Steam Fish with Rice
A comforting and flavorful dish where fish is steamed with aromatic vegetables and spices, served alongside fluffy rice. This is a staple in Sierra Leonean households, often adapted to available ingredients.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Whole fish (e.g., snapper or tilapia)(cleaned and scaled)
- 2 medium Onions(sliced)
- 3 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 2 medium Bell peppers (mixed colors)(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 1 small Scotch bonnet pepper(optional, for heat, finely chopped)
- 4 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 crumbled Stock cubes
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 cups Rice(long-grain, rinsed)
- 4 cups Water(for cooking rice)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the fish inside and out with salt and black pepper. Make a few shallow slits on the sides of the fish.
- 2
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped scotch bonnet pepper (if using). Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and bell peppers. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes begin to break down.
- 5
Add the crumbled stock cubes, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
- 6
Carefully place the seasoned fish on top of the vegetable mixture in the pot. Add about 1/2 cup of water to the pot, just enough to create steam.
- 7
Cover the pot tightly and let the fish steam over medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. The vegetables will form a flavorful sauce.
- 8
While the fish is steaming, cook the rice according to package directions. Typically, this involves combining rinsed rice with water in a saucepan, bringing to a boil, then simmering until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- 9
Once the fish is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and set aside. You can serve the steamed vegetables as a side or spoon them over the fish.
- 10
Serve the steamed fish with the cooked rice, spooning some of the vegetable sauce over the fish and rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the pot is covered tightly to trap steam for effective cooking.
- ✓Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet pepper to your spice preference.
- ✓You can add other vegetables like okra or carrots for added flavor and nutrition.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Use different types of fish or seafood like shrimp or sea bass.
- Add a splash of tomato paste for a richer sauce.
- Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for garnish.