Why This Recipe Works
This steamed fish with cashew cream and green papaya salad is fresh, elegant and surprisingly easy to prepare at home. The soft, flaky fish is balanced by a silky savoury cashew cream, while the green papaya salad brings crunch, herbs and brightness to every bite.
It is the kind of dish that feels refined enough for entertaining, yet simple enough for a relaxed lunch or light summer dinner. If you are looking for a healthy fish recipe that still feels special, this one delivers flavour, texture and colour in a beautiful way.
Best Fish to Use
Hake works beautifully in this recipe because it is delicate, mild and flakes nicely once steamed. You can also use other fleshy white fish such as snapper, barramundi, whiting or blue eye, depending on what is fresh and available.
The key is choosing a firm white fish that will hold its shape while steaming and pair well with the creamy sauce and crisp salad.
Why the Cashew Cream and Green Papaya Salad Work So Well
The cashew cream adds richness without making the dish heavy, giving the fish a smooth savoury base. The green papaya salad then lifts everything with freshness, crunch and a little sweetness, creating a balanced plate that feels light but satisfying.
This combination makes the recipe ideal for warm weather entertaining, Christmas tables, long lunches or any time you want a seafood dish that looks impressive without being complicated.
How to Serve Steamed Fish with Green Papaya Salad
Serve this dish as a light main course for lunch or dinner, or plate it up as part of a larger shared spread for entertaining. It pairs beautifully with chilled white wine, a crisp rosé, or simple steamed rice if you want to make the meal more substantial.
If you are hosting, the salad components and cashew cream can be prepared ahead, then finished with freshly steamed fish just before serving.
Steamed Fish with Cashew Cream & Green Papaya Salad
Ingredients
- 4 Pieces Fleshy White Fish (I used Hake) Salt, Pepper and Lemon to Season
Cashew Cream
- 1 Cup Cashew roasted and unsalted
- 1 Cup Water
- 1 tbsp Dark Soy
- 3 tsp Worcester Sauce
Green Papaya (or Apple) Salad
- 1/2 Green Papaya Can substitute 2 Green Apples
- 1 Cup Bean Sprouts
- 1 Red Capsicum Sliced
- 1 Cup Green Beans Sliced
- 2 Spring Onions Diced
- 1 Punnet Cherry Tomatoes
- 2 Tbsp Fresh Coriander Chopped
- 2 Tbsp Fresh Mint Chopped
Dressing
- 1 ½ Tbsp Brown Sugar or Palm Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Lemon with Rind
- 1 Tbsp Fish Sauce
- 1 Tsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tsp Dark Soy
- 1 Red Chilli seeded and sliced thinly
- 1/2 Cup Peanuts or roasted Cashews
- Fried Shallots to Garnish
Instructions
- Season the fish and place in a Steam Oven or steamer on stove for 6 minutes until cooked through.
- Puree with a stick blender or in the food processor the Cashews and water and add then add the Dark Soy and Worchester Sauce. Heat through on the stove until your sauce is desired consistency. (Sauce will keep in fridge for up to 5 days)
- Prepare your Salad ingredients and sauce and combine in a large serving bowl. Garnish with nuts and fried Shallots.
- Sit back and enjoy at your next celebration or summer get together.
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Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish is best for steamed fish with cashew cream? ▼
Hake is a beautiful choice because it is mild, tender and flakes easily once cooked. You can also use snapper, barramundi, whiting or another firm white fish that steams well.
Can I use apple instead of green papaya? ▼
Yes. Green apple is an excellent substitute and gives the salad a similar crunch and freshness that works beautifully with the fish and cashew cream.
Can I make the cashew cream ahead of time? ▼
Yes. The cashew cream can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm it gently before serving if needed.
How do I know when steamed fish is cooked? ▼
The fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque through the thickest part.
Is this a good fish recipe for entertaining? ▼
Absolutely. This dish looks elegant, feels fresh and light, and can be partly prepared ahead, making it a great option for entertaining and summer dining.
What can I serve with steamed fish and green papaya salad? ▼
It is lovely on its own, or served with steamed rice, lime wedges and a crisp white wine for an easy but impressive meal.
Where can I learn more recipes and cooking skills from Fleurieu Food & Wine? ▼
You can explore our cooking classes for hands-on experiences, or browse our cookbooks for more recipe inspiration.
