Cantonese steamed fish is a classic dish that showcases the delicate flavors of fresh fish and the aromatic complexity of Cantonese cuisine. It is a simple yet elegant dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight meal. The key to a good steamed fish is to use the freshest fish possible and to steam it gently so that it retains its delicate texture and flavor. This article provides two recipes for Cantonese steamed fish: one using a whole fish and one using fish fillets. Both recipes use a flavorful combination of ginger, scallions, and soy sauce, and the fish is steamed until it is cooked through but still moist and tender. The article also includes tips for choosing the best fish for steaming, as well as instructions for making your own steamed fish sauce.
Let's cook with our recipes!
CANTONESE STEAMED FISH
Juicy succulent white steamed fish with soy sauce served with shiitake mushroom, green onion, and tomato slices. It's a classic Cantonese way to prepare fresh whole fish.
Provided by Namiko Chen
Categories Main Course
Time 1h
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Soak dried mushrooms. Put the dried mushrooms in a bowl. Pour over boiling water to cover and soak 20 minutes until soft. Meanwhile, you can prepare other ingredients. Once hydrated, strain the liquid into another bowl, squeezing any excess liquid from the mushrooms (this is Shiitake Dashi, and you can use this umami-rich broth in other cooking). Cut off the stems (discard them) and slice the mushrooms.
- Slice the tomato, cut green onions into matchsticks, and peel ginger and cut into fine matchsticks.
- Rinse the fish inside and out under running cold water and pat dry with kitchen paper. Using a sharp knife, make three diagonal slits on both sides of the fish.
- Arrange the tomato on the base of a heatproof platter that will fit inside a wok. Lay the fish on top.
- Mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil and rice wine in a small bowl and season with pepper.
- Pour the sauce over the fish and sprinkle over the mushrooms and ginger. Cover with saran wrap and leave to marinate in the fridge for about 20 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 262 kcal, Carbohydrate 8 g, Protein 42 g, Fat 5 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Cholesterol 74 mg, Sodium 412 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 2 g, UnsaturatedFat 4 g, ServingSize 1 serving
CANTONESE STEAMED FISH
Cantonese steamed fish is often served as one of the courses in a Chinese banquet, but it's also an easy meal to make on any weeknight at home with just a few ingredients.
Provided by Bill
Categories Fish and Seafood
Time 20m
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Cut the scallions into 2-inch lengths, and cut the pieces in half lengthwise. Julienne them thinly. Thinly slice about 15g of ginger, and julienne them. Give the cilantro a rough chop. Set the aromatics aside.
- Combine the light soy sauce, salt, sugar and hot water in a small bowl and mix until the sugar and salt are dissolved. Set aside.
- Prepare your steaming set-up, and fill with 1-2 inches of water. Bring to a boil.
- Rinse your fish fillet, and carefully lay it on an oblong heat-proof plate that will fit into your wok or steaming setup. Carefully place it in the steamer, and adjust the heat to medium. The water should be at a slow boil that generates a good amount of steam, but not so high that the water evaporates too quickly.
- Cover and steam for 7-10 minutes depending upon the size and thickness of your fish fillet. If you have extremely small, thin fillets (half an inch), cook for 4-5 minutes. Check for doneness using a butter knife. If it falls easily through the thickest part of the fillet to the bottom of the plate, the fish is done.
- Turn off the heat, and carefully drain any liquid on the plate. Spread about ⅓ of the scallions, ginger, and cilantro on the steamed fish (alternatively, you can wait to do this AFTER adding the sauce).
- To make the sauce, heat a wok or small saucepan to medium high heat, and add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Add the remaining ⅔ of the ginger, and fry for 1 minute. Add the white parts of the scallions and cook for 30 seconds.Then add rest of the scallions and cilantro. The mixture should be sizzling.
- Add the soy sauce mixture. Bring the mixture to a bubble, and cook until the scallions and cilantro are just wilted, about 30 seconds.
- Pour this mixture over the fish. If you prefer to add the raw aromatics after adding the sauce, you can do so now, and heat an additional 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to pour over the raw aromatics. Serve immediately!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 239 kcal, Carbohydrate 3 g, Protein 19 g, Fat 17 g, SaturatedFat 12 g, Cholesterol 64 mg, Sodium 924 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 1 g, ServingSize 1 serving
CANTONESE STYLE STEAMED FISH
Make and share this Cantonese Style Steamed Fish recipe from Food.com.
Provided by tomoko matsunaga
Categories Cantonese
Time 1h
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Place the fish in a large bowl.
- Add the rice wine, soy sauce, chopped ginger and sesame oil, and toss lightly to coat.
- Cover with clingfilm and leave to marinade in the fridge for 10 minutes.
- Arrange the fish on a heatproof plate, with the marinade, and place in a steamer. Steam over simmering water in a covered wok for 5-8 minutes, or until the fish flakes when the skin is pressed firmly or the dorsal fin pulls out easily.
- Remove the fish from the steamer and place in a heatproof platter.
- Heat a wok over high heat, add the oil and heat until smoking.
- Sprinkle the steamed fish with the spring onion, shredded ginger and pepper, and slowly pour the hot oil over the fish.
- This will cause the skin to crisp, and cook the garnish.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 330.2, Fat 18.7, SaturatedFat 3.3, Cholesterol 123.8, Sodium 471.7, Carbohydrate 4.2, Fiber 0.8, Sugar 0.5, Protein 34.7
Tips:
- To ensure the fish is evenly steamed, make sure the steamer is large enough to accommodate the fish without overcrowding.
- Steaming time will vary depending on the thickness of the fish. As a general guideline, allow 5-7 minutes per inch of thickness.
- To prevent the fish from sticking to the steamer, lightly grease the steamer basket or line it with parchment paper.
- Use a variety of aromatics, such as ginger, scallions, and cilantro, to enhance the flavor of the fish.
- If you don't have a steamer, you can use a colander or metal sieve placed over a pot of boiling water.
Conclusion:
Cantonese steamed fish is a healthy and flavorful dish that can be easily prepared at home. By following these simple tips, you can create a delicious and impressive meal that your family and friends will love. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So gather your ingredients, fire up your steamer, and get ready to enjoy this classic Cantonese dish!
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