Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Steamed Fish Aïoli

For a light, clean, and flavor-packed dinner, this Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Steamed Fish Aïoli is just the thing. Delicate white fish, tender baby carrots and potatoes, and a herby garlic mayo come together in one of the most refreshingly simple meals I’ve made in a while. I love how healthy it feels, but it’s still super satisfying—especially with that creamy basil aïoli. (inspired by Jamie Oliver)

Ingredients Needed

• 4 x 150g white fish fillets (skin on, scaled, pin-boned)
• 750g new potatoes
• 500g baby carrots
• 1 bunch fresh basil (30g)
• 4 heaped tablespoons garlic mayonnaise

How To Make Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Steamed Fish Aïoli

1. Prep the Fish:
   Start by seasoning each fish fillet with a teaspoon of sea salt and set them aside. This helps firm up the flesh and bring out its natural flavor. You’ll rinse it off before cooking, so don’t worry about it being too salty.
2. Cook the Potatoes:
   Put the new potatoes in a large saucepan of salted, boiling water. Halve any larger ones so they cook evenly. Simmer gently for about 10 minutes.
3. Add the Carrots:
   After 10 minutes, tip the baby carrots into the same pot. They’ll cook alongside the potatoes and soak up all that natural flavor.
4. Steam the Fish:
   Rinse the salt off the fish and pat the fillets dry with kitchen paper. Lightly oil a metal colander or steamer basket and place the fish inside, skin side up. Position it over the simmering pot (making sure the water doesn’t touch the fish), cover with a lid, and steam for about 10 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
5. Make the Basil Aïoli:
   While everything steams away, pick the basil leaves and crush them in a pestle and mortar (or blitz in a small blender). Mix the crushed basil into the garlic mayo to create a creamy, herby dressing. Save a few whole leaves for garnishing.
6. Serve:
   Peel away and discard the skin from the fish. Plate up the steamed fish, potatoes, and carrots. Add a generous spoonful of the basil mayo on the side, scatter over the reserved basil leaves, and finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a crack of black pepper if you like.

Why I Love This Recipe

This recipe is a little reminder of how beautiful simple food can be. Steaming keeps the fish wonderfully moist, and the garlicky basil mayo ties everything together. I made this for a midweek dinner and it felt like a spa meal—in the best way. Light, fresh, and full of flavor, without any heavy cooking.

Recipe Tips

• Season the fish early. It firms up the texture and enhances flavor, just don’t forget to rinse it before cooking.
• Don’t let the water touch the fish. You want to steam it gently, not boil it.
• Check for doneness. The fish should flake easily and turn opaque. Avoid overcooking to keep it tender.
• Use fresh basil. It makes the aïoli taste so vibrant and fresh—dried won’t cut it here.
• Serve without the skin. Steaming makes it easy to peel off, and the fish underneath is perfectly soft and clean.

How To Store Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Steamed Fish Aïoli

• In the Fridge:
  Store leftover fish and veggies in separate airtight containers. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheating:
  Warm gently in a pan or microwave just until heated through—don’t overdo it or the fish can dry out. Add the basil aïoli fresh when serving.
• Freezing:
  Not ideal. The fish and carrots don’t reheat well after freezing, and the mayo will separate.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• What kind of white fish should I use?
  Cod, haddock, or sea bass are all great options—just make sure it’s skin-on for steaming.
• Can I make the aïoli from scratch?
  Absolutely! A homemade garlic mayo will elevate the dish even more if you’ve got time.
• Can I steam the fish without a colander?
  If you don’t have one, a heat-safe plate balanced over a pot with a lid will work—just make sure the steam can circulate.
• Can I swap the carrots for another veggie?
  Totally! Asparagus, broccoli, or green beans would all work well with the basil aïoli.
• Is this good for meal prep?
  It’s best fresh, but if you’re prepping ahead, store the mayo separately and reheat gently.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 389 kcal
• Total Fat: 10.6g
• Saturated Fat: 1.4g
• Protein: 32.2g
• Carbohydrates: 43.9g
• Sugars: 8.8g
• Salt: 1.8g
• Fibre: 5.4g

Try More Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Recipes:

• 5 Ingredients Seared Tuna Salad
• 5 Ingredients Bream & Roasted Grapes
• 5 Ingredients Sea & Mountain Skewers
• 5 Ingredients Croatian Mussels