If you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that's also healthy and delicious, look no further than the black bean fish recipe.
This seafood dish is a popular choice for those who want to incorporate more fish into their diet. The addition of black bean sauce gives it a unique and flavourful twist.
Preparing the fish for this recipe is simple, and you can use a variety of firm white fish fillets such as Basa or Sole.
Once you have your fish, you'll need to marinate it in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic to infuse it with flavour.
Then, you'll coat the fish in a mixture of potato and corn starch before deep-frying it until it's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
When it comes to cooking techniques for black bean fish, there are a few different options.
You can stir-fry the fish with black bean sauce, steam it with the sauce spread on top, or even bake it in the oven.
Whichever method you choose, the end result will be a delicious and satisfying seafood dish that's perfect for any occasion.
Key Takeaways
- The black bean fish recipe is a healthy and flavourful option for a weeknight dinner.
- Preparing the fish involves marinating it in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, and then coating it in a potato and corn starch mixture before deep-frying it.
- You can cook the fish using various techniques, including stir-frying, steaming, or baking in the oven, depending on your preference.
Preparing the Fish
When it comes to making a delicious black bean fish recipe, the first step is to prepare the fish. Here are some tips on how to do it right.
Choosing the Right Fish
The type of fish you choose for your recipe can make a big difference in the final result.
Some of the best options for this recipe include cod, tilapia, sea bass, halibut, grouper, and catfish.
You can use either whole fish or fish fillets, depending on your preference.
If you're using fish fillets, make sure they are white fish fillets, such as cod or tilapia.
These types of fish have a mild, delicate flavour that pairs well with the black bean sauce.
If you're using a whole fish, make sure it's fresh and has been cleaned and gutted properly.
Marinating the Fish
Marinating the fish is an important step in this recipe, as it helps to infuse the fish with flavour and keep it moist during cooking.
To marinate the fish, you'll need light soy sauce, ginger, garlic, salt, black pepper, shaoxing wine, and oyster sauce.
Start by mixing the marinade ingredients together in a bowl.
Then, place the fish fillets or whole fish in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them.
Make sure the fish is coated evenly with the marinade, then cover the dish with cling film and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
When you're ready to cook the fish, remove it from the marinade and discard any remaining marinade. Now your fish is ready to be cooked with the black bean sauce.
Cooking Techniques
Steaming the Fish
Steaming is a traditional Chinese cooking technique that is perfect for preparing fish.
To steam the fish, you will need a steamer rack or a steam rack. Place the fish on a heatproof plate and put it on the steamer rack.
Cover the steamer with a lid and steam the fish for about 8 minutes or until it is cooked through.
Be careful when removing the steamer from the heat as it will be hot. Use oven mitts to protect your hands.
Making the Black Bean Sauce
Black bean sauce is a flavourful sauce made from fermented black beans.
You can use Chinese black beans, also known as douchi, or fermented black soybeans. You can find black bean garlic sauce or Chinese black bean sauce in most Asian grocery stores.
To make the sauce, heat some oil in a wok or a pan and stir fry some onion, green onion, and bell pepper until they are fragrant.
Add the black beans, dried red chilies, sugar, and sesame oil.
Stir fry for a few seconds and then add some water or chicken broth. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens. Add corn starch to thicken the sauce if needed.
Final Touches and Serving
Once the fish is steamed and the black bean sauce is made, it's time to put everything together.
Place the steamed fish on a serving plate and pour the black bean sauce over it.
Garnish with some chopped green onion or scallions. Serve with steamed rice and a side dish of your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make a classic Chinese-style black bean sauce for fish?
To make a classic Chinese-style black bean sauce for fish, you will need fermented black beans, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sugar.
First, rinse the black beans under running water and mash them into a paste. Then, finely chop the garlic and ginger.
Heat some oil in a wok or frying pan and fry the garlic and ginger until fragrant.
Add the black bean paste and fry for a minute or two.
Finally, add soy sauce and sugar, and stir until the sugar dissolves. You can adjust the seasoning to your taste.
What's the best type of fish to use for a black bean sauce dish?
The best type of fish to use for a black bean sauce dish is a firm white fish, such as sea bass, snapper, or cod.
These types of fish hold up well to steaming and have a mild flavour that complements the savoury black bean sauce.
Can I use canned black beans to create a black bean fish sauce?
No, you cannot use canned black beans to create a black bean fish sauce.
Canned black beans are already cooked and seasoned, and they have a different texture and flavour from fermented black beans, which are the key ingredient in a black bean fish sauce. You can find fermented black beans in Asian grocery stores or online.
What are some tips for perfectly steaming fish with black bean sauce?
To perfectly steam fish with black bean sauce, you need to make sure that the fish is cooked through but not overcooked, and that the sauce is flavourful and not too salty. Here are some tips:
- Use a steamer basket or a bamboo steamer to steam the fish.
- Season the fish with salt and white pepper before steaming.
- Steam the fish for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish.
- Spoon the black bean sauce over the fish and steam for another minute or two to infuse the flavours.
- Garnish the fish with chopped scallions and cilantro.
How can I adapt a black bean fish recipe for a vegetarian diet?
You can adapt a black bean fish recipe for a vegetarian diet by using firm tofu instead of fish.
Simply cut the tofu into slices or cubes and steam it for 5-7 minutes.
Then, spoon the black bean sauce over the tofu and steam for another minute or two.
You can also add vegetables such as bok choy, broccoli, or carrots to the steamer basket for a complete meal.
What sides go well with a black bean fish dish?
A black bean fish dish goes well with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, and a light soup such as hot and sour soup or egg drop soup.
You can also serve it with a side of pickled vegetables or a simple salad of cucumber and tomato.