Fish Sauce Piquant
A flavorful fish-based stew with bold spices, garlic, peppers, and tomato paste, perfect for seafood lovers seeking a hearty, piquant dish with complex layers of flavor.
Ingredients
- 5 qt. water ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 3 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 c. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. red pepper ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
- 9 whole cloves ⓘ
- 6 lb. fish fillets, diced ⓘ
- 1 c. oil or butter ⓘ
- 2 c. flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 c. bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 c. green onions, chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. parsley, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Add the garlic, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper, salt, and cloves to the water in a large saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to simmer.
- Add the diced fish fillets to the simmering broth and cook until fish is tender.
- In a separate pan, heat oil or butter and cook the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery until softened.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a few minutes.
- Combine the cooked vegetables with the fish broth, then add the chopped green onions and parsley.
- Simmer the mixture for additional flavors to meld, then serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, try adding a splash of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce to the broth. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mix a bit of cornstarch with water and stir it in during the simmering stage. For a twist, consider using different types of fish or shellfish. Make sure to taste the broth as you go to adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Fish Sauce Piquant hot, garnished with extra chopped parsley and green onions for a fresh touch. It pairs beautifully with a side of rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light salad, like a Touch Of Hawaii Salad, to balance the richness of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to restore moisture. Avoid boiling to prevent the fish from becoming tough. This dish also freezes well for up to a month; just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fish Sauce Piquant contains roughly 6469 calories, with 76g protein, 331g carbohydrates, and 564g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (328% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (248% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen fish fillets for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen fish fillets. Just make sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the broth. This will help ensure even cooking and better texture. If using frozen seafood, adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure everything is cooked through.
What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce mixed with a bit of vinegar and a dash of hot sauce. This will give you a similar umami flavor. Alternatively, you can use a homemade version by mixing tamari, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of sugar.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the spiciness, add more red pepper flakes or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce during the simmering process. You can also include sliced jalapeños or other spicy peppers with the vegetables for an extra kick. Just be sure to taste as you go to achieve your desired heat level.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).