Pohnpei-Style Fish in Coconut Sauce
A delicate and flavorful dish featuring fresh white fish simmered in a creamy coconut milk sauce, infused with local Pohnpeian pepper and aromatics. This recipe highlights the fresh seafood and tropical ingredients characteristic of Pohnpei.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 lb White fish fillets(such as snapper, grouper, or mahi-mahi, cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 2 cups Coconut milk(full-fat)
- 1 medium Onion(thinly sliced)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tablespoon Ginger(freshly grated)
- 1 teaspoon Pohnpeian pepper(freshly ground, or to taste (substitute black pepper if unavailable))
- 1 teaspoon Salt(or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons Lime juice(freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
- 2
Add sliced onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Pour in the coconut milk, add the Pohnpeian pepper and salt. Stir to combine.
- 5
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Be careful not to boil vigorously, as it can cause the coconut milk to separate.
- 6
Gently add the fish pieces to the simmering sauce. Ensure the fish is mostly submerged.
- 7
Cover the skillet and let the fish poach in the sauce for 10-15 minutes, or until cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the fish.
- 8
Stir in the fresh lime juice just before serving.
- 9
Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve hot, typically with steamed rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Pohnpeian pepper is known for its unique aroma and mild heat. If unavailable, a good quality black pepper can be used as a substitute.
- ✓Ensure the coconut milk is full-fat for the creamiest sauce.
- ✓Avoid boiling the coconut milk sauce to prevent it from curdling.
🔄 Variations
- Add some chopped local greens like taro leaves (if available and prepared properly) towards the end of cooking.
- For a touch of sweetness, a small amount of finely diced ripe banana can be added to the sauce.
- Include other seafood like shrimp or squid along with the fish.