Free Delivery on all orders above $100

Sign up for an Account and get Free 500 SEACoins (SGD5)

Steam Fish Teochew Style: A Delicious and Healthy Dish

By Gabriela Esteban  •   5 minute read

If you're a fan of seafood, you've probably heard of Teochew steamed fish. This dish is a popular part of Teochew cuisine, which hails from the Chaoshan region of China.

Teochew steamed fish is a light and healthy dish that's perfect for those who want to enjoy the taste of fresh fish.

Teochew steamed fish is a dish that's known for its simplicity. The fish is steamed with a few simple ingredients, including ginger, scallions, and soy sauce.

The result is a delicate and flavourful dish that's perfect for any occasion.

A whole fish steaming in a bamboo steamer, garnished with ginger, scallions, and cilantro, surrounded by a light and savory Teochew-style sauce

Teochew steamed fish is a great choice for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a dish to serve at a dinner party.

Key Takeaways

  • Teochew steamed fish is a light and healthy dish that's perfect for seafood lovers.
  • This dish is known for its simplicity and delicate flavour.
  • Teochew steamed fish is a great choice for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a dish to serve at a dinner party.

Teochew Steamed Fish Overview

A whole fish steaming in a bamboo steamer, garnished with ginger, scallions, and cilantro, surrounded by a light and savory Teochew-style sauce

If you're a seafood lover, you should definitely try Teochew Steamed Fish. This dish is a popular and traditional Teochew-style recipe that is healthy, light, and full of flavour.

The Teochew people are a Chinese community that originated from the Chaoshan region in the eastern part of Guangdong province. They have a rich culinary heritage, and Teochew cuisine is known for its emphasis on freshness and simplicity.

Historical Significance

Teochew Steamed Fish has been around for centuries and is an important dish in Teochew cuisine. It is a dish that is often served during special occasions such as Chinese New Year, weddings, and family gatherings.

The dish is also popular among the Chinese diaspora, and you can find it in many Chinese restaurants around the world.

Health Benefits

Teochew Steamed Fish is not only delicious but also healthy. Fish is a great source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other essential nutrients.

Steaming the fish helps to retain its nutritional value, making it a healthier option than fried or grilled fish. The dish is also low in fat and calories, making it a great choice for those who are watching their weight.

Preparing Teochew Style Steamed Fish

A whole fish is placed in a steaming basket with ginger, scallions, and soy sauce. The steam rises as it cooks, creating a fragrant and delicious dish

If you're looking for an easy steamed fish recipe that's bursting with flavour, Teochew style steamed fish is a great option. This Cantonese-style steamed fish is a popular dish in Southeast Asia, and it's easy to see why.

The combination of fresh fish and vegetables, along with a few essential ingredients, makes for a delicious and healthy meal that's perfect for any occasion.

Selecting the Right Fish

To make Teochew style steamed fish, you'll need a whole fish that's fresh and firm. Some of the best fish to use include pomfret, garoupa, snapper, cod, grouper, and siakap (barramundi).

When selecting your fish, look for one that has clear eyes, bright red gills, and shiny scales. The fish should also have a fresh, ocean-like smell.

Essential Ingredients

In addition to the fish, there are a few essential ingredients that you'll need to make Teochew style steamed fish. These include ginger, soy sauce (both light and dark), shaoxing wine, garlic, and cooking oil.

You'll also need some vegetables, such as tomato, mushroom (shiitake mushrooms work well), and preserved mustard (also known as mustard green). For added flavour, you can also use salted plums, spring onions, and coriander.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

To make Teochew style steamed fish, start by cleaning and scaling your fish. Next, make a few slits on each side of the fish and stuff them with ginger and spring onions. Then, place the fish in a heatproof dish that fits inside your steamer.

In a small bowl, mix together light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, shaoxing wine, and a little bit of sugar. Pour this mixture over the fish, making sure to coat it evenly. Add the vegetables, such as tomato, mushroom, and preserved mustard, on top of the fish.

Steam the fish on high heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through.

While the fish is steaming, you can prepare the garnish. Heat up some cooking oil in a pan and fry some garlic until it's golden brown.

You can also add some hot garlic oil or sour plum to the garnish for added flavour.

Once the fish is cooked, remove it from the steamer and garnish it with the fried garlic and some coriander. Serve immediately with steamed rice.

Frequently Asked Questions

A whole steamed fish surrounded by pickled vegetables, tomatoes, and a savory Teochew-style broth in a traditional serving dish

What's the traditional way to prepare a Teochew steamed pomfret?

The traditional way to prepare Teochew steamed pomfret involves using salted vegetables, salted plums, and tomatoes, which are placed on top of the fish. Ginger and spring onions are also added to enhance the flavour. The fish is then steamed until it is cooked through.

How long should one typically steam a fish Teochew style?

The cooking time for Teochew steamed fish varies depending on the size of the fish. As a general rule, you should steam the fish for 10 minutes per 500g.

You can check if the fish is cooked by inserting a chopstick into the thickest part of the flesh. If the chopstick goes in easily, the fish is cooked.

Which fish varieties are ideal for creating a delicious Teochew steamed fish dish?

The best fish varieties for Teochew steamed fish are those with firm white flesh, such as pomfret, sea bass, and red snapper. It's important to choose a fresh fish that has clear eyes, bright skin, and a clean smell.

Could you tell me the calorie count for a serving of Teochew steamed fish?

The calorie count for a serving of Teochew steamed fish varies depending on the type of fish and the ingredients used. As a general rule, a serving of Teochew steamed fish contains around 300-400 calories.

What are the key ingredients in a classic Teochew steam fish recipe?

The key ingredients in a classic Teochew steamed fish recipe are salted vegetables, salted plums, tomatoes, ginger, and spring onions. These ingredients are used to create a flavourful and aromatic dish that is light and healthy.

Where can I find a reputable Teochew steam fish restaurant?

You can find reputable Teochew steam fish restaurants in many Asian countries. These include Singapore, Malaysia, and China. Look for restaurants that use fresh ingredients and traditional cooking techniques to create authentic and delicious dishes.

Previous Next