Best Chinese Steamed Fish Recipe: Discover Delicious and Effortless Meal Preparation

Steamed fish is a staple dish that is both easy to prepare and delicious to eat. Steaming is a healthy cooking method that preserves the natural flavour and texture of the fish, making it an excellent choice for a family meal. In this article, we'll share with you the best Chinese steamed fish recipe that you can easily make at home.

Selecting the right fish is crucial when it comes to making steamed fish. You want to choose a fresh, whole fish that is firm to the touch and has clear, bright eyes. Sea bass, snapper, and tilapia are popular choices for steaming, but you can use any type of fish that you like. We'll also show you how to prepare the fish, season it, and steam it to perfection.

Once you've mastered the basics of steaming fish, you can experiment with different sauces and seasonings to create your own unique flavour. We'll share with you our favourite sauce and seasoning recipes that you can use to elevate your steamed fish to the next level. So, let's get started and learn how to make the best Chinese steamed fish recipe that your family will love.

Key Takeaways

• Select a fresh, whole fish that is firm to the touch and has clear, bright eyes for the best results.
• Proper preparation and seasoning are key to making delicious steamed fish.
• Experiment with different sauces and seasonings to create your own unique flavour.

Selecting the Right Fish

When it comes to making Chinese steamed fish, selecting the right fish is crucial to achieving a delicious and satisfying dish. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the right fish:

Freshness Factors

Freshness is key when it comes to selecting the right fish for steaming. When buying a whole fish, look for the ones with firm flesh, clear eyes, and vibrant red gills. A fresh fish should also have a clean and slightly sweet smell, not a fishy or ammonia-like odour.

To ensure the freshness of the fish, it is recommended to buy it from a reputable fishmonger or a trusted supermarket. If you are unsure about the freshness of the fish, you can ask the fishmonger to clean and scale the fish for you.

Best Fish Varieties for Steaming

Several types of fish are suitable for steaming, but some are better than others. Here are some of the best fish varieties for steaming:

• Snapper: This fish has a firm and flaky texture, making it perfect for steaming. It has a mild and sweet flavour that pairs well with the simple seasoning of soy sauce, ginger, and scallions.

• Tilapia: This fish is a popular choice for steaming due to its mild and sweet flavour. It has a delicate texture that easily absorbs the flavours of the seasoning.

• Sea Bass: This fish has a rich and buttery flavour that makes it a favourite among seafood lovers. It has a firm and flaky texture that holds up well during steaming.

• Cod: This fish has a mild and slightly sweet flavour that pairs well with the seasoning of soy sauce, ginger, and scallions. It has a firm and flaky texture that makes it perfect for steaming.

When selecting the right fish for steaming, it is important to consider the type of fish that is readily available in your area. You can also consider using seafood such as prawns or scallops as an alternative to fish. If you decide to use seafood, make sure to select the ones that are fresh and of good quality.

Preparation Essentials

Before you start cooking the best Chinese steamed fish recipe, there are some essential steps you need to follow to ensure that the dish turns out perfectly. Here are the two most important preparation steps:

Cleaning and Prepping the Fish

The first step in preparing Chinese steamed fish is to clean and prep the fish. You can use any small-sized fish for this recipe, but it's best to use fresh fish. Seafood such as sea bass, snapper, or tilapia can be used, but make sure to clean the fish properly before cooking. To clean the fish, remove the scales, gut it, and remove the gills. Rinse the fish under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.

Marinating for Flavour

Once the fish is cleaned and prepped, it's time to marinate it for flavour. In a small bowl, mix together simple ingredients like soy sauce, rice wine, and sugar. Add some sliced ginger, scallions, and cilantro to the mixture. Place the fish in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, making sure to coat it evenly. Cover the dish with cling film and let the fish marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

Proposed seafood suggestion: You can also use other types of seafood such as prawns or scallops instead of fish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

By following these essential steps, you will be able to cook the best Chinese steamed fish recipe that is full of flavour and protein.

Steaming Techniques

When it comes to cooking Chinese steamed fish, steaming is the key technique that you need to master. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect steamed fish dish.

Setting Up Your Steamer

To steam your fish, you will need a steamer. You can use a bamboo steamer, a large pot with a steaming rack, or a deep skillet with a lid. Fill the steamer with water, making sure that the water level is below the steaming rack.

Timing Is Key

The steaming time depends on the size of the fish. Generally, you should steam for 8 minutes for a smaller fish and 10 minutes for a larger fish. Use your best judgment, and don't forget to set your kitchen alarm.

When steaming, make sure that the lid is tightly sealed to prevent steam from escaping. This will ensure that the fish is cooked evenly and retains its moisture.

To add some extra flavour to your steamed fish, you can use a variety of techniques. For example, you can stuff the fish with ginger and scallions, or you can add soy sauce and sesame oil to the steaming water. Seafood such as prawns and scallops can also be added to the steamer for an extra flavour boost.

By following these simple steaming techniques, you can create a delicious Chinese steamed fish dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.

Sauce and Seasoning

When it comes to steamed fish, the sauce and seasoning are just as important as the fish itself. In this section, we'll cover the classic soy sauce mixture and aromatic garnishes that are commonly used in Chinese steamed fish recipes.

Classic Soy Sauce Mixture

The classic soy sauce mixture is a simple yet flavourful combination of light soy sauce, sugar, salt, and water. To make the sauce, mix together 2 tablespoons of light soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 2 tablespoons of water. This mixture is then poured over the fish before steaming.

For a richer flavour, you can also add a tablespoon of oyster sauce to the mixture. This will give the sauce a slightly sweet and savoury taste.

Aromatic Garnishes

Aromatic garnishes are used to add flavour and fragrance to the steamed fish. The most common garnishes used in Chinese steamed fish recipes are ginger, scallions, and cilantro.

To prepare the garnishes, slice 2-3 inches of ginger into thin strips and chop 2-3 scallions into small pieces. Roughly chop a handful of cilantro leaves.

For an extra kick of heat, you can also add some chopped chilli to the garnish mixture.

If you want to add some seafood to the dish, you can use prawns or scallops. Simply place them on top of the fish before steaming. Sea bass, red snapper, and tilapia are some of the popular fish options used in Chinese steamed fish recipes.

To enhance the flavour of the sauce, you can also add a tablespoon of hot oil and a splash of sesame oil to the soy sauce mixture. This will give the sauce a rich and nutty flavour.

The classic soy sauce mixture and aromatic garnishes are the key components that make Chinese steamed fish so delicious. With a few simple ingredients and some fresh seafood, you can easily recreate this classic dish at home.

Serving Suggestions

Now that you have prepared your delicious Chinese steamed fish, it's time to think about how you will serve it. This simple dish pairs perfectly with a bowl of steamed white rice, which will help to soak up all of the delicious flavours of the fish.

If you're looking to keep your meal on the healthier side, you could also consider serving your steamed fish with a side of Chinese broccoli or pak choi. These vegetables are a great source of vitamins and minerals, and their slightly bitter taste will complement the delicate flavour of the fish.

For a refreshing side dish, you might want to try serving your steamed fish with a cucumber salad. Simply slice some cucumbers thinly and toss them with a dressing made from rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a pinch of sugar. This will add a nice crunch to your meal and help to balance out the richness of the fish.

If you're looking to add some variety to your steamed fish, you could consider using different types of seafood. For example, you could use prawns or scallops instead of fish, or you could add some mussels or clams to your steaming basket alongside the fish. Just be sure to adjust your cooking times accordingly, as different types of seafood will require different cooking times.

Overall, serving your Chinese steamed fish is a matter of personal preference. Whether you choose to keep it simple with rice or add some variety with vegetables and other seafood, the most important thing is to enjoy the delicious flavours of this classic Chinese dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the ideal type of fish for a Chinese steamed fish dish?

The ideal type of fish for a Chinese steamed fish dish is a whole fish, preferably with the head and tail still attached. Some of the most popular types of fish used in Chinese steamed fish dishes include sea bass, red snapper, and tilapia. You can also use other types of seafood such as prawns or scallops.

How can you tell if you've overcooked fish in a steamer?

Overcooked fish in a steamer can become tough and rubbery. To avoid this, it's best to check the fish earlier and keep steaming for an additional 1-2 minutes if needed. You can tell if the fish is cooked by inserting a fork or knife into the thickest part of the fish. If it easily flakes and separates, then it's cooked.

What's the typical duration for steaming a whole fish?

The typical duration for steaming a whole fish is around 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the fish. It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of fish and the thickness of the fish.

Should I steam or boil fish for the best flavour and texture?

Steaming is the best method for cooking fish as it retains the natural flavour and texture of the fish. Boiling fish can cause it to become dry and lose its flavour. Steaming also allows you to add additional flavours to the fish through the use of herbs, spices, and sauces.

Could you suggest a healthy Chinese steamed fish recipe?

A healthy Chinese steamed fish recipe is one that uses fresh ingredients and minimal oil. One option is to use sea bass or tilapia and season it with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. You can also add some vegetables such as bok choy or broccoli to the steamer to make it a complete meal.

What's the secret to a perfect steam fish sauce?

The secret to a perfect steam fish sauce is to use a combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. You can also add some ginger, garlic, and green onions for additional flavour. Mix the ingredients together and pour over the steamed fish just before serving.