Chinese Steamed Fish Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
282 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Chinese
Chinese Steamed Fish Recipe
Description
Chinese Steamed Fish Recipe centers on a fresh yellow snapper steamed whole with lemon slices inside its cavity, resting on cabbage leaves that prevent sticking. The fish is seasoned simply with salt and pepper, which allows the mild sweetness of the snapper to shine through. Bell peppers, red onion, scallions, and cilantro garnish enhance the freshness and add subtle crunch alongside the tender flesh.
The accompanying sauce combines grated ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice wine, rice wine vinegar, fish sauce, and a touch of sugar. This mixture is whisked and served over the cooked fish to provide a balanced umami, gentle acidity, and a hint of sweetness that complements the mild steamed fish perfectly. Steaming for 15 to 20 minutes ensures the fish cooks fully but remains moist and flaky.
This dish works well as a centerpiece for a light meal or served alongside steamed rice and simple vegetable sides. Its delicate flavors make it suitable for those looking for a clean-tasting fish preparation that highlights fresh ingredients without heavy sauces or frying.
Notes recommend serving the fish promptly as it is best eaten right away but also offer tips for storage in the refrigerator or freezer up to three days or three months respectively. Reheating in an oven can gently warm the fish without drying it out. Adding cabbage leaves or parchment helps prevent sticking during steaming. The recipe provides practical advice for creating a steaming setup with a perforated pan, useful for cooks without a dedicated steamer.
Ingredients
- 1 yellow snapper fresh whole head on
- 1 lemon thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper seeded, julienne
- 1 yellow bell pepper seeded, julienne
- 1/4 red onion peeled, thinly sliced
- 3/4 cup green onion julienned
- 1/4 cup cilantro fresh, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon ginger fresh grated
- 2 garlic each finely minced cloves
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- salt coarse and freshly cracked, to taste
- black pepper coarse and freshly cracked, to taste
Instructions
- Fill up the steamer.
- Place the pan in the perforated pan and place a few savoy cabbage leaves down. Place the lid on and heat until the cabbage begins to steam.
- Season the inside and outside of the fish with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the cavity of the fish with lemon slices.
- Once the steamer is steaming, slice the fish onto the cabbage, place the lid on, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until cooked through.
- While the fish is cooking, add the ginger, garlic, soy, rice wine, rice wine vinegar, fish sauce, and sugar to a bowl and whisk to combine. Set aside.
- When the fish is done cooking, remove it from the steamer and place it on a serving platter. Garnish with peppers, onions, green onions, cucumber, cilantro, and sauce.
Notes
- This dish is best served immediately after cooking to maintain the delicate texture and flavor of the steamed fish.
- Steamed fish can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating gently in a 350° oven for 5-7 minutes.
- Using cabbage leaves or parchment paper in the steamer helps prevent the fish from sticking and tearing during cooking.
- A perforated pan inside a larger pan with a lid can serve as a functional steamer on stovetops or in ovens.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 282 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 282kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 11g | 4% |
| Protein | 50g | 100% |
| Fat | 3g | 5% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 83mg | 28% |
| Sodium | 1466mg | 61% |
| Potassium | 1204mg | 26% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 1484IU | 30% |
| Vitamin C | 115mg | 128% |
| Calcium | 100mg | 10% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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