15-Minute Steamed Fish, Chinese Style
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
8 mins
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Cook Time
6 mins
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Total Time
14 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
200 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
Asian
15-Minute Steamed Fish, Chinese Style
Description
This recipe uses mild white fish fillets about one inch thick, dried thoroughly to prevent dilution of flavors. The fish is arranged in a single layer in a wide dish, then topped with a sauce combining tamari or reduced sodium soy sauce, Asian sesame oil, rice cooking wine, ginger matchsticks, sugar, garlic powder, and white pepper. Fresh cilantro and thinly sliced green onions are sprinkled on top.
The dish is tightly covered and steamed or microwaved on high for 4 to 6 minutes depending on thickness until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily. Maintaining the right thickness and moisture level ensures tender, moist fish with a delicate texture and the bright, slightly sweet and savory sauce enhances its flavor without overpowering it.
This preparation is an efficient way to enjoy healthy fish with aromatic seasonings. It pairs well with steamed vegetables and rice for a balanced meal. Toasted sesame seeds can garnish for extra texture.
The recipe recommends several suitable fish types and highlights the use of reduced sodium tamari for a balanced flavor and gluten-free option. Proper drying of the fillets before cooking is key to flavor concentration.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ to 2 lbs White fish fillets 1-inch thickness (see note below)
- 6 TB tamari sauce or reduced sodium soy sauce
- 2 TB sesame oil Asian
- 2 TB rice cooking wine
- 4 TB ginger thinly sliced (matchsticks, fresh
- 2 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp white pepper or freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup cilantro leaves freshly chopped
- 4 green onions stalks, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Dry fish fillets thoroughly with paper towels - this step is important to ensure flavors don't become diluted from excess water. Place fish in a single layer in a 9x13 glass dish or other large microwavable dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together all remaining ingredients (except for cilantro and green onions) until well combined. Pour evenly over the fish, ensuring that both sides of fillets are coated with sauce. Sprinkle evenly with cilantro and green onions on top of fillets.
- Tightly cover dish with two layers of cling wrap. Microwave on high for 4-6 minutes, depending on thickness of your fish; if your microwave doesn't have a turntable, be sure to rotate the dish halfway into cook time. If needed, add another 1-2 minutes of cook time; cooked fish should be firm and flaky at the center. Carefully remove cover and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use mild, semi-firm white fish fillets about 1 inch thick such as sea bass, flounder, halibut, cod, or swai.
- Dry fish thoroughly with paper towels before cooking to avoid diluting flavors.
- Reduced sodium tamari soy sauce adds depth and is a gluten-free alternative.
- Serve with steamed broccoli and brown rice for a well-rounded meal.
- Toasted black or regular sesame seeds work well as a garnish.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 200 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 200kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 5g | 2% |
| Protein | 37g | 74% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g | 24% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 85mg | 28% |
| Sodium | 598mg | 25% |
| Potassium | 609mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 0.5g | 2% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 0.4mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 25mg | 3% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.