Use canned unsweetened coconut milk for a rich and authentic flavor.
How long should the coconut sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer for about 5 minutes until it becomes thick and rich.
How do I arrange the fish for baking?
Place the marinated fish strips in a single layer in an oiled baking or serving dish.
What is the first step of the baking process?
Bake the fish uncovered in the preheated oven for the first 10 minutes.
What is the second step of the baking process?
Pour the prepared sauce over the fish, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil, and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes.
How do I know when the fish is fully cooked?
The fish is done when it is opaque and has absorbed the flavors of the coconut sauce.
What garnish is used for this dish?
The baked fish is garnished with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.
What is the best side dish for this fish?
It is best served with hot steamed rice to soak up the creamy coconut sauce.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve between 4 and 6 people.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 220 calories per serving of this fish dish.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains about 22 grams of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 14 grams of fat per serving.
How much sodium is in this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 600mg of sodium.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 6 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, the vibrant tropical flavors and elegant presentation make it perfect for both family dinners and special events.
Can I use frozen fish for this recipe?
Yes, but ensure the fish is completely thawed and patted dry before marinating.
What is the role of ground coriander in the recipe?
Ground coriander acts as a primary flavoring agent, with 6 teaspoons used to create a deep spice profile.
Is the baking dish covered or uncovered?
The dish is baked uncovered for the first 10 minutes and then tightly covered with foil for the final 15-20 minutes.