Steamed Fish is a popular and healthy choice for those seeking a delicious, light, and nutritious meal. The gentle steaming process allows the fish to cook in its own juices, resulting in a tender and moist dish that retains the natural flavors of the fish. Steamed fish is often prepared with aromatic herbs and spices, creating a fragrant and flavorful meal without the need for added fats or oils. In this article, we will provide a simple and delightful Steamed Fish recipe, allowing you to enjoy a wholesome and satisfying meal while reaping the many health benefits that fish has to offer.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole fish, such as sea bass or red snapper (approximately 1 1/2 pounds), cleaned and scaled
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced ginger
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Cooking Steps:
- Pat the fish dry with paper towels and make several diagonal slashes along both sides of the fish. Rub the salt evenly over the fish, both inside and out.
- Place the sliced ginger and green onions inside the cavity of the fish, distributing them evenly. Arrange the fish on a heatproof dish that can fit inside a steamer basket.
- Fill a large pot or wok with about 2 inches of water and bring it to a boil. Place the steamer basket with the fish dish inside the pot, making sure the dish is elevated above the water level. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and steam the fish for about 15-20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- While the fish is steaming, combine the soy sauce, rice wine or dry sherry, and sugar in a small saucepan, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Heat the mixture over low heat, keeping it warm until the fish is done steaming.
- Once the fish is cooked, carefully remove it from the steamer and transfer it to a serving platter. Discard the ginger and green onions from the fish cavity.
- Heat the vegetable oil and sesame oil in a small skillet until they are hot but not smoking. Pour the hot oil over the steamed fish, then drizzle the warmed soy sauce mixture over the fish as well.
- Garnish the fish with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve the Steamed Fish immediately with steamed rice or vegetables.
In conclusion, Steamed Fish is a healthy and delightful option for those seeking a light and flavorful meal. When selecting fish for this dish, it’s essential to choose a fresh, high-quality fish with a firm texture and a pleasant, oceanic aroma. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can create a restaurant-quality Steamed Fish dish that is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and lean protein. Enjoy the delicate taste and numerous health benefits of Steamed Fish, and let it become a staple in your repertoire of wholesome and satisfying meals.