Steamed Whole Fish

Recipe by: Katie Chin, Leeann Chin | from Everyday Chinese Cooking

Cookstr

Course: Main Course

Total Time: Under 1 Hour

Skill Level: Easy

Cost: Moderate

Photo by: Bruce Nimmer

When I was growing up, steamed fish was an everyday dish. The preparation is very basic for this recipe; just be sure to use fresh fish and clean and dry it thoroughly. You can change the recipe by using different seasonings, such as black beans or chili peppers, and garnishing with garlic, chopped cilantro, green onions, or shredded peppers. You can also increase the ginger for a stronger flavor. Serve with any stir-fry dish-vegetable, meat, or poultry.

Yield: Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons salted black beans
1½ pounds whole walleye or red snapper, well cleaned
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh ginger
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon soy sauce
¼ teaspoon sesame oil
2 green onions, with tops

Directions

In a small bowl, place the black beans and cover with warm water. Stir the beans for about 2 minutes to remove the excess salt. Remove the beans from the water, rinse, and drain well.

Slash the fish crosswise 3 times on each side. In a small bowl, mix the ginger, vegetable oil, black beans, garlic, salt, sugar, soy sauce, and sesame oil; rub the cavity and outside of the fish with the mixture. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes or longer.

Cut the green onions into 2-inch pieces; shred lengthwise into fine strips. Place in a bowl with ice water to cover; let stand 10 minutes, or until the strips curl. Place the fish on a heatproof plate (see Notes). Place the plate on a rack in a steamer, cover, and steam over boiling water until the fish flakes easily with a fork, about 10 minutes. (Add boiling water if necessary.) Garnish with the green onions.

Notes

If you want to cook this dish in the microwave, cover the fish with plastic wrap on a microwave dish and cook for 3 minutes on high. Let stand for 2 minutes and rotate the dish. Cook an additional 2 minutes on high.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Nutrients per serving (% daily value)

Calories 215kcal (11%)

Calcium 30mg (3%)

Vitamin C 2mg (3%)

Vitamin A 42mcg RAE (1%)

Potassium 411mg

Magnesium 63mg

Protein 26g

Sugar 0g

Fiber 1g

Total Carbohydrate 2g