Imagine tender cod gently poached in a broth of coconut milk, lemongrass, ginger, fresh chiles, and fish sauce. The result is a Thai-style cod à la nage that is not only delicious but also infused with aromatic flavors that will transport you to the bustling streets of Thailand. But how do you achieve this delicate balance of flavors? And can you customize this recipe to suit your preferences? We have the answers for you.
Ingredients and Instructions
Here is a list of ingredients needed to make Thai Style Cod à la Nage in Coconut Milk along with the step-by-step instructions:
- 4 (6-ounce) boneless, skinless cod fillets
- 2 shallots, minced
- 3 medium cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- 1 fresh Thai red chile or Fresno pepper, stemmed and thinly sliced
- 2 (14-ounce) cans coconut milk
- 2 teaspoons Asian fish sauce
- 3 (2-inch) strips lime peel from 1 lime
- 1 (2-inch) knob peeled fresh ginger, thinly sliced
- 1 (8-inch) stalk lemongrass, cut into 3-inch lengths and bruised with the blunt side of a knife
- 2 sprigs fresh cilantro, plus picked leaves for garnish
- 2 sprigs basil, preferably Thai basil, plus torn leaves for garnish
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh juice from 2 limes, plus extra wedges for serving
Heat oil in a large sauté pan and cook shallots, garlic, and chile until softened. Add coconut milk, fish sauce, lime peel, ginger, lemongrass, cilantro, and basil to the pan. Season the cod and nestle it in the coconut broth. Simmer until the cod is cooked through. Serve the cod in bowls with the broth and garnish with cilantro and basil.
Tips and Variations
To make the broth richer, use all coconut milk for the liquid. This will result in a thick and intense broth. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half of the coconut milk with vegetable or fish broth. You can also adjust the richness of the dish by varying the amount of coconut milk used in the broth. Serve the Thai Style Cod à la Nage in Coconut Milk with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor. This creamy and flavorful fish dish is perfect for those who enjoy Thai cuisine and Asian flavors. Experiment with adding other ingredients such as mushrooms or vegetables to customize the recipe to your liking. Enjoy this delicious and aromatic coconut milk-based dish!