If you love simple yet flavor-packed meals, this Haddock with Sticky Rice Recipe is an absolute winner that will quickly become one of your go-to dishes. The tender, flaky haddock glazed with a luscious blend of soy, honey, and aromatic ginger pairs beautifully with perfectly cooked sticky jasmine rice, making each bite a harmonious mix of sweet, savory, and satisfying textures. It’s effortless to prepare and brings that wonderful Asian-inspired flair to your dinner table without any fuss or complicated steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might be simple, but each one plays a vital role in creating the dish’s distinct flavors and pleasing textures. From the freshness of the haddock to the sweet and tangy sauce components, everything comes together perfectly.
- 4 haddock fillets (about 6 ounces each): Choose fresh or thawed fish for the best flaky texture and mild flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to keep the fish moist and adds a subtle richness.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Brings a deep umami kick to the sauce, balancing sweetness and saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Adds natural sweetness and a sticky glaze for the fish.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Injects a gentle tang that brightens the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Offers a fragrant, nutty undertone essential for Asian-inspired dishes.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Provides aromatic warmth and enhances the savory notes.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Adds an invigorating zest that wakes up the palate.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A mild heat element to balance the sweetness.
- 1 cup jasmine or sushi rice: The sticky rice that’s the heart of the dish with its tender, slightly chewy texture.
- 1 1/4 cups water: To cook the rice to perfection.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the rice’s natural flavor without overpowering.
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh crunch and visual appeal.
- Lime wedges for serving: Offers a bright citrus finish that cuts through the richness.
How to Make Haddock with Sticky Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sticky Rice
Start by rinsing your jasmine or sushi rice under cold water. This helps to wash away excess starch and ensures the rice cooks up sticky but not gummy. Toss the rinsed rice into a small saucepan with water and salt, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 18 to 20 minutes until the water has fully absorbed. Once done, remove it from heat and let it rest, still covered, for 10 minutes to finish steaming gently. This step is what gives the rice that perfect tender stickiness that pairs so well with our baked haddock.
Step 2: Make the Flavorful Glaze
While the rice is cooking, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and black pepper in a small bowl. This simple but powerful mixture is the magic behind the Haddock with Sticky Rice Recipe. The balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors will bring your fish to life and double as a delightful sauce to drizzle over your finished plates.
Step 3: Bake the Haddock
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place the haddock fillets on the sheet and brush each one generously with the flavorful glaze, but save a little for serving. Baking takes only 12 to 15 minutes, during which the fish becomes perfectly tender and flakes effortlessly with a fork. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking, ensuring that every bite remains moist and juicy with that luscious glaze coating.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Fluff the sticky rice to separate the grains, then divide it between your serving plates. Lay the gorgeous baked haddock fillets on top and drizzle with the remaining sauce. For that extra touch, sprinkle some chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds all over to add freshness, crunch, and visual appeal. Serve with lime wedges on the side so everyone can add a squeeze of citrus to brighten up their dish.
How to Serve Haddock with Sticky Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes elevate this looked-simple dish into something truly special. Chopped green onions add a pop of fresh, oniony bite while toasted sesame seeds bring a subtle crunch and nuttiness. A squeeze of lime adds an invigorating citrus brightness that cuts through the richness of the honey-soy glaze. These final touches let each bite zing with layered, complementary flavors.
Side Dishes
Keep it light to let the haddock and sticky rice shine. A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing, steamed or stir-fried greens like bok choy, or even a crisp carrot slaw are stunning, fresh side options. Their refreshing crunch perfectly balances the sweet and savory notes of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your haddock and sticky rice in individual bamboo steamers or on large leaves such as banana or lotus leaves to bring an authentic Asian-inspired touch. Another fun idea is to turn leftovers into a vibrant rice bowl topped with avocado slices, pickled vegetables, and a drizzle of extra sauce for a wholesome, easy lunch. Your creativity can keep this recipe exciting every time you make it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover haddock and sticky rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the fish and rice separated if possible to prevent the rice from becoming soggy. This way, you can enjoy the freshness and texture of both components when reheating.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but not ideal for maintaining optimal texture. If you must freeze, wrap the haddock tightly with plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container, separating it from the rice which should be frozen flat in a sealed bag. Consume frozen portions within one month for the best flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the haddock in a low oven or microwave just until heated through to avoid drying it out. Reheat the sticky rice covered with a damp paper towel in the microwave to restore moisture and fluff it up before serving. Adding a fresh squeeze of lime after reheating reenlivens the flavors beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! While haddock is preferred for its mild flavor and flaky texture, you can swap it with cod, tilapia, or even salmon for a different twist. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness and type of fish to ensure perfect doneness.
Is jasmine rice the only rice that works for sticky rice here?
Jasmine rice is ideal for its fragrant aroma and sticky texture when cooked this way, but sushi rice or other short-grain rice varieties also work wonderfully. Avoid long-grain rice as it tends to be less sticky and won’t provide the same mouthfeel.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the glaze ingredients in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to two days. This makes the cooking process much faster and allows the flavors to meld nicely.
What if I don’t have rice vinegar?
If rice vinegar isn’t available, you can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, but use slightly less to prevent overpowering the delicate balance of flavors.
How do I know when the haddock is perfectly cooked?
The best indicator is when the fish flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque all the way through. Avoid overcooking to keep it moist and tender. The recommended baking time of 12 to 15 minutes is a great guideline.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so satisfying about a dish like this Haddock with Sticky Rice Recipe that beautifully combines simplicity with vibrant flavors. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or savoring a solo meal, this recipe promises an easy, wholesome, and unforgettable dinner that feels both comforting and a little special. Give it a try and watch it become a cherished staple in your kitchen rotation!
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: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This flavorful Haddock with Sticky Rice recipe combines tender baked haddock fillets glazed with a savory-sweet Asian-inspired sauce served alongside perfectly cooked sticky jasmine rice. The dish is easy to prepare and offers delightful balance with ginger, garlic, sesame, and lime accents making it an excellent choice for a healthy main course that’s gluten-free and dairy-free when using gluten-free soy sauce.
Ingredients
Fish and Marinade
- 4 haddock fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Rice
- 1 cup jasmine or sushi rice
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Garnishes
- Chopped green onions (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Lime wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. In a small saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 18 to 20 minutes until the water is fully absorbed. Remove from heat and let the rice rest covered for 10 minutes to finish steaming.
- Preheat the oven: While the rice cooks, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven is at the ideal temperature for baking the haddock evenly.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper to create a flavorful glaze for the fish.
- Prepare the haddock: Place the haddock fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the prepared sauce generously over each fillet, reserving a small amount to drizzle later when serving.
- Bake the fish: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the haddock for 12 to 15 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Finish and serve: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and divide it evenly among serving plates. Top each portion of rice with baked haddock. Drizzle the remaining sauce over the fish and garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and lime wedges if desired for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, marinate the haddock fillets in the sauce for 15 to 20 minutes before baking.
- To reduce oil and calories, you can steam the haddock fillets instead of baking.
- Try serving this dish with coconut rice instead of plain jasmine rice for a tropical twist.
