If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances comforting textures with vibrant, layered flavors, then the Haddock with Sticky Rice Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful meal pairs tender, seared haddock fillets infused with an irresistible Asian-inspired sauce alongside fluffy, lovingly steamed sticky rice. It’s an inviting combination that feels both wholesome and a little indulgent, ideal for seafood lovers wanting an easy dinner with a touch of elegance and warmth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential to bring together the flavors, textures, and aroma that make the Haddock with Sticky Rice Recipe so memorable. Each one plays a special role in the harmony of the dish.
- 4 haddock fillets (about 6 oz each): Choose fresh or thawed for flaky, mild fish that absorbs flavors beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds that unmistakable salty-sweet umami punch that brings depth.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Offers a rich, nutty aroma that complements the fish perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Gives a subtle tang balancing the sweetness and richness.
- 2 teaspoons honey or brown sugar: Sweetness that laces the marinade and caramelizes when searing.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Imparts warmth and a gentle zing for complexity.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Provides earthiness and depth that brighten the marinade.
- 1 cup jasmine or sushi rice: The base grain that becomes delightfully sticky and tender.
- 1 1/4 cups water: For perfectly cooked rice with just the right chew.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors in both rice and fish.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: For searing the haddock to a golden crust without sticking.
- 2 green onions (sliced): A fresh, mild kick for garnish adding color and crunch.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted): Adds a subtle crunch and nutty flavor on top.
- Lime wedges and fresh cilantro (optional): For bright, zesty finishing notes that elevate the dish.
How to Make Haddock with Sticky Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sticky Rice
Start by rinsing the jasmine or sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear—this step removes excess starch to ensure your rice cooks up sticky but not gummy. Combine the rinsed rice, water, and salt in a saucepan. Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for 15 to 18 minutes. The water should be absorbed completely, and the rice will be tender with that perfect sticky texture. Once off the heat, keep it covered and let it sit undisturbed for 10 minutes to finish steaming and firm up its beautiful bite.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Flavorful Sauce
While the rice is cooking, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey (or brown sugar), freshly grated ginger, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Whisk this sauce until smooth and glossy. This magical blend is what transforms the haddock into a flavorful, aromatic centerpiece filled with layers of savory, sweet, and tangy notes that pair so well with the mellow rice.
Step 3: Season and Sear the Haddock
Pat your haddock fillets dry with paper towels — this helps get that gorgeous sear. Brush both sides generously with the sauce you prepared. Heat the vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the fillets and let them cook undisturbed for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. You want a golden crust on the outside while the inside remains tender and flaky. During the last minute of cooking, spoon any remaining sauce over the fish to intensify the flavors and give a luscious glaze.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Fluff the sticky rice gently with a fork to release steam and keep the grains light yet clingy. Divide the rice among plates, then carefully top with the seared haddock fillets. Garnish with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, lime wedges, and fresh cilantro if you like a bright finish. Now you have a gorgeous, irresistible plate ready to delight your senses!
How to Serve Haddock with Sticky Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like fresh green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a spritz of lime is not just about looks. These little touches add contrasting textures, fresh herbal brightness, and a pleasing crunch that make every bite exciting and well-rounded. If you enjoy a pop of herbal flavor, a sprinkle of cilantro brings a refreshing lift to the rich seared fish and sticky rice.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, consider light Asian-inspired sides that won’t overpower the delicate haddock. Steamed or stir-fried seasonal greens like bok choy, snap peas, or baby broccoli work beautifully. A simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and a touch of chili flakes is another refreshing option that complements the flavors and keeps the meal balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the haddock over a bed of sticky rice molded into neat rounds using a small bowl or ring mold. Drizzling any extra sauce artistically around the plate adds a restaurant-quality flair. If you’re entertaining, individual small bowls layered with rice, fish, and garnishes let everyone customize their bites, creating a casual yet elegant dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover haddock with sticky rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because the rice tends to harden in the fridge, store the fish and rice separately if possible to maintain their individual textures better.
Freezing
This dish freezes well but for best results, freeze the haddock and sticky rice separately in freezer-safe containers or bags. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Freezing may slightly alter the texture of the rice, but it remains tasty and convenient for quick meals.
Reheating
Reheat the sticky rice gently by sprinkling a few drops of water and microwaving covered to soften it back up. For the haddock, warming in a non-stick skillet over low heat helps retain moisture and prevents it from drying out. Avoid the microwave for the fish if you can, to keep it flaky and tender.
FAQs
Can I use another type of fish instead of haddock?
Absolutely! Cod or halibut are excellent substitutes if you want to vary the flavor or can’t find fresh haddock. They have a similar texture and mild taste that pairs wonderfully with the sticky rice and sauce.
Is it necessary to marinate the fish before cooking?
Marinating is optional but highly recommended if you have the time. Even a quick 15 to 20-minute soak in the sauce helps the haddock absorb more flavor and results in a more vibrant dish.
Can I make sticky rice in a rice cooker?
Yes! Using a rice cooker is a fantastic, hands-off way to prepare sticky rice perfectly. Just follow your rice cooker’s instructions with the same rice-to-water ratio, and you’ll have ideal texture every time.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This Haddock with Sticky Rice Recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use a gluten-free soy sauce. Be sure to check your soy sauce or tamari labels to avoid any hidden gluten.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp, bright white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light, unoaked Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the delicate fish and the sweet-savory sauce. The acidity complements the tanginess and keeps the meal refreshing.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Haddock with Sticky Rice Recipe when you want a meal that feels thoughtful yet effortless. The way the tender fish and sticky rice come together with that flavorful Asian-inspired sauce is like a warm, happy hug on a plate. So grab those simple ingredients, follow the steps with love, and enjoy every delightful bite with people you care about. Trust me, this recipe will become one of your favorites in no time!
Print
Haddock with Sticky Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Haddock with Sticky Rice recipe features tender seared haddock fillets glazed with a savory Asian-inspired sauce served over fragrant sticky jasmine rice. Perfect for an easy weeknight seafood dinner, it combines simple ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic to create a bright, flavorful dish that comes together entirely on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Fish and Marinade
- 4 haddock fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Rice
- 1 cup jasmine or sushi rice
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Cooking and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
- Lime wedges, for serving (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Combine the rinsed rice, water, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer gently for 15–18 minutes until all the water is absorbed.
- Let Rice Rest: Remove the saucepan from heat and keep it covered. Let the rice sit undisturbed for 10 minutes to finish steaming and become sticky and tender.
- Make the Sauce: While the rice cooks, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, grated fresh ginger, and minced garlic in a small bowl to create a flavorful marinade and glaze for the fish.
- Prepare the Haddock: Pat the haddock fillets dry with paper towels. Brush both sides generously with the prepared sauce to coat the fish.
- Sear the Haddock: Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the haddock fillets and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Glaze the Fish: During the last minute of cooking, spoon any remaining sauce over the fillets to intensify the flavor and add a shiny glaze.
- Serve: Fluff the sticky rice with a fork and divide among plates. Top each serving with a seared haddock fillet. Garnish with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, lime wedges, and fresh cilantro if desired for a fresh finish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the haddock in the sauce for 15–20 minutes before cooking.
- Sticky rice can also be made in a rice cooker or steamed instead of stovetop simmering if preferred.
- You can substitute haddock with cod or halibut depending on availability.
- To keep it gluten-free, be sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce variety.
