Chinese Steamed Fish Sauce Recipe: How to Make It at Home

If you're looking for a healthy and delicious way to prepare fish, look no further than Chinese steamed fish. This popular dish is a staple of Chinese cuisine and is known for its delicate, tender texture and rich, savoury flavour. Whether you're a fan of seafood or just looking for a new way to enjoy fish, Chinese steamed fish is a dish that is sure to impress.

To make Chinese steamed fish, you'll need a few key ingredients, including fresh fish, ginger, scallions, and soy sauce. While the recipe is relatively simple, there are a few techniques that you'll need to master in order to get the perfect result. For example, choosing the right type of fish is essential, as is ensuring that the fish is properly prepared before steaming. With a little practice, however, you'll be able to create a delicious and healthy Chinese steamed fish dish that is sure to become a family favourite.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese steamed fish is a healthy and delicious way to prepare fish.
• Choosing the right type of fish and preparing it properly are key to getting the perfect result.
• With a little practice, you can create a delicious and impressive Chinese steamed fish dish.

Choosing the Right Fish

When it comes to making a Chinese steamed fish, selecting the right type of fish is crucial. Here are some tips to help you choose the best fish for your recipe.

Selecting Fresh Fish

Choosing fresh fish is essential for a delicious steamed fish. Look for clear eyes, bright red gills, and shiny skin. If the fish smells fishy, it is not fresh. If possible, buy whole fish and have it cleaned and scaled at the fish market. This ensures that the fish is fresh and has not been sitting around for too long.

Best Fish Varieties for Steaming

There are many types of fish that are suitable for steaming. Here are some of the best varieties:

• Sea bass: This is a popular choice for steaming because it has a delicate flavour and firm flesh that holds up well during cooking.

• Cod: This is a mild-flavoured fish that is also firm and holds up well during steaming.

• Flounder: This is a lean fish that has a delicate flavour and is perfect for steaming.

• Tilapia: This is a popular fish that is easy to find and has a mild flavour that is perfect for steaming.

• Snapper: This is a firm fish that has a slightly sweet flavour and is perfect for steaming.

• Grouper: This is a lean fish that has a mild flavour and is perfect for steaming.

• Sea bream: This is a popular fish in Chinese cuisine that has a delicate flavour and is perfect for steaming.

• Perch: This is a lean fish that has a mild flavour and is perfect for steaming.

When selecting fish, it is important to choose a delicate white fish that is not too oily or firm. Avoid fish like bluefish, mackerel or swordfish. If you are looking to add seafood to your recipe, you can also use shrimp or scallops.

By choosing the right fish, you can ensure that your Chinese steamed fish recipe turns out perfectly.

Essential Ingredients and Substitutions

Key Components for Authentic Flavour

When it comes to making Chinese steamed fish, there are a few key ingredients that you simply can't do without. These ingredients are what give the dish its authentic flavour and aroma. Here are some of the essential ingredients you'll need:

• Ginger: Fresh ginger is a must-have ingredient for Chinese steamed fish. It adds a subtle heat and a fragrant aroma to the dish. Make sure to slice or julienne the ginger finely to ensure that it infuses the fish with its flavour.
• Scallions: Scallions, also known as spring onions, are another essential ingredient for Chinese steamed fish. They add a fresh, oniony flavour to the dish and help to balance out the richness of the fish.
• Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is a staple ingredient in Chinese cooking and is used to add saltiness and depth of flavour to the dish. Use light soy sauce for a milder flavour or dark soy sauce for a stronger, more intense flavour.
• Oyster Sauce: Oyster sauce is a thick, dark sauce made from oysters and is used to add a savoury, umami flavour to the dish. It also helps to thicken the sauce and give it a glossy finish.
• Sesame Oil: Sesame oil is used to add a nutty, aromatic flavour to the dish. Use it sparingly as it has a strong flavour and can easily overpower the other ingredients.
• Sugar: A small amount of sugar is added to the sauce to balance out the saltiness of the soy sauce and oyster sauce. Use brown sugar or palm sugar for a more authentic flavour.
• Salt: Salt is used to season the fish and bring out its natural flavour.
• Aromatics: In addition to ginger and scallions, other aromatics such as garlic, chilli, and cilantro can also be added to the dish to enhance its flavour.

Substitute Ingredients for Convenience

If you don't have all of the ingredients listed above, don't worry. There are several substitutions you can make to still achieve a delicious Chinese steamed fish dish. Here are some ideas:

• Ginger: If you don't have fresh ginger, you can use ground ginger or ginger paste instead. However, fresh ginger is preferred for its flavour and aroma.
• Scallions: If you don't have scallions, you can use regular onions or shallots instead. However, scallions are preferred for their fresh, oniony flavour.
• Soy Sauce: If you don't have soy sauce, you can use fish sauce or tamari instead. However, soy sauce is preferred for its distinct flavour.
• Oyster Sauce: If you don't have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce or soy sauce instead. However, oyster sauce is preferred for its savoury flavour.
• Sesame Oil: If you don't have sesame oil, you can use vegetable oil or olive oil instead. However, sesame oil is preferred for its nutty flavour.
• Sugar: If you don't have brown sugar or palm sugar, you can use white sugar or honey instead. However, brown sugar or palm sugar are preferred for their authentic flavour.
• Salt: If you're watching your sodium intake, you can reduce or omit the salt altogether. However, a small amount of salt is recommended to bring out the natural flavour of the fish.

Seafood suggestion: You can use any type of white-fleshed fish for this recipe, such as sea bass, cod, or halibut. For a more luxurious version, you can use lobster or crab instead.

Preparing the Fish

Preparing the fish is an essential part of making a delicious Chinese steamed fish. Here are the steps to follow:

Cleaning and Gutting

First, you need to clean and gut the fish. If you're not comfortable doing this yourself, you can ask your fishmonger to do it for you. Rinse the fish under cold running water and remove any scales by scraping them off with a knife. Using a pair of kitchen scissors, cut off the fins and tail. Then, make a shallow cut along the belly of the fish and remove the guts.

Scoring and Seasoning

Next, you need to score the fish. Use a sharp knife to make two or three diagonal cuts on each side of the fish. This will help the fish cook evenly and allow the flavours to penetrate. Rub the fish with salt inside and out, including the cavity. You can also stuff the cavity with sliced ginger and spring onion for extra flavour.

If you're using seafood, such as prawns or scallops, you can add them to the fish before steaming. Simply place them on top of the fish and season with salt and pepper.

That's it! Preparing the fish is easy and shouldn't take more than 10 minutes. Now you're ready to move on to the next step – steaming the fish.

Steaming Techniques

Steaming is a popular cooking method in Chinese cuisine that is used to cook a variety of dishes, including fish. Here are some tips and techniques to help you steam fish perfectly every time.

Setting Up Your Steamer

To steam fish, you will need a steamer. You can use a bamboo steamer or a steaming rack placed inside a wok with a lid. Make sure that the steamer is large enough to accommodate the fish you are cooking.

Fill the wok with water, making sure that the water level is below the steaming rack or the bamboo steamer. Bring the water to a boil over high heat before placing the fish in the steamer.

Mastering the Steaming Time

The steaming time for fish depends on the thickness of the fish. As a general rule, steam the fish for 8-10 minutes for every inch of thickness at the thickest part of the fish.

To check for doneness, insert a fork into the thickest part of the fish. If the flesh flakes easily, the fish is cooked. If not, continue steaming for a few more minutes.

Tip: To prevent the fish from sticking to the steamer, lightly oil the steaming rack or the bamboo steamer before placing the fish on it.

Seafood suggestion: You can use a variety of seafood for this recipe, including cod, sea bass, or tilapia.

Finishing Touches and Serving

Making the Sauce

To make the perfect sauce for your Chinese steamed fish, you will need a few key ingredients. Start by mixing together soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a bit of sugar in a small bowl. Then, heat up some vegetable oil in a pan until it's hot. Add in some chopped garlic and ginger, and cook for a minute or two until fragrant. Pour the hot oil over the soy sauce mixture and stir well. Finally, add in some chopped cilantro and green onions for a burst of fresh flavour.

Dressing and Garnishing

Once your fish is cooked, it's time to dress it up and make it look as good as it tastes. Spoon the sauce over the top of the fish, making sure to get some in every nook and cranny. Then, sprinkle some additional chopped cilantro and green onions over the top for a pop of colour and flavour. If you're feeling fancy, you can also add a few slices of fresh chilli or some toasted sesame seeds.

Pairing with Sides

Chinese steamed fish is traditionally served with a side of white rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. Make sure to cook your rice separately and fluff it up with a fork before serving. You can also add some steamed vegetables like bok choy or broccoli for a healthy and colourful addition to your meal. If you're looking to add some seafood to your dish, try adding some shrimp or scallops to the steamer basket along with the fish. They'll cook in the same amount of time and add some extra protein to your meal.

In conclusion, Chinese steamed fish is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and some careful preparation, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. So grab your chopsticks and dig in!

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The ideal type of fish for a classic Chinese steamed dish is a whole white fish, such as sea bass, tilapia, or snapper. However, you can also use fillets of fish, such as cod or salmon, for a simpler version.

How can you whip up a simple steamed fish with that authentic Chinese flavour?

To make a simple steamed fish with an authentic Chinese flavour, marinate the fish with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and rice wine for at least 30 minutes before steaming. Add some sliced scallions on top of the fish before steaming to enhance the flavour.

Could you suggest a healthy variant of steamed fish with Chinese seasonings?

A healthy variant of steamed fish with Chinese seasonings is to use a lean white fish, such as cod or haddock, and add some Chinese vegetables, such as bok choy or snow peas, on top of the fish before steaming. Season with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for a delicious and healthy meal.

What's the secret to perfectly steamed fish without overcooking it?

The secret to perfectly steamed fish without overcooking it is to cook the fish for just the right amount of time. A general rule of thumb is to steam the fish for 8-10 minutes per inch of thickness. To check if the fish is done, insert a fork into the thickest part of the fish. If it flakes easily, it's ready.

Any tips for a tasty ginger and spring onion topping for steamed fish?

To make a tasty ginger and spring onion topping for steamed fish, heat up some oil in a pan until hot, then pour it over some sliced ginger and spring onions on top of the steamed fish. Season with soy sauce and sesame oil for an added flavour.

What are some delightful sides to serve alongside steamed fish?

Some delightful sides to serve alongside steamed fish include steamed rice, Chinese greens, such as bok choy or choy sum, and a light soup, such as egg drop soup or hot and sour soup. You can also serve some steamed or stir-fried vegetables, such as broccoli or snow peas, for a healthy and balanced meal. If you want to add some seafood to the meal, you can serve some steamed shrimp or scallops on the side.