Fragrant Steamed Fish Recipe With Zesty Ginger
Picture yourself dining in the heart of China, surrounded by the aromatic scent of freshly steamed fish, with tender and juicy meat that just melts in your mouth. This is the kind of experience that most foodies crave for – a burst of flavor that awakens every taste bud in your mouth.
Have you ever wondered how Chinese chefs achieve this delectable culinary masterpiece? The secret is in the Cantonese-style Steamed Fish with Ginger recipe!
As someone who loves throwing parties and social gatherings, I can attest to the fact that steamed fish with ginger is the perfect crowd-pleaser. With its appetizing aroma and subtle flavor that just dances on your tongue, this recipe is sure to impress even the most discriminating of palates.
In this article, I’ll show you how to create this mouth-watering dish from scratch; everything from the ingredients needed, to a step-by-step guide on how to prepare it like a pro. Whether you are an experienced cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe will yield foolproof results.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive into this legendary Cantonese-style steamed fish with ginger recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a seafood lover who wants to try something new and flavorful? Look no further than this steamed fish with ginger recipe. This dish is light, healthy, and bursting with savory flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
The combination of ginger, garlic, and scallions in the sauce creates an unforgettable flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. Plus, the light and tender fish perfectly absorbs the flavors of the ingredients, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking for an easy yet impressive main course.
Whether you’re a fan of Cantonese-style steamed fish or a first-timer, this dish is bound to become one of your favorites. And the best part? It comes together quickly, requiring just a few ingredients and very little prep work.
So why not give this delicious recipe a try? You’ll love how easy it is to make, how healthy it is for your body, and how much your guests will rave about it at your next dinner party.
Ingredient List
Before starting the actual recipe, we must gather all the ingredients required. Don’t worry, I bet most of these will be in your kitchen already!
Here’s what you will need for this recipe:
- 2 fish fillets such as bass, snapper, tilapia or trout (about 1 pound each).
- 1 ½ inches of fresh ginger (use more if you love ginger like I do!), minced or grated.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced.
- 2 spring onions, finely chopped into rings.
- Small handful coriander leaves, roughly chopped.
- 2 tbsp rice wine.
- 1 tbsp cooking wine.
- 3 tbsp light soy sauce.
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce.
- 1 tsp caster sugar.
That’s it! While some components might seem scary or unknown for newbies, trust me, every ingredient comes together to create a fragrance that will make everyone salivate.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s get to the exciting part – the step-by-step instructions on how to create this flavorful Steamed Fish with Ginger dish. Trust me; your guests will be impressed with the ease and deliciousness of this recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 fish fillets
- 1 ½ inch piece ginger
- 2 garlic cloves
- 5 spring onions
- 3 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cooking wine
- ½ tablespoon caster sugar
- 4 tablespoons water
Step 1: Preparing the Fish
To begin, clean your fish fillets under cold running water and pat them dry using a paper towel. Place the fillets on a large plate, sprinkle some salt (around ¼ teaspoon) onto both sides of the fish, and set aside.
Next, prepare your ginger by peeling it and then cutting it into thin julienne strips. Set aside half of these julienned ginger strips for later use.
Step 2: Creating the Sauce
In a bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of light soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of dark soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cooking wine, and ½ tablespoon of caster sugar. Mix thoroughly until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Afterward, add in 4 tablespoons of water, followed by the remaining half of your julienned ginger strips.
Step 3: Assembly and Steaming
Once you have your fish fillets ready and your sauce mixed well together, it’s time to assemble everything!
Place each fillet onto a heatproof dish of suitable size that can fit inside your steamer basket. On top of each fish fillet, place some spring onion stalks and pour half of the sauce mixture over each fillet.
Bring water to boil in a wok or large pot that can fit your steamer basket on top over medium heat. Once boiling, carefully place the dish with fish inside the steamer basket—cover with a tight-fitting lid and steam for 8 minutes or until cooked through.
Step 4: Garnishing
After steaming for around 8 mins, remove from heat and garnish with additional coriander leaves or thinly sliced spring onions. Serve immediately with some boiled rice or noodles.
Your Steamed Fish with Ginger dish is now ready to enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
Craving some variety in your steamed fish dish? Here are a few substitutions and variations to try out with the ginger-styled recipe:
1. Swap out the fish fillets for a whole fish: Cantonese-style steamed whole fish is a must-try variation of this recipe. Use any firm fish such as pompano and pair with tofu, shiitake mushrooms, and marinated ginger scallion sauce.
2. Add a different type of protein: If you’re not in the mood for fish, try using shrimp or chicken instead. Shrimp has a similar texture to fish and takes well to ginger while chicken gives it an earthy balance.
3. Adjust the spiciness level: For a spicier dish, add fresh chili or red pepper flakes along with the ginger paste. On the other hand, if you prefer a mild flavor, reduce the amount of ginger used until you reach your desired taste.
4. Experiment with sauces: Consider adding dark soy sauce to the light soy sauce to enrich that whole umami profile. Or swap out the caster sugar for brown sugar if you want an extra layer of sweetness depth.
5. Use different herbs: If coriander doesn’t resonate with you, use other herbs such as basil leaves and lemongrass. These herbs combined will give your fish a unique Southeast Asian twist.
6. Make it vegetarian or vegan: For those who don’t want meat in their recipe, take out the fish and substitute with your favorite veggies alongside some tofu for extra protein.
Try out these substitution ideas and see what resonates with your taste buds!
Serving and Pairing
Now that your steamed fish with ginger is ready, the next step is figuring out how to serve and pair it. One classic way to serve this dish is with a bowl of steamed rice. The pairing creates a balance between the savory fish and the mild rice flavor while also helping the fish to be more satisfying.
If you want an extra punch of flavor, you could choose to serve this dish with some roasted vegetables like asparagus or string beans. These vegetables hold up well when cooked alongside the fish and can make for a well-rounded meal.
When it comes to drinks, light and refreshing options like green tea or white wine could accompany this dish nicely. Green tea complements the lightness of the fish, while white wine’s acidity counterbalances the ginger flavor.
For a more herbaceous flavor, coriander leaves garnished on top of the fish will uplift its aroma and give it a fresh taste.
At dinner parties, steamed fish with ginger served in a bamboo steamer can make for an attractive tabletop decoration that will undoubtedly surprise your guests. The simplicity of this Cantonese dish is dazzling both in taste and looks!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to make-ahead, storing and reheating this steamed fish with ginger recipe, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Firstly, if you plan to make this dish ahead of time, it’s best to steam the fish and prepare the sauce separately. Store them both in separate containers in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. This will ensure that the fish stays fresh and doesn’t get overcooked or soggy.
If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place the fish and sauce in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power for about two minutes or until heated through.
Alternatively, you can reheat the fish by steaming it again for a few minutes. Make sure to wrap the fish tightly in foil or parchment paper to prevent any moisture from escaping during reheating.
One thing to keep in mind is that fish can tend to dry out when reheated, so it’s important to add a little extra sauce or water when reheating to help keep the fish moist.
Overall, this steamed fish with ginger recipe is a great make-ahead option for busy weeknights or even dinner parties. Just be sure to follow these tips for storing and reheating to ensure that your leftover fish tastes just as delicious as it did fresh out of the steamer.
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the best Cantonese-style steamed fish, here are a few tips to ensure you get it right.
First and foremost, use fresh fish for the recipe. Fresh fish guarantees good flavor and aroma that only the best steamed fish dish can offer. Fresh fish also has firm flesh, which is ideal for steaming.
Secondly, to give the dish that extra depth of flavor, make sure to use ginger and garlic in your recipe. When combined with soy sauce and sugar, ginger and garlic add complexity to your fish ginger recipe, making it even better.
Thirdly, while steaming the fish, avoid overcooking it as this will lead to a dry and tough texture that may be off-putting. Instead, steam for just enough time until the fish is opaque but still moist.
Fourthly, don’t underestimate the importance of presentation. Garnish with spring onions and coriander leaves to make it visually appealing.
Lastly, choose the right type of fish for your recipe. The best steamed fish dishes use whole fish such as pompano or tilapia. However, if they’re unavailable or too expensive in your area, you can use fillets of sea bass or any other white fish that works best with your ingredients.
Follow these tips above, and you’ll be well on your way to a perfect Cantonese-style steamed fish with ginger recipe every time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Steamed Fish with Ginger Recipe is not only a delicious dish, but also a healthy one that is full of flavors and has numerous health benefits. This dish is easy to make and it can be paired with a variety of sides to make an impressive meal. With the versatility offered by this recipe, you can turn it into a signature dish by adding your own twist to it using different substitutions and variations.
By following the tips and recommendations provided here, your Steamed Fish with Ginger Recipe will turn out perfectly every time. With this recipe being suitable for make-ahead, storing, and reheating, you can now plan for your parties in advance without any worry.
Overall, if you are looking for an easy-to-make, healthy and delicious meal that is full of flavor and has numerous health benefits, then look no further than this recipe. I highly recommend giving it a try as soon as possible!
Steamed Fish With Ginger Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 (200 g) fish fillets (firm white)
- 1/4 cup coriander leaves
- 2 spring onions (scallions thinly sliced)
- 1 chili (red long, deseeded and thinly sliced)
- 3 cm ginger (peeled cut into thin matchsticks)
- 1 garlic clove (thinly sliced)
- 1 teaspoon caster sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons peanut oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Bring 2 cups cold water to a simmer in a large wok over medium heat.
- Line a 30cm bamboo steamer with baking paper and place steamer over water.
- Place fish in steamer and cover and steam for 5 to 10 minutes or until just cooked through (timing will depend on thickness of fish and you could use blue eye, snapper or ling fish are suggested).
- Personally I would use my electric 3 tiered steamer to steam the fish.
- Carefully transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Meanwhile combine coriander, onion and chilli in a bowl.
- Combine ginger, garlic, sugar and soy sauce in a heatproof bowl.
- Place peanut oil and sesame oil in a saucepan over high heat and cook for 2 minutes until starting to smoke and then carefully pour over ginger mixture (CAREFUL it will spit).
- Drizzle ginger mix over fish and top with coriander mix and serve with rice and greens.
Your Own Notes
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!