Chilli Lime Fish: A Quick and Flavorful Thai-Inspired Dish
Looking for a quick and flavorful seafood dish that brings bold flavors to your dinner table? This Chilli Lime Fish is inspired by a popular Thai street food dish called pla tort sahm rot, which translates to "three-flavored sauce." With a balance of sweet, sour, and spicy elements, this dish is a perfect weeknight meal that comes together in just a few minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fast & Easy – Ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
Packed with Flavor – A combination of garlic, ginger, sriracha, lime, and soy sauce creates a bold, irresistible taste.
Healthier Alternative – Unlike the traditional deep-fried version, this recipe uses pan-seared fish for a lighter, yet still delicious result.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Fish:
2 white fish fillets (thin and even thickness preferred)
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons rice flour (or cornstarch/plain flour)
1 tablespoon neutral oil (for frying)
For the Sauce:
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon sriracha
1 tablespoon soy sauce (or fish sauce for extra umami)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
Juice of 1 lime
Garnish (Optional):
Fresh cilantro
Sliced red chili
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Fish
Cut the fish into 2-inch pieces for better sauce absorption.
Lightly season with salt and dust with rice flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Pan-Fry the Fish
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
Cook the fish for about 1½ minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
In the same pan, lower the heat and add sesame oil.
Sauté garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes for about 20 seconds until fragrant.
Add sriracha, soy sauce, and brown sugar, stirring to combine.
Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened, then stir in the lime juice.
4. Coat the Fish
Return the cooked fish to the pan, gently tossing to coat in the sauce.
Let it warm through for a minute, then remove from heat.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or vermicelli noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. For a balanced meal, serve alongside sautéed greens like bok choy or broccoli drizzled with an Asian sesame dressing.
Pro Tips
✔ Choosing the Right Fish: Use thin, white fish fillets like cod, tilapia, or halibut for best results. Avoid fish that dries out easily, like tuna or swordfish.
✔ Controlling the Spice Level: Reduce red pepper flakes or sriracha if you prefer a milder taste.
✔ Making It Extra Crispy: For added texture, lightly coat the fish in cornstarch before pan-frying.
Final Thoughts
This Chilli Lime Fish is a quick, easy, and flavor-packed dish that brings the essence of Thai street food into your home. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in no time. Try it today, and let us know how it turns out!
