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Taucheo Steam Fish Recipe: A Delicious and Healthy Dish

By Joy Ann David  •   5 minute read

If you're looking for a simple and flavorful way to cook fish, look no further than taucheo steam fish. This Southeast Asian dish is made by steaming fresh fish with a savory sauce made from fermented bean paste, garlic, and chilies. The result is a mild yet flavorful dish that's perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.

A steaming plate of taucheo fish, with a rich and savory sauce, garnished with fresh herbs and chili slices

To prepare the fish, you'll need to clean and scale it before laying it in a steamer basket. Then, you'll make the taucheo sauce by sautéing garlic and chilies in oil before adding the fermented bean paste. Once the sauce is ready, you'll pour it over the fish and steam it until cooked through. Serve with rice and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Key Takeaways

  • Taucheo steam fish is a simple and flavorful way to cook fresh fish.
  • To prepare the dish, you'll need to clean and scale the fish before steaming it in a basket.
  • The taucheo sauce is made from fermented bean paste, garlic, and chilies, and adds a mild yet savory flavor to the dish.

Preparing the Fish

A whole fish is placed in a steaming basket, surrounded by taucheo sauce, ginger, and scallions. The steam rises from the pot as the fish cooks

Selecting the Right Fish

When it comes to preparing taucheo steam fish, selecting the right fish is crucial. You want to choose a fish that is fresh and has firm, clear eyes. Some popular options include pomfret, grouper, cod, seabass, red snapper, trout, bream, salmon, cod fillet, barramundi, and black pomfret. Whole fish is preferred for this recipe, but you can also use fillets if that's what you have available.

Cleaning and Preparing

Before cooking, it's important to clean and prepare the fish properly. Start by rinsing the fish under cold running water and patting it dry with paper towels. Then, use a sharp knife to make a few diagonal cuts on both sides of the fish. This will help the marinade penetrate the flesh and ensure even cooking.

Next, season the fish with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings like garlic, ginger, and chillies if desired. Then, place the fish on a heatproof plate or in a steamer basket.

Finally, prepare the taucheo marinade according to your chosen recipe and pour it over the fish. Cover the plate or basket with a lid or foil and steam the fish for the recommended amount of time. Once cooked, garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately.

Taucheo Steam Fish Recipe

A whole fish steaming in a bamboo basket, surrounded by taucheo (fermented soybean paste), ginger, and chili slices

If you're looking for a quick and easy dinner recipe that's packed with umami flavour, look no further than Taucheo Steam Fish. This traditional Chinese dish is a favourite in Malaysia and Singapore, and it's easy to see why. Fragrant ginger, salty taucheo (fermented bean paste), and a touch of sugar come together to create a savoury sauce that perfectly complements the delicate flavour of steamed fish.

Creating the Taucheo Mixture

To make the taucheo mixture, you'll need to start by mincing some ginger and slicing some spring onions. Then, in a small bowl, mix together the taucheo, ginger, spring onions, sugar, and a splash of water. This will create a fragrant and flavourful condiment that will infuse your steamed fish with delicious umami flavour.

Steaming Process

To steam the fish, you'll need a wok or a large pot with a steaming rack. Rub the fish with salt and corn flour, if using, and place it on a heatproof plate. Spread the taucheo mixture over the fish, making sure to get it into all the nooks and crannies. Then, place the plate in the wok or pot and steam for about 10-12 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through.

Final Touches and Garnishing

Once the fish is cooked, remove it from the wok or pot and transfer it to a serving platter. In a small pan, heat up some oil and fry some sliced shallots until they're crispy and golden brown. Sprinkle the fried shallots over the fish, along with some sliced spring onions and chopped coriander. Drizzle with some sesame oil and light soy sauce, and serve with steamed rice.

Frequently Asked Questions

A steaming fish dish with taucheo sauce, surrounded by ingredients and utensils, with a question mark symbolizing FAQs in the background

What ingredients do I need for a classic Chinese-style taucheo steamed fish?

To make a classic Chinese-style taucheo steamed fish, you will need fresh fish, taucheo (fermented soybean paste), garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sugar, and water. You can also add some chillies and spring onions for extra flavour.

How long should I steam fish when using a taucheo sauce?

The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the fish. As a general rule, you should steam the fish for 8-10 minutes per 500g of fish. Make sure to check the fish is fully cooked before serving.

Can I use taucheo in a steamed fish recipe if I'm aiming for a healthy meal?

Yes, you can use taucheo in a steamed fish recipe if you're aiming for a healthy meal. Taucheo is a good source of protein and contains beneficial bacteria that can aid digestion. However, taucheo is also high in sodium, so use it in moderation.

What are some tips for making a spicy version of taucheo steamed fish?

To make a spicy version of taucheo steamed fish, you can add some chopped chillies or chilli oil to the taucheo sauce. You can also use a spicier type of fish, such as mackerel or salmon, to enhance the heat.

How can I incorporate miso paste into a taucheo steamed fish dish?

Miso paste can be used as a substitute for taucheo in a steamed fish dish. Simply mix the miso paste with some garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sugar, and use it as a marinade for the fish before steaming.

Is there a way to adapt taucheo steamed fish for an Indian flavour profile?

Yes, you can adapt taucheo steamed fish for an Indian flavour profile by adding some Indian spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric to the taucheo sauce. You can also serve the fish with some Indian-style chutneys or pickles on the side.

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