Steamed Fish Yassa with Caramelized Onions and Mustard Sauce
A delicate steamed white fish prepared Senegalese style with tangy mustard and lemon-marinated caramelized onions for a bright, savory dish. This african-inspired seafood ready in about 45 minutes blends large, thinly sliced onions, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (about 6 oz each) white fish fillets (e.g., tilapia or cod)
- 3 large, thinly sliced onions
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tbsp chopped for garnish fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 3 tbsp olive oil and add 3 large thinly sliced onions. Cook slowly for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown.
- Step 2: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 5 minutes until sauce reduces slightly.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, place 4 white fish fillets (about 6 oz each) in a steamer basket over boiling water, cover, and steam for 8-10 minutes until opaque and flaky.
- Step 5: Remove bay leaf from the sauce and pour the caramelized onion and mustard sauce over the steamed fish. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Steamed Fish Yassa with Caramelized Onions and Mustard Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Steamed Fish Yassa with Caramelized Onions and Mustard Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Steamed Fish Yassa with Caramelized Onions and Mustard Sauce?
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 Yassa with Caramelized Onions and Mustard Sauce 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 Yassa with Caramelized Onions and Mustard Sauce?
African 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.
