Coconut Poached Black Bass Recipe

Name: Coconut Poached Black Bass
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 whole black bass, about 1 1/2 pounds each, cleaned and filleted, heads and bones reserved; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 8 shallots, sliced; 10 Thai chilies, 6 sliced, 4 halved lengthwise; 5 garlic cloves, sliced; 2 lemon grass stalks, outer stems removed, cores halved and pounded; 1 cup ikan bilis; 6 pieces assam skin, rinsed well in cold water; 6 kaffir lime leaves; 5 Thai basil stems, leaves reserved for garnish; 5 Vietnamese coriander (rau ram) stems, leaves reserved for garnish; 4 cilantro roots, cleaned and trimmed; 3 tablespoons coriander seeds; 6-13 1/2-ounce cans coconut milk; 2 teaspoons salt, plus additional, to taste; Freshly squeezed juice and grated zest of 1 lime, plus additional juice and zest to taste; 2 torch ginger petals, julienned, for garnish

Servings: persons

4 whole black bass, about 1 1/2 pounds each, cleaned and filleted, heads and bones reserved
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
8 shallots, sliced
10 Thai chilies, 6 sliced, 4 halved lengthwise
5 garlic cloves, sliced
2 lemon grass stalks, outer stems removed, cores halved and pounded
1 cup ikan bilis
6 pieces assam skin, rinsed well in cold water
6 kaffir lime leaves
5 Thai basil stems, leaves reserved for garnish
5 Vietnamese coriander (rau ram) stems, leaves reserved for garnish
4 cilantro roots, cleaned and trimmed
3 tablespoons coriander seeds
6-13 1/2-ounce cans coconut milk
2 teaspoons salt, plus additional, to taste
Freshly squeezed juice and grated zest of 1 lime, plus additional juice and zest to taste
2 torch ginger petals, julienned, for garnish

1
Rinse fillets, fish heads and fish bones well (there should be no blood) and pat dry.
2
Refrigerate fillets until ready to use.
3
In stock pot or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat.
4
Add shallots, sliced chilies, garlic and lemon grass, and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes.
5
Add fish heads and bones, ikan bilis, assam skins, 4 lime leaves, Thai basil stems, Vietnamese coriander stems, cilantro roots and coriander seeds and cook 2 to 3 minutes more.
6
Stir in coconut milk and salt.
7
Simmer, covered, for 1 hour.
8
Strain liquid into a bowl, wiping out pot.
9
Add lime juice and zest to coconut mixture; taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
10
Arrange fillets back in the pot and cover with coconut milk mixture.
11
Cook, covered, over low heat, until fish is opaque and just cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes.
12
Meanwhile, remove stem and spine from remaining lime leaves and discard.
13
Julienne leaves.
14
Tear up reserved basil and coriander leaves.
15
Divide fish among shallow bowls and ladle some coconut mixture on top.
16
Garnish with halved chilies, julienned lime leaves, torn herbs and ginger, if desired.

461

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 17 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 4 whole black bass, about 1 1/2 pounds each, cleaned and filleted, heads and bones reserved, 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, 8 shallots, sliced, 10 Thai chilies, 6 sliced, 4 halved lengthwise, and more.

Yes, Coconut Poached Black Bass falls under the General category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Coconut Poached Black Bass

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions