Taiwanese Steamed Fish with Ginger and Scallions
A classic Taiwanese preparation of whole fish, steamed to perfection with aromatic ginger and scallions, then finished with a drizzle of hot oil and soy sauce. This dish highlights the freshness of the fish and is a staple in Taiwanese home cooking.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 about 1.5 lbs Whole fish(such as sea bass, snapper, tilapia, or grouper, gutted and scaled)
- 3 inch piece Ginger(half julienned, half thinly sliced)
- 4 stalks Scallions(half cut into 2-inch lengths, half julienned)
- 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp White pepper
- 3 tbsp Soy sauce
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- for garnish Cilantro
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the fish inside and out and pat it completely dry with paper towels.
💡 Tip: Ensuring the fish is dry helps it steam evenly and prevents a watery texture. - 2
Make 3-4 diagonal slits on both sides of the fish, about 1 inch apart. Season the fish generously inside and out with salt and white pepper.
- 3
Rub the fish with Shaoxing wine. Stuff half of the julienned ginger and half of the 2-inch scallion pieces inside the cavity and into the slits.
- 4
Place the fish on a heatproof plate that fits into your steamer. You can create a bed of the remaining 2-inch scallion pieces and ginger slices underneath the fish to elevate it slightly and allow steam to circulate.
💡 Tip: Using a plate that can catch the juices is important for the sauce. - 5
Prepare your steamer. Add about 1-2 inches of water to a wok or pot and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Place the plate with the fish into the steamer, cover tightly, and steam for 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish.
💡 Tip: The fish is cooked when the flesh is opaque and flakes easily. You can check by inserting a chopstick into the thickest part; it should go through easily. - 6
While the fish is steaming, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce with 1 tablespoon of water.
- 7
Once the fish is cooked, carefully remove the plate from the steamer. Discard the ginger and scallions that were used for steaming. Drain any excess liquid from the plate.
💡 Tip: Be careful of the hot steam when removing the plate. - 8
Heat the vegetable oil in a small saucepan over high heat until it just begins to shimmer and smoke slightly. Be cautious as the oil is very hot.
💡 Tip: The hot oil sizzles when poured over the aromatics and fish, releasing their fragrance. - 9
Carefully pour the hot oil over the julienned ginger and julienned scallions placed on top of the fish. Immediately pour the soy sauce mixture over the fish.
💡 Tip: The sizzling sound indicates the aromatics are releasing their flavor. - 10
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately with steamed rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Choose a fresh fish for the best flavor.
- ✓Don't overcook the fish, as it can become dry.
- ✓Adjust the amount of ginger and scallions to your preference.
🔄 Variations
- Add a few slices of pickled plum or cordia fruit (preserved fruit) on top of the fish before steaming for an extra layer of flavor.
- Some recipes include a drizzle of sesame oil with the soy sauce.