Go Back Email Link
–+ servings
A white plate of steamed fish topped with green onions & dried chilies.
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Chinese Steamed Fish

This is the EASIEST fish recipe you'll EVER make! Steamed fish may sound boring but this recipe proves that theory wrong! It's boldly flavorful and melt-in-your-mouth tender. Even non-believers will be asking for seconds!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 196kcal
Author: Mikha S.

Ingredients

Sauce

  • ½ tablespoon water
  • 1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Ingredients

  • 1 10- oz tilapia fillet* or halibut or sea bass
  • 1 garlic clove thinly sliced
  • 2 inches ginger thinly julienned
  • 3 dried chilies cut in 1-inch slices
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 green onion thinly julienned

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, combine the sauce ingredients and stir until salt and sugar is dissolved. Set aside.
  • Place tilapia fillet on a heat-proof plate, then place in a steamer. If you don’t have a steamer, you can use a large pan or wok and place the plate of fish on a wire rack or aluminum foil shaped into a ring. Carefully, pour enough water into the pan so it’s just below the plate, avoiding getting water onto the plate. Steam for 7 - 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish. It’s better to check earlier and cook a little longer so the fish doesn’t turn tough. You’ll know it’s done when the fish easily flakes using a fork or butter knife. Once the fish is cooked, drain any excess liquid from the plate and transfer to a serving plate.
  • Heat a small pan on medium-low heat. Add about a tablespoon of oil then saute garlic, ginger, and dried chilies for a few seconds, or until fragrant.
  • Pour in the soy sauce along the rim of the pan to create smokey charr, then add the sauce mixture, stir, and cook for a few seconds.
  • Pour the sauce on top of the fish and garnish with green onions on top. Serve immediately with freshly steamed rice, if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Fish: If you don't like tilapia or it's not available, other white flakey fish fillets would work. You'll just want to avoid oily fishes, such as salmon or trout. See the "Best Types of Fish to Steam" section above for a list of alternatives!

Nutrition

Serving: 5oz | Calories: 196kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 78mg | Sodium: 1238mg | Potassium: 593mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 259IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 1mg