Steamed Fish Wrapped in Banana Leaves with Dill and Lime
Delicate white fish infused with fresh dill, lime, and aromatic herbs, steamed gently in banana leaves for a moist, fragrant dish. This asian-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs fresh dill, chopped, lime slices, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 4 fillets (6 oz each) white fish fillets (e.g. tilapia or snapper)
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 4 slices lime slices
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 4 sheets banana leaves, cleaned and cut into 12x12 inch squares
- 2 tbsp green onions, sliced
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse and pat dry 4 white fish fillets (6 oz each). Season each fillet with 2 tbsp fish sauce, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Place each fillet on a 12x12 inch banana leaf square. Top each with 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1 tbsp chopped cilantro, 1 tbsp sliced green onions, and 1 lime slice.
- Step 3: Fold the banana leaves over the fish to create a sealed parcel, securing with kitchen twine or toothpicks if needed.
- Step 4: Set up a steamer over boiling water and steam the parcels for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 5: Carefully open the parcels and serve immediately, spooning any fragrant juices over the fish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Steamed Fish Wrapped in Banana Leaves with Dill and Lime take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Steamed Fish Wrapped in Banana Leaves with Dill and Lime?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fresh dill, chopped from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Steamed Fish Wrapped in Banana Leaves with Dill and Lime?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Steamed Fish Wrapped in Banana Leaves with Dill and Lime for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Steamed Fish Wrapped in Banana Leaves with Dill and Lime?
Asian seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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