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Fish in coconut milk
Ika vakalolo: Fijian fish simmered in fresh coconut milk
Ika vakalolo is the Sunday and everyday fish dish of iTaukei Fijian homes, from the fishing villages of the Coral Coast to the outer islands of Lau. Fresh reef fish is gently simmered in lolo, fresh coconut milk, with onion, tomato, chilli and a squeeze of lemon, then served with boiled cassava, taro or rice. It is mild, creamy and ready in half an hour. A common mistake is stirring once the fish is in, which breaks the fillets; just spoon the sauce over. Chef's tip: lemon goes in at the very end so the coconut milk doesn't split.
- Total time
- 30 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 4
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb firm white fish fillets (snapper, walu or cod)cut into large pieces
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 onionsliced
- 2 cloves garlicchopped
- 1 tsp fresh gingergrated
- 2 tomatoeschopped
- 1 small hot chillisliced
- 1 ¾ cups coconut milk
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped coriander or spring onion (optional)
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Method
0/5 doneStep 1: Season the 1 ½ lb firm white fish fillets (snapper, walu or cod) with half the ½ tsp salt.
3 minStep 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a wide pan over a medium heat and fry 1 onion for 4 minutes until soft. Add 2 cloves garlic, 1 tsp fresh ginger, 2 tomatoes and 1 small hot chilli and cook for 3 minutes until the tomato softens.
5 minStep 3: Pour in 1 ¾ cups coconut milk with the rest of the ½ tsp salt and bring to a gentle simmer.
3 minStep 4: Lay the fish in the sauce, spoon it over and simmer gently, uncovered, for 8–10 minutes until the fish is opaque all the way through and flakes easily.
10 minStep 5: Take off the heat, stir 1 tbsp lemon juice into the sauce around the fish and scatter with 2 tbsp chopped coriander or spring onion. Serve with cassava, taro or rice.
1 min
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 380 kcal
- Protein
- 32 g
- Carbs
- 8 g
- Fat
- 24 g
- Fibre
- 2 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does fish in coconut milk take?
- About 30 minutes in total: 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 4 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it gluten free?
- Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
- What can I use instead of onion?
- 2 shallots per onion.
- What can I use instead of garlic?
- ½ tsp garlic paste or ⅛ tsp garlic powder per clove.
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