Background and History
Steamed Fish with Ginger is a classic dish that originates from Chinese cuisine, celebrated for its simplicity and healthy preparation method. Steaming preserves the fish’s natural flavors and nutrients, while the ginger and other aromatics impart a subtle yet delightful taste. This dish is often served during Chinese New Year and other special occasions, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune.
Ingredients
- 1 whole white fish (such as sea bass, tilapia, or snapper), cleaned and scaled (about 1.5-2 pounds)
- 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 green onions, julienned
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice wine or dry sherry
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- 1 red chili, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Serves
4 people
Time
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 20 minutes
Cooking Time
20 minutes
Instructions
Prepare the Fish
- Rinse the fish under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Make three diagonal cuts on each side of the fish to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Season the fish inside and out with salt and pepper.
Prepare the Aromatics
- Thinly slice the ginger and julienne the green onions. Mince the garlic.
- Mix the soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, and sugar in a small bowl.
Steam the Fish
- Place half of the ginger slices inside the cavity of the fish.
- Arrange the remaining ginger slices on a heatproof plate or dish that fits inside your steamer.
- Lay the fish on top of the ginger slices on the plate.
- Scatter the minced garlic and half of the green onions over the fish.
- Pour the soy sauce mixture over the fish.
- Fill a large pot or wok with about 2 inches of water and bring it to a boil.
- Place the plate with the fish in the steamer basket and cover.
- Steam the fish for 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the fish, until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
Serve
- Carefully remove the fish from the steamer.
- Garnish with the remaining green onions, fresh cilantro leaves, and sliced red chili if using.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice and your favorite vegetables.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Notes
Fish Selection
Choose a fresh, whole white fish for the best flavor. Ensure it is cleaned and scaled by your fishmonger.
Steaming Method
If you don’t have a steamer, you can use a heatproof plate placed on a rack inside a large pot with a lid.
Soy Sauce
Light soy sauce is recommended for this dish. If using regular soy sauce, consider reducing the amount to avoid excessive saltiness.
Allergy Warning
- Fish: This recipe contains fish, which is a common allergen.
- Soy: The use of soy sauce contains soy, which may be an allergen for some individuals.
- Sesame: Sesame oil is used in this recipe and may be an allergen for those with sesame allergies.
Enjoy your Steamed Fish with Ginger, a dish that brings the delicate and aromatic flavors of Chinese cuisine to your table!
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