Savour the Flavours of the Sea with This Chinese-Style Steamed Lapu-Lapu Recipe

If you're seeking a tasty and nutritious way to cook fish, try preparing a Chinese-style steamed lapu-lapu recipe. This dish is simple to make and full of taste and essential nutrients. Lapu-lapu, also called grouper or garoupa, is a type of white fish often used in Chinese cooking because of its mild, sweet taste and firm, flaky texture - ideal for steaming.

To make this dish, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including lapu-lapu, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. You can also add other seasonings and vegetables to suit your taste. Before cooking, you'll need to prepare the fish by scaling and gutting it. Then, you'll need to make the sauce and steam the fish until it's cooked through. Once it's done, you can add some final touches and serve it with rice or other side dishes.

Overall, a Chinese-style steamed lapu-lapu recipe is a great way to enjoy seafood in a healthy and delicious way. Whether you're a fan of Chinese cuisine or just looking for a new way to prepare fish, this recipe is definitely worth trying out. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to steam up a delicious meal that's sure to impress.

Key Takeaways

• Lapu-lapu, also known as grouper or garoupa, is a type of white-fleshed fish that is commonly used in Chinese cuisine.
• To make a Chinese-style steamed lapu-lapu recipe, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including lapu-lapu, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
• This dish is not only easy to make, but it's also packed with flavour and nutrients, making it a great way to enjoy seafood in a healthy and delicious way.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Selecting the Fish

To make a delicious steamed Lapu-Lapu dish, you will need a fresh and high-quality fish. Lapu-Lapu, also known as grouper, is the most common fish used in this recipe. However, you can also use other types of white fish such as tilapia, sea bass, or snapper. If you prefer seafood, shrimp or prawns can also be used.

When selecting the fish, make sure that it is fresh and has clear eyes, bright red gills, and firm flesh. If you are buying a whole fish, make sure that it is gutted and scaled properly.

Essential Chinese Seasonings

The key to making a delicious Chinese-style steamed Lapu-Lapu is to use the right seasonings. The essential Chinese seasonings for this recipe are soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and green onion. Soy sauce adds a salty and umami flavour to the dish, while sesame oil gives it a nutty aroma. Ginger and green onion add a fresh and fragrant taste to the fish.

Knorr Liquid Seasoning Original and oyster sauce can also be added for extra flavour. Cornstarch can be used as a thickener for the sauce.

Alternative Ingredients

If you cannot find some of the ingredients mentioned above, you can use substitutes. For example, if you do not have Knorr Liquid Seasoning Original, you can use Maggi Seasoning Sauce or Worcestershire sauce instead. If you do not have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce or fish sauce. If you do not have cornstarch, you can use potato starch or arrowroot starch.

In conclusion, to make a delicious Chinese-style steamed Lapu-Lapu, you need a fresh and high-quality fish such as Lapu-Lapu or tilapia, and essential Chinese seasonings such as soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and green onion. You can also add Knorr Liquid Seasoning Original, oyster sauce, or cornstarch for extra flavour and thickness.

Preparation Before Cooking

Before you start cooking your steamed Lapu-Lapu (Chinese Style), you need to make sure that you have everything you need and that your fish is properly prepared. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Cleaning and Prepping the Fish

Start by cleaning and prepping your fish. Rinse it thoroughly with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, make several diagonal cuts on both sides of the fish. This will help the marinade penetrate the meat and make it more flavourful.

If you are using a whole fish, remove the scales and the guts. You can ask your fishmonger to do this for you. However, if you prefer to do it yourself, make sure to remove the scales before gutting the fish. Use a spoon to scrape the scales off, working from the tail towards the head. After you have removed the scales, use a sharp knife to cut off the head and the tail. Then, cut along the belly to remove the guts.

Marinating the Lapu-Lapu

Once your fish is cleaned and prepped, it's time to marinate it. In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, salt, and pepper. Rub the marinade all over the fish, making sure to get it into the cuts you made earlier. Cover the fish with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

If you want to add more flavour to your fish, you can also add green onions to the marinade. Chop the green onions finely and mix them in with the other ingredients.

Preparing the Steamer

While your fish is marinating, prepare your steamer. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Place a steamer basket or rack in the pot, making sure that it sits above the water level.

If you don't have a steamer basket or rack, you can use a large plate instead. Place the plate upside down in the pot, and then place the fish on top of the plate. Cover the pot with a lid and let the fish steam for about 20-25 minutes, or until it is cooked through.

Seafood such as prawns or scallops can also be used in this recipe, but make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Prawns usually take around 5-7 minutes to cook, while scallops take around 10-12 minutes.

Now that your fish is prepped and your steamer is ready, it's time to start cooking!

Steaming Process

When it comes to cooking steamed Lapu-Lapu, the steaming process is the most important part of the recipe. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect steamed fish.

Layering the Ingredients

To start, prepare your steamer by filling it with water and bringing it to a boil. Meanwhile, prepare your fish by cleaning and gutting it. Place the fish on a heatproof plate and season it with salt and pepper. You can also add other seafood such as shrimps or clams to the plate for added flavour.

Next, add your aromatics such as sliced ginger and leeks on top of the fish. You can also add some gin to the plate to give it a unique flavour. Then, pour a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar over the fish and aromatics.

Steaming Time and Techniques

Once your steamer is boiling, carefully place the plate with the fish on top of the steamer basket. Cover the steamer and let the fish steam for about 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the fish. You can check if the fish is done by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the fish. If the flesh flakes easily, then it is done.

When the fish is done, remove it from the steamer and garnish it with cilantro leaves and sliced spring onions. Serve it with steamed rice and enjoy!

Remember, the key to a successful steamed Lapu-Lapu is to not overcook the fish. This will ensure that the fish remains moist and tender. You can also experiment with different seasonings and aromatics to create your own unique flavour profile.

If you want to add more seafood to your dish, you can also use other types of fish such as sea bass or red snapper. You can also add some shellfish such as mussels or scallops to the plate for added flavour and texture.

Making the Sauce

When it comes to making the sauce for your steamed Lapu Lapu (Chinese Style) dish, there are a few key factors to consider to ensure a flavourful and consistent result.

Combining Flavours

To create a well-rounded sauce, you'll need to combine a variety of flavours. Start by mixing together soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar in a saucepan over low heat. Add in sliced ginger, onion, leek, and pepper to taste. If you want to add a bit of seafood flavour to your sauce, consider adding a small amount of oyster sauce.

Sauce Consistency

To achieve the right consistency for your sauce, you'll need to add a bit of cornstarch. Start by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a small amount of water until it forms a smooth paste. Then, add the cornstarch mixture to your saucepan and stir continuously until the sauce thickens.

When it comes to seafood, you can use different types of fish to make this dish. In addition to Lapu Lapu, you can also use other types of white fish like cod or halibut. Adding seafood to your steamed Lapu Lapu dish can provide additional flavour and nutrition to your meal.

Overall, making the sauce for your steamed Lapu Lapu (Chinese Style) dish is a simple process that requires a few key ingredients and a bit of attention to detail. By combining flavours and achieving the right consistency, you can create a delicious and flavourful sauce that perfectly complements your fish.

Final Touches and Serving

Garnishing

Now that your steamed lapu lapu is ready, it's time to add the final touches to make it look more appetizing. You can garnish your dish with some chopped cilantro or green onions. These herbs not only add a pop of colour to your dish, but they also give it a fresh and fragrant taste. Remember to chop them finely so that they can be easily sprinkled over the fish.

Plating the Dish

To serve your steamed lapu lapu, you can use a serving plate or a large platter. You can also serve it on a bed of steamed rice to make it more filling. Place the fish in the centre of the plate and spoon some of the sauce over it. You can also pour the sauce over the fish before placing it on the plate. This will ensure that the fish is evenly coated with the sauce.

If you want to make your dish look more appealing, you can arrange some steamed vegetables around the fish. You can use broccoli, carrots, or bok choy. These vegetables not only add colour to your dish, but they also provide a balance to the flavours.

To add some crunch to your dish, you can also sprinkle some fried garlic on top of the fish. This will give it a nice texture and flavour.

If you want to add some variety to your dish, you can also use other types of seafood such as prawns or scallops. These seafood options complement the flavour of the lapu lapu and can be steamed with the fish.

Now that you know how to garnish and plate your steamed lapu lapu, it's time to enjoy your delicious and healthy meal!

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients are needed for a traditional Chinese-style steamed lapu-lapu?

To prepare a traditional Chinese-style steamed lapu-lapu, you'll need a whole lapu-lapu or grouper, Asian leeks, fresh ginger, Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, sesame oil, and water. You can also add Knorr Liquid Seasoning Original to enhance the umami flavour.

How do you prepare a steamed lapu-lapu with oyster sauce?

To prepare steamed lapu-lapu with oyster sauce, you'll need lapu-lapu or any other white fish, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, ginger, and green onions. Steam the fish for about 10-15 minutes or until cooked through. Meanwhile, in a pan, sauté the ginger and green onions in oil. Add the oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sugar to the pan and stir until well combined. Pour the sauce over the steamed fish and serve.

Can you suggest an easy method to steam lapu-lapu with Chinese flavours?

An easy method to steam lapu-lapu with Chinese flavours is to use Knorr Liquid Seasoning Original, soy sauce, and ginger. Simply marinate the fish in the soy sauce and Knorr Liquid Seasoning Original for about 30 minutes. Place the ginger slices on top of the fish and steam for about 10-15 minutes or until cooked through. Serve with steamed rice.

What's the best way to serve steamed lapu-lapu alongside rice?

Steamed lapu-lapu is best served alongside steamed rice. You can also serve it with sautéed vegetables or a side of soup.

What are some tips for ensuring a perfectly steamed lapu-lapu every time?

To ensure a perfectly steamed lapu-lapu every time, make sure to clean and scale the fish properly before steaming. Use a steamer basket or a plate to hold the fish while steaming. Make sure to not overcook the fish, as it can become dry and tough.

How do you incorporate soy sauce into a steamed lapu-lapu recipe?

To incorporate soy sauce into a steamed lapu-lapu recipe, you can use it as a marinade or as a sauce. For a marinade, mix soy sauce with Knorr Liquid Seasoning Original and marinate the fish for about 30 minutes before steaming. For a sauce, mix soy sauce with oyster sauce, sugar, and ginger, and pour it over the steamed fish before serving.