Discover the joy of making a classic Cantonese dish at home. This steamed fish recipe uses simple, gentle cooking. It makes tender white fish fillets perfectly flaky.
The flavors of ginger and spring onions mix with savory soy sauce, creating a tasty dish. It’s a healthy choice for any night. This recipe is all about bringing traditional tastes to your kitchen without hassle.
Key Takeaways
- Steamed fish with ginger and spring onion is a beloved Cantonese dish.
- Steaming preserves nutrients and maintains the delicate texture of white any.
- Bamboo steamers are ideal for this recipe and easily available in Asian markets.
- Recommended white fish types include cod, haddock, and perch.
- Pair this dish with rice and simple vegetable sides for a complete meal.
Introduction to Steamed Fish with Ginger and Spring Onion
Steamed fish with ginger and spring onion is a tasty dish from traditional Chinese cooking. It started in Southern and central coastal China. There, it’s a common meal for family get-togethers. This dish shows that cooking can be easy, tasty, and healthy.
We focus on classic steamed fish variants like striped bass. It’s loved for steaming because it is tender and tastes good. The traditional way is to steam the whole fish to keep it fresh. Then, add ginger and spring onions on top. Right before serving, pour hot oil over it to boost its flavors.
Using fillets makes cooking this dish simpler. It keeps the meal’s roots, but makes it easier to cook. Below are the main ingredients you need for this recipe:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Fish (or Fillets) | 1 large or 2 small |
| Spring Onions | 4 |
| Peeled Ginger | 1 thumb-sized piece |
| Crushed Ginger | 1 thumb-sized piece |
| Soy Sauce | 5 tablespoons |
| Peanut Oil | 5 tablespoons |
| Shaoxing Wine (or Sherry) | 1 tablespoon |
| Chicken Stock | 1 1/2 cups |
| Toasted Sesame Seed Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Sesame Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Finely Chopped Cilantro | 1/4 cup |
Cooking steamed fish is quick and simple. It usually takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook. You know it’s done when you can easily remove the bones. Or when the fish’s fins come out without effort.
Benefits of Steaming Fish
Steaming fish has big benefits, like keeping more nutrients. This way of cooking helps save more vitamins, like Vitamin C, than boiling. People looking for nutritious meals will find steaming fish a great choice.
Preservation of Nutrients
Steaming is gentle and keeps nutrients in fish. Fish like Garoupa and Cod are perfect for Asian recipes. They keep important vitamins when steamed. Steaming loses fewer nutrients than grilling or frying. It’s the best for nutrient-rich cooking.
Retaining Moisture and Flavor
Steaming keeps fish moist and flavors rich. It makes fish succulent and adds taste with ginger or spring onions for flavorful steamed fish. Dishes turn out healthy and tasty. Steamed fish keeps its natural oils better than baking or frying.
| Benefits | Steaming Method |
|---|---|
| Retains Vitamin C | Yes |
| Moist…ure Retention | Yes |
| Flavorful Cooking | Yes, with aromatics |
Steaming fish is more than saving nutrients and moisture. It keeps fish tasting natural and delicious. It’s a healthy, tasty option for meals.
Choosing the Right Fish
Choosing the right fish for steaming is key to a great dish. Ideal fish are lean, mild-flavored whites that flake well when cooked. We’ll share tips on choosing the best fish and what to avoid.
Recommended Fish Types
For steaming, pick top white fish like cod, haddock, or perch. These fish have a mild taste and a firm texture, perfect for steaming. Here’s a list of great choices:
- Barramundi
- Snapper
- Basa
- Blue Eye Cod (Trevalla)
- Tilapia
- Halibut
- Pollock
- Hake
- John Dory
- Silver Dory
- Gummy Shark (Flake)
These fish keep their texture and taste great when steamed. Aim for fish fillets about 1.5cm/2/3″ thick for the best results.
What to Avoid
Avoid oily or strongly flavored fish for steaming. They’re not suited for this light cooking method. Here are some to skip:
- Swordfish
- Tuna
- Bonito
- Kingfish
- Marlin
- Mackerel
Instead of these, stick with the best white fish varieties we mentioned. They ensure a perfect steamed fish dish every time.
| Fish Type | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Cod | Yes |
| Swordfish | No |
| Haddock | Yes |
| Mackerel | No |
| Tilapia | Yes |
| Marlin | No |
Essential Ingredients for the Recipe
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making steamed fish with ginger and spring onions. Each part, like white fish fillets, fresh ginger, and spring onions, is important. Together, they create a dish full of flavor and authenticity.
White Fish Fillets
Picking fresh white fish fillets is crucial. Choose varieties such as cod, sea bass, halibut, or tilapia. They should be firm and smell fresh.
Ginger and Spring Onions
Fresh ginger and spring onions add unique flavors. Julienne the ginger and slice the spring onions thinly. This makes sure their flavors blend well in the dish.
Soy Sauce
The soy sauce you choose affects the dish’s taste. Using an authentic soy sauce like Haday Tasty Seafood Brand adds sweetness and umami. It enhances the flavors of the fish, ginger, and spring onions.
These essential recipe ingredients work together perfectly. They mix the tender white fish fillets with the zing of ginger, the fresh aroma of spring onions, and the deep taste of the soy sauce.
| Ingredient | Details |
|---|---|
| White Fish Fillets | Cod, Sea Bass, Halibut, or Tilapia |
| Fresh Ginger | Julienned finely |
| Spring Onions | Thinly sliced |
| Soy Sauce | Haday Tasty Seafood Brand recommended |
| Shaoxing Wine | 2 tablespoons for marinade |
| Sugar | Approximately 1 teaspoon for balance |
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Making steamed fish with ginger and spring onion is fun. By following easy steps, you’ll enjoy the process. This guide will show you how to steam fish perfectly every time.
Preparation of Ingredients
Start by getting your ingredients ready. Choose fresh fish fillets like barramundi, sea bass, or salmon. Avoid frozen fish to ensure the best flavor and texture. Season the fish with salt and shaoxing wine 10 minutes before steaming. This makes it more flavorful.
Then, cut the ginger into thin sticks and chop the spring onions. Use the green parts for garnishing since they’re milder. Get soy sauce and some hot oil ready for later steps.
Steaming the Fish
Place the fish on a plate that fits in your steamer. No steamer? No problem. Use an empty tuna can in a pot with water as a stand-in. Add ginger and white onion parts on the fish. Then, steam for about 7 minutes. Adjust this time if you’re using thicker cuts or a whole fish.
Make sure to check the fish so it doesn’t overcook. It’s done when it’s opaque and flakes easily. Remember, fillets usually cook within 4-10 minutes depending on their size.
Final Touches
After steaming, carefully remove the fish from the steamer. Heat oil until hot, but not smoking. Drizzle it over the fish to bring out the flavors of ginger and spring onions. Add soy sauce for that final touch. These steps make your steamed fish truly special.
Enjoy your tasty dish right away. If there are leftovers, they can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. But reheating might change the taste.
The table below shows key details and tips:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Recommended Fish | Barramundi, Sea Bass, Cod, Snapper, Salmon |
| Preparation Time | Under 25 minutes |
| Steaming Time | 7 minutes (adjust as needed) |
| Key Ingredients | Ginger, Spring Onions, Salt, Shaoxing Wine, Hot Oil, Soy Sauce |
| Storage | Up to 3 days in the fridge |
| Alternative Setup | Use an empty tuna can in 1-2 inches of water for steaming |
| User Rating | 4.99 out of 5 from 192 votes |
Tips for Using a Bamboo Steamer
Learn how to use a bamboo steamer and make your steamed fish amazing. We share tips on bamboo steamer usage, steaming set-up guidance, and bamboo steamer alternatives. Let’s find out how to get the best from your bamboo steamer. Or explore other ways if you don’t have one.
Preparing the Steamer
First, check that your bamboo steamer fits well on your pot or wok.
- Line the steamer: Use lettuce leaves, parchment paper, or cabbage leaves to stop food from sticking. This helps steam better and keeps it clean.
- Water level: Make sure the water stays just below the steamer. When boiling, the steam should not touch the steamer’s bottom.
- Proper placement: Place the fish so there is space around each piece. This allows the steam to circulate evenly.
Following thesesteaming set-up guidancesteps makes your dish perfect.
Alternatives to Bamboo Steamers
If you don’t have a bamboo steamer, try these bamboo steamer alternatives:
- Wok and chopsticks: Use chopsticks over a wok, put a plate with fish on them, and cover. This copies a bamboo steamer’s effect.
- Steaming rack: Put a metal rack in a pan. Add water below the rack, fish on a plate on the rack, and cover.
- Parchment pouch: Oven-steam by wrapping fish in parchment paper parcels. It keeps moisture in and cooks like steam would.
These bamboo steamer alternatives let you steam fish wonderfully even without a traditional bamboo steamer. Enjoy your cooking!
Serving Suggestions
Creating the perfect pairing is vital for the Easy Steamed Fish with Ginger and Spring Onion recipe. These tips focus on side dishes that enhance the dish without overpowering it.
Rice
For steamed fish, fluffy rice is unbeatable. It makes the meal better, acting as a base for the sauce. Choose jasmine or basmati rice to highlight the dish’s aromatic flavors.
The bland taste of rice lets the fish’s delicate flavors stand out. It’s all about letting the ginger-spring onion mix shine.
Vegetable Sides
Vegetable sides bring color, texture, and nutrition. Try stir-fried veggies like collard greens or honey sriracha Brussels sprouts. They’re great with steamed fish.
Using different vegetables improves the look of your meal. It also adds vital vitamins and minerals for a balanced diet.
| Vegetable Side Dish | Description | Nutritional Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts | Sweet and spicy, adding a kick to the meal | High in fiber and vitamin C |
| Sautéed Collard Greens | Earthy flavors, complements the fish’s tenderness | Rich in vitamin K and calcium |
| Steamed White Rice | Neutral base that soaks up the flavorful sauce | Source of carbohydrates, aiding energy |
| Stir-Fried Vegetables | Mixed medley providing varied textures and flavors | Packed with vitamins A and C |
These serving tips make your Easy Steamed Fish both tasty and a balanced meal choice.
Recipe Variants
Want to make your steamed fish more exciting? Try out different recipe variations. You can steam a whole fish or pieces. Each way brings something special to your meal.
Whole Fish vs. Fillets
Choosing between whole fish steaming and fillet methods depends on your taste and occasion. Steaming a whole fish is great for celebrations. This method is loved in Cantonese cooking. A perfect steamed fish for home costs about $13.50, much cheaper than eating out.
Though it sounds difficult, whole fish can be more flavorful. It keeps the fish moist and soft. Sea bass and flounder are good choices. Fillets are quicker and easier, perfect for a busy night. Tilapia and red snapper are firm favorites for steaming.
| Aspect | Whole Fish | Fillets |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 10 minutes (includes cleaning) | 5 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 9-16 minutes | 10-12 minutes |
| Flavor Intensity | High | Moderate |
| Ideal For | Special occasions | Quick meals |
Alternative Dishes
Looking for creative steamed fish dishes? The adventure goes beyond just steaming. Make fish tacos with steamed fish, slaw, and sauce. Or, turn it into tasty sandwiches or part of a seafood dish.
With these recipe variations, enjoy more than just traditional steamed fish. Add your own touch to make each meal special and fun.
Steamed Fish with Ginger and Spring Onion Recipe
Want an authentic Chinese steamed fish dish? This step-by-step recipe with ginger and spring onion is perfect. It’s easy and ideal for making at home.
| Ingredients | Measurements |
|---|---|
| White Fish Fillets (Basa, Cod, Rockfish) | 3 fillets (about 1 pound total) |
| Ginger, sliced | 3 slices – 1/8 inch length |
| Green Onions | 2 stalks, julienned |
| Seasoned Soy Sauce for Seafood | 2 tablespoons to 1/4 cup |
| Sesame Oil | 1/4 teaspoon |
Follow these simple ginger spring onion fish instructions for a great dish:
- Prepare the Fish: Wash and dry the fish fillets. Add ginger slices on top and bottom of each fillet.
- Set up the Steamer: Use parchment paper in the bamboo steamer to avoid sticking. Make sure it fits well in your wok or pot.
- Steam the Fish: Cook the fillets in the steamer. Check after 5 to 12 minutes. They should flake easily.
- Final Touches: Pour soy sauce and sesame oil over cooked fish. Top it with green onions.
Steaming fish might seem tough, but it’s not. A bamboo steamer is key. It’s cheap and easy to find online or at local Asian stores. With it, you can steam fish perfectly. Enjoy it with rice and greens for a well-rounded meal.
This recipe highlights white fish’s soft texture and mild taste. It makes sure every flavor is noticed. Try this simple, yet traditional Chinese cooking method. It impresses with both health benefits and delicious taste.
Conclusion
Steamed fish with ginger and spring onion is a treasure of culinary art. It’s simple yet elegant. It gives us a taste that is rich in tradition. Using steaming preserves the fish’s natural flavors and nutrients. You can choose between barramundi or coral trout for a tasty and healthy meal.
This recipe takes you through vital ingredients and careful preparation. Soy sauce, ginger, and spring onions are key. Adding dark soy sauce improves the dish’s color. Drizzling hot oil finally makes it unforgettable. It’s guaranteed to steal the show at any dining table.
We also explored other versions, like Chinese Style Taucu and Malay Style Asam Steamed fish. Steaming can be adapted to suit different tastes. With ingredients like tamarind and chilies, each variant is special. For more details and recipes, check Fuchsia Dunlop’s cookbook here.
We hope this steamed fish recipe inspires you to try new things in your kitchen. It’s perfect for a fancy yet easy meal. Remember, fresh ingredients and the right timing are key. Impress your loved ones with this dish. Celebrate Chinese New Year, or any occasion, with this delightful steamed fish.
FAQ
What types of white fish are ideal for this steamed fish recipe?
Cod, haddock, and perch work well. They have lean, mild flavors and flake beautifully when cooked.
Can I use a regular steamer if I don’t have a bamboo steamer?
Yes. Use a wok with crossed chopsticks, a rack in a pan, or oven-steam in parchment pouches. Each method works well.
What are the health benefits of steaming fish?
Steaming keeps nutrients in the fish, keeps it moist, and brings out natural flavors. It’s healthier without extra fats or oils.
How do I ensure that the fish is not overcooked while steaming?
Watch the cooking time closely. Use fish fillets that are the same size so they cook evenly. The fish is done when it flakes with a fork.
What ingredients are essential for this recipe?
The main items are fresh white fish fillets, ginger, spring onions, and Haday Tasty Seafood Brand soy sauce. This soy sauce adds sweetness and umami.
What vegetables pair well with this steamed fish dish?
Try sautéed collard greens, honey sriracha Brussels sprouts, or steamed bok choy. They add color, texture, and nutrition.
How do I properly line a bamboo steamer for this dish?
Line your bamboo steamer with parchment or lettuce leaves to stop sticking. Make sure the steamer fits well in your pot.
Can I use whole fish instead of fillets for this recipe?
Yes, whole fish is a good choice too. Just make sure to adjust cooking time. This helps the fish cook thoroughly and stay moist.