Chinese Steamed Whole Fish Recipe: A Delicious and Healthy Dish

If you're looking for a delicious and healthy meal to serve your family or guests, a Chinese steamed whole fish recipe is a great option. This dish is easy to prepare and can be served for special occasions or as a weeknight dinner. It's also a popular dish for Chinese New Year celebrations, as it is said to bring prosperity, abundance, and surplus.

Choosing the right fish is key to making a delicious steamed whole fish. Popular options include striped bass, sea bass, and tilapia. Make sure to choose a fish that is fresh and has clear eyes and shiny scales. You can also use other types of seafood, such as shrimp or scallops, to add variety to the dish.

To prepare the fish, you'll need a few essential ingredients and tools, including ginger, scallions, soy sauce, and a steamer basket. The steaming process is simple and only takes about 10-15 minutes. Once the fish is cooked, you can add finishing touches such as a drizzle of hot oil or a sprinkle of cilantro. Serve the fish with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal.

Key Takeaways

• A Chinese steamed whole fish recipe is a healthy and delicious meal option for special occasions or weeknight dinners.
• Choosing the right fish and using essential ingredients and tools is key to making a great dish.
• The steaming process is simple and only takes about 10-15 minutes.

Choosing the Right Fish

When it comes to making a Chinese steamed whole fish, choosing the right fish is crucial. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you pick the best fish for your recipe.

Freshness Indicators

When buying a whole fish, there are a few freshness indicators to look out for. Firstly, the fish should have clear eyes that are not sunken in. The gills should be bright red and the flesh should be firm to the touch. If the fish has a strong fishy smell, it's likely not fresh.

If you're not sure how to pick a fresh fish, it's best to visit a fishmonger or an Asian market that specializes in fresh seafood. They can help you choose the best fish and even clean and prepare it for you.

Best Fish Varieties for Steaming

There are several fish varieties that are ideal for steaming. Sea bass, flounder, tilapia, snapper, cod, sea bream, salmon, and red snapper are all great options. Branzino is also a popular choice, especially in Mediterranean cuisine.

When choosing a fish, it's important to consider its size. A fish that is too small may not have enough meat, while a fish that is too large may not fit in your steamer. As a general rule, a fish that weighs around 1-2 pounds is ideal for steaming.

If you're looking to use seafood in your recipe, you can also try using shrimp, scallops, or clams. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Overall, choosing the right fish is key to making a delicious Chinese steamed whole fish. By following these tips and suggestions, you can ensure that your dish is both fresh and flavourful.

Essential Ingredients and Tools

Aromatics and Seasoning

The key to a delicious Chinese steamed whole fish is in the aromatics and seasoning. Ginger is an essential ingredient that adds a warm and spicy flavour to the dish. You can use fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced into matchsticks or julienned, to infuse the fish with its aromatic flavour.

Scallions or spring onions are another important ingredient that adds a fresh and fragrant taste to the dish. Cut them into thin strips and sprinkle them over the fish before serving.

Soy sauce is the most common seasoning used in Chinese steamed fish recipes. It adds a savoury flavour and a beautiful golden brown colour to the fish. Light soy sauce is recommended for this recipe.

Other ingredients that can be used to season the fish include salt, sugar, pepper, wine, sesame oil, oyster sauce, and ground white pepper. Use them sparingly to avoid overpowering the delicate flavour of the fish.

Steaming Equipment

To steam a whole fish, you will need a pot or a wok with a lid, a steaming rack, and a heat-proof plate. You can also use a bamboo steamer if you prefer.

Fill the pot or wok with enough water to cover the bottom of the steaming rack. Bring the water to a boil over high heat and then reduce the heat to medium-low.

Place the heat-proof plate on top of the steaming rack and then place the fish on top of the plate. Cover the pot or wok with the lid and steam the fish for about 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the fish.

You can also add other seafood to the dish, such as shrimp or scallops, to make it more flavourful and nutritious. Sea bass, striped bass, tilapia, and trout are some of the most popular types of fish used in Chinese steamed fish recipes.

Preparing the Fish

When it comes to preparing a Chinese steamed whole fish, there are a few important steps you need to take to ensure the fish is cooked perfectly. Here are the two key steps you need to follow:

Cleaning and Gutting

Firstly, you need to clean and gut the fish. Start by rinsing the whole fish under cold water. Use paper towels to pat the fish dry. Then, use a sharp knife to remove the scales from the fish. You can do this by scraping the scales from tail to head. Be sure to remove all the scales, as they can be tough and unpleasant to eat.

Next, use a pair of kitchen scissors to cut off the fins and tail of the fish. You can also remove the head if you prefer. Once the fish is clean and gutted, rinse it again under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.

Scoring and Marinating

The next step is to score the fish and marinate it. Use a sharp knife to make a few shallow cuts on both sides of the fish. This will help the fish to cook evenly and allow the marinade to penetrate the flesh.

For the marinade, you can use a combination of soy sauce, rice wine, ginger, and garlic. Mix the marinade ingredients together and pour them over the fish, making sure to rub the marinade into the cuts you made earlier. You can also add some julienned ginger and spring onions to the top of the fish for extra flavour.

If you prefer, you can also use fish fillets instead of a whole fish. Sea bass, sea bream, and tilapia are all good options for this recipe. Just be sure to remove any bones from the fillets before cooking.

Steaming Process

Steaming Time and Technique

Steaming a whole fish may seem intimidating, but it's actually quite easy and produces a delicious and healthy meal. The steaming time and technique may vary depending on the size of the fish, but a general rule of thumb is to steam for about 10-12 minutes per inch of thickness.

To begin, place the seasoned fish on a heatproof dish or bamboo steamer basket. Bring water to a boil in a large pot or wok and place the dish or basket on a steaming rack. Cover the pot or wok with a tight-fitting lid and steam the fish until it's opaque and cooked through.

It's important not to overcook the fish, as this can result in a tough and dry texture. To check for doneness, use a fork to flake the thickest part of the fish. If it's opaque and flakes easily, it's done. If it's still translucent and firm, continue steaming for a few more minutes.

Checking for Doneness

Once the fish is cooked, it's time to add some flavour. In a small pan, heat some oil until it's sizzling hot. Carefully pour the hot oil over the fish, which will create a sizzling sound and release the aroma of the aromatics.

To serve, pour some seasoned soy sauce over the fish and garnish with some fresh herbs and sliced chillies. Serve with steamed rice and some stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Seafood lovers can also use other types of fish, such as sea bass, tilapia, or striped bass, to make this Chinese steamed whole fish recipe. Just make sure to adjust the steaming time and technique accordingly. With this simple and easy steaming method, you can enjoy a delicious and healthy seafood meal in no time.

Finishing Touches and Presentation

Adding the Sauce

Once your Cantonese steamed fish is cooked to perfection, it's time to add the finishing touches. The sauce is a crucial element of this dish, as it brings all the flavors together. You can use a variety of sauces to complement the fish, such as tamari, hot oil, dry sherry, or sake.

To make the sauce, heat some peanut oil in a saucepan and add minced garlic and ginger. Stir for a few seconds until fragrant, then add the sauce ingredients. Cook for a minute or two until the sauce thickens slightly. Pour the sauce over the steamed fish, making sure to coat it evenly.

Garnishing and Serving

Garnishing your steamed whole fish is a great way to add some color and freshness to the dish. You can use chopped green onions, cilantro, or even sliced red chilies.

To serve, use chopsticks to carefully transfer the fish from the steamer to a serving platter. Make sure the fish is moist and tender, and the flesh flakes easily. Pour any remaining sauce over the fish and garnish with your chosen toppings.

Seafood such as whole striped bass, sea bass, or tilapia are excellent choices for this recipe. You can also use other types of white fish such as cod or haddock. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the size and thickness of the fish.

With these simple finishing touches, your Chinese steamed whole fish will be ready to impress your guests. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to prepare a whole fish for steaming?

The first step in preparing a whole fish for steaming is to clean it thoroughly. Remove the scales, guts, and gills, and rinse the fish under cold water. Once the fish is clean, you can make a few shallow cuts on the skin to help it cook evenly. You can also stuff the fish with ginger, garlic, and spring onions to add flavour.

How much time should I steam a whole fish for optimal flavour?

The cooking time for a whole fish will depend on its size and thickness. As a general rule, you should steam a 1-pound fish for about 12-15 minutes. If the fish is larger, you may need to steam it for an additional 5-10 minutes. Remember that overcooking can cause the fish to become dry and tough, so it's important to keep a close eye on the cooking time.

Can you recommend a fish that's ideal for steaming?

There are several types of fish that are ideal for steaming, including sea bass, tilapia, and striped bass. These fish have a mild flavour and firm texture, which makes them perfect for steaming. If you're looking for a more luxurious option, you can also use salmon or trout.

What are the steps to steam a whole fish in an oven?

To steam a whole fish in the oven, you will need to wrap it in foil or parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 400°F and place the wrapped fish on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through. You can check the doneness of the fish by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the flesh. If the flesh is opaque and flakes easily, the fish is ready.

Is it possible to steam fish using a pan method?

Yes, you can steam fish using a pan method. To do this, you will need a large pan with a lid and a steaming rack. Fill the pan with about an inch of water and bring it to a boil. Place the steaming rack in the pan and place the fish on top of the rack. Cover the pan with the lid and steam the fish for 10-15 minutes, or until it is cooked through.

How do I incorporate ginger and spring onion into my steamed fish recipe?

Ginger and spring onion are classic flavourings for steamed fish. To incorporate them into your recipe, you can stuff the fish with slices of ginger and spring onion before steaming. You can also scatter the ginger and spring onion over the top of the fish once it's cooked. For an extra burst of flavour, you can drizzle the fish with soy sauce and sesame oil before serving.

As a suggestion, you can use sea bass or tilapia for this Chinese steamed whole fish recipe. These types of fish are readily available and have a mild flavour that pairs well with the ginger and spring onion.