Dive into this sensational poached hake in a vibrant tomato, chilli, and ginger broth! This healthy and speedy dish is infused with aromatic lime leaves, offering a burst of flavour that's simply irresistible. Plus, the ginger provides natural anti-inflammatory benefits!
reduced salt
finely sliced
finely chopped
stalks finely chopped, leaves picked
finely chopped
grated
low-salt
skinless and boneless
straight-to-wok
halved, one half cut into wedges to serve
Pour the vegetable oil into a deep frying pan with a tight-fitting lid. Heat over a medium flame until shimmering. Add the sliced spring onions, chopped green chilli, chopped coriander stalks, chopped garlic, grated ginger, and lime leaves. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant.
Tip in the cherry tomatoes and vegetable stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then stir in the reduced salt soy sauce. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it bubble gently for 5 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to gently mash the tomatoes slightly.
Season the hake fillets with salt and pepper. Carefully place the seasoned fish fillets into the simmering broth. Cover the pan with the lid and cook for 4 minutes.
Remove the lid from the pan. Separate the udon noodles and add them into the broth, arranging them around the fish. Replace the lid and increase the heat to high. Cook for another 1 minute until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily when gently pressed, and the noodles are hot.
Squeeze the juice of half a lime over the cooked dish. Ladle the hake and broth into bowls. Garnish each serving with a lime wedge and scatter the reserved coriander leaves over the top. Serve immediately.
For an extra layer of flavour, you can lightly toast the lime leaves in the dry pan for a minute before adding the oil and other aromatics.
If you prefer a thicker broth, you can mash the tomatoes more thoroughly or simmer for an additional few minutes before adding the fish.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed greens like pak choi or broccoli for an even healthier meal.