A Fragrant Feast of Bold, Fresh Flavors: Oven Baked Thai Rock Cod
If you’re craving something light, flavorful, and inspired by Southeast Asian cooking, oven-steamed Thai rock cod might be the perfect answer. Combining delicate white fish with punchy aromatics and a bright, tangy sauce, this dish brings the vibrancy of Thai cuisine straight to your dinner table—without the need for a steamer or deep frying.
Best of all, this recipe is clean, healthy, and easily prepared in the oven using a simple foil packet or baking dish with a tight cover.
Why Rock Cod?
Rock cod (also called Pacific rockfish) is a firm, lean white fish that holds its shape beautifully during steaming. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor, making it ideal for soaking up bold sauces. The texture remains flaky and moist when oven-steamed, and it’s widely available in North America, especially on the West Coast.
The Thai Flavor Profile
Thai steamed fish recipes are known for their balanced flavor—a dance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy. This version captures those essential elements using a few key ingredients:
- Lime juice for brightness and acidity
- Fish sauce for depth and saltiness
- Garlic, ginger, and chili for heat and aroma
- Fresh herbs like cilantro and Thai basil for freshness
- A touch of sugar (palm or brown) to round it out
This combination creates a sauce that’s vibrant and aromatic, infusing the fish with unmistakably Thai character.
Ingredients
- 2 rock cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 thumb-size piece of ginger, julienned
- 1 Thai chili (or red chili), thinly sliced
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp water
- Fresh cilantro and/or Thai basil for garnish
How to Oven-Steam
- Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). - Prepare the Sauce:
In a bowl, mix lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and water. Stir until sugar is dissolved. - Assemble the Fish:
Place the rock cod in a baking dish or wrap in a foil packet. Top with garlic, ginger, and chili. Pour the sauce over the top. - Cover and Steam:
If using a dish, cover tightly with foil. If using a foil packet, seal it well to trap steam. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. - Garnish and Serve:
Remove from the oven, uncover carefully to avoid steam burns, and garnish with fresh cilantro and Thai basil. Serve with jasmine rice or steamed vegetables.
A Weeknight Winner or Dinner Party Star
This oven-steamed Thai rock cod is not just quick and easy—it feels special. The combination of lime, chili, and fish sauce delivers an aromatic punch that wakes up your palate, while the fish remains tender and clean-tasting.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself on a weeknight or impressing guests, this dish hits all the right notes: simple, healthy, and bursting with flavor.
Would you like a visual recipe card or tips for customizing the sauce?