This fish steak recipe is a lot similar to a bistek recipe, a dish known in the Philippines. It is one that is cooked with soy sauce, lemon (or calamansi) and sugar. Instead of beef or pork however, we replace the star of the dish with fish.
It’s very tasty, especially when the fish is cooked well; and the balance of flavors is there – something that I learned from trial and error cooking method. I’ve wasted my share of food with my cooking expeditions. (Not proud of it! Just sharing!) Fear not, though! I have learned the right combo of the salty-sweet-tangy feel for this recipe. Well, for my palate, at least, that is.
I used the trout for this dish; not because I know it will match the recipe but simply because I didn’t want to just eat the trout fried.
Surprisingly, this fish goes very well with the bistek marinade. I tried tanigue (Spanish mackerel) with this dish, too. But, I prefer the trout better.
Well, then. Here’s CookinglikeaPro‘s recipe.
Fish Steak
Ingredients
- Fish fillets
- Freshly ground black peppers to season
- Salt to season
- 5-7 cloves Garlic crushed and chopped
- ¼ cup Soy sauce
- 3-4 tbsp Water
- 1 ½ tsp Sugar
- ½ whole Lemon juice ½ of the whole lemon
- 1 whole Onion cut into rings
- 2-3 tbsp Cooking oil
Instructions
- Season the fish with black peppers and salt.
- Marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- Put oil in a heated pan.
- Fry the fish in the pan for about 3-4 minutes under medium heat.
- Lower the heat and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes.
- Let it rest.
- Meanwhile, put the heat back to medium and sauté the garlic in the same pan.
- When the garlic turns golden, put in 2/3 of the onions. Stir well.
- When the onions soften, lower the heat.
- Put in the soy sauce and water.
- When the dish boils, add in the sugar and the lemon.
- Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the fish and the rest of the onions.
- Lightly stir.
- Adjust the acidity and sweetness according to your liking.
- Turn of the heat.
- Let the dish rest in a plate (not in the pan to avoid overcooking).
Notes
Tips and Tricks to make Fish Steak
Tips for Choosing Fish Steaks
When buying fish steaks, look for fresh fish that is firm with shiny, bright skin and clear eyes. Make sure the flesh is translucent and moist, not dried out. Smell the fish to check for freshness – it should smell like the ocean, not fishy or ammonia-like.
For fish steaks, aim for thicker cuts, at least 1 inch thick. Thinner cuts will dry out and overcook quickly. Look for tuna, salmon, halibut, or swordfish for the best grilling steaks.
Cooking Methods for Fish Steaks
Grilling really brings out the best flavor in fish steaks. The high heat nicely caramelizes the exterior while keeping the interior moist. Baste the fish with oil or marinade to prevent drying out. If skin-on, start skin-side down to crisp it up.
Pan-searing also creates a tasty crust on fish steaks. Use a heavy pan and high heat. Baste the steaks as they cook. Flip gently with a spatula.
Baking and broiling work well too. They allow you to season and sauce the steaks easily. Just watch closely to prevent overcooking.
How to Tell When Fish Steaks Are Cooked
Fish steaks cook fast, in just 10-15 minutes usually. Since they are delicate, take care not to overcook them. Check for doneness by inserting a fork at an angle into the thickest part. Twist gently – the fish will flake easily when it’s done.
For food safety, fish steaks should reach an internal temperature of 140-145°F. Tuna and miso salmon can be eaten medium-rare, but white fish should be cooked through. Let the steak rest a few minutes after cooking too.
Serving Suggestions for Fish Steaks
Fish steaks deserve some tasty accompaniments! For easy weeknight meals, serve with rice and veggies. Dress up the plate with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
For a summery meal, pair with corn, tomatoes, or grilled veggies. Top with chimichurri or salsa verde for bold flavors.
Don’t forget the tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or remoulade with fish steaks. These sauces complement the flavor perfectly. Add a crisp white wine or light beer to round out the meal.
Expand your cooking repertoire by venturing into fish steaks. Pick up a fresh tuna, salmon, or halibut steak next time you’re shopping. Grill or pan-sear with your favorite seasonings. Let the flavorful fish be the star of the plate. Serve with bright vegetables and herbs to complete the tasty meal. Once you try fish steaks, you’ll discover a whole new world of delicious, healthy dinners!
