It’s difficult for a meal to be light, but at the same time comforting and filling. Somehow, though, this recipe seems to do it.
The idea of poaching fish in coconut milk was new to me when I came across a recipe for Coconut Poached Mahi Mahi in the September 2011 issue of Better Homes and Gardens. I did some modifying by first using some heartier greens – kale. I then used up the very last of our Anaheim peppers from the garden and pulled out one Thai chili I had harvested earlier in the season and tucked away in the freezer.
You can serve this alone, with rice or have it like I did with a nutty serving of quinoa. I’m convinced that this is the one and only way to enjoy good fish! The coconut milk is sweet with a warming heat. Matched with the kale, it’s the perfect dish for a cold evening while the fish adds a light, refreshing note.
Coconut Fish with Kale
Modified from Coconut Poached Mahi Mahi Better Homes and Gardens Sept 2011
1-15 oz can coconut milk
4 Anaheim peppers, thinly sliced
1 Thai chili, thinly sliced
½ cup water
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
½ tbsp raw sugar
3 cups kale, de-stemmed and chopped
3-4, 4oz cod fillets
Using a medium to large pot (I used a 5 ½ qt Dutch oven), set the stove to medium-high and add the coconut milk, peppers, water and ginger. Stir and slowly bring to a simmer. Add the sugar and the kale.
Slowly turn the kale to coat it with the coconut milk until it begins to wilt, about 3 min.
Place the fish in the coconut milk. Partially cover the pot with a lid, slightly increase the heat to bring the milk to a simmer. Allow to cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the fish is white, cooked through and flakes when using a fork.
Place each piece of fish in a shallow bowl, add some kale and ladle coconut milk over the top. Serve with rice or quinoa if desired.
I just saw another recipe using kale and commeted that I wasn’t sure how to cook it. Now I’m in a dillema as to which I should cook!
http://www.theeleganteggplant.com/2011/11/spicy-sauteed-kale.html
Nice! I have been meaning to try poaching some salmon in coconut milk but haven’t gotten up the nerve yet. I’m afraid I won’t like it and ruin a piece of salmon!
You’ve convinced me otherwise. 😀
Gorgeous photos Lori, great work!
I made a similar poached fish years ago that was delicious. It was my first time trying it too and I was skeptical but it turned out well. Thanks for reminding me about it, I need to dig it out again.
Although it is still warm here, I’d love to have this too. Matching kale with coconut milk is interesting.
this looks amazing! i love cooking fish in parchment, but the coconut milk is a new twist that i MUST try!! kudos!
Your meal has gorgeous color and it looks wonderful. I’m trying to work more fish into our diet and this would be a wonderful addition. I hope you have a great day. Blessings…Mary
Eventhough i can easily get fresh coconut milk in my place here, but i have never cook a dish with coconut milk that look white gravy, usually i add into curry or chili sambal..This look so appetizing and must be delicious too.
I would love to try this way of serving fish other than Asian style steam and deep fried or cooked in curry, or the Western style deep fried or grilled. You taken some great photos of the dish, very convincing.
Lori, I will definitely try to poach fish in coconut milk…this is totally new to me. Love that you paired with kale, great combination!
Hope you are having a nice week and thanks for this new recipe 🙂
I’ll be honest…I find any dish with coconut to be super comforting. This sounds so tasty!
coconut anything is always a good idea. I usually toss in some raisins too – it seems to work really well together 🙂
Fresh fish and coconut milk are two things in great abundance here, so you can bet that this is a must-make recipe for me! 8-D
Chopin – That one sounds good too. Tough choice!:)
Andrea – Thanks. Salmon would be awesome in it.
Danielle – I find that I overlook the good things I’ve made in the past as well. Always good to have a reminder!
TasteHongKong – The kale was a bit of a shot in the dark, but it ended up working well.
threeblondes – And I need to try it more in parchment! 🙂
Mary – It’s perfect for getting in more fish. The coconut milk works so well with it.
Sonia – It’s the first time that I’ve cooked it like this as well. I love it now! 🙂
Quay Po Cooks – Thanks! Curry might be a nice addition to this. I may try that next time.
Juliana – Hope you like it! I really enjoyed it.
Joanne – Totally agree.
Kristy – I can do coconut milk with just about anything as well.
Tangled Noodle – I figured this wouldn’t be quite a stretch for you. I bet your fish is a bit fresher as well! 🙂