If you're looking to impress your family or guests with a dish that's both simple and bursting with flavor, look no further than Steamed Fish Tau Cheo! This delectable Chinese recipe combines the delicate taste of fresh fish fillets with the rich, savory notes of fermented soybean paste, creating a culinary experience that's sure to tantalize your taste buds. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal that’s not only healthy but also incredibly aromatic. Ready to dive into this mouthwatering recipe? Let’s get started!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pieces of fish fillet (such as snapper or cod)
- 2 tablespoons tau cheo (fermented soybean paste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 stalks green onions, chopped
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Rinse the fish fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to remove any excess moisture and ensures better flavor absorption.
- In a small bowl, combine the tau cheo (fermented soybean paste), soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well until the ingredients are fully blended into a smooth marinade.
- Place the fish fillets in a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the fish, ensuring that both sides are well coated. Allow the fish to marinate for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- While the fish is marinating, prepare the steaming setup. Fill a pot or wok with water, making sure that the water level is below the steaming rack or plate. Bring the water to a gentle boil.
- Once the fish has marinated, place the sliced ginger and chopped green onions on top of the fish fillets in the shallow dish. This will infuse the fish with additional flavor during steaming.
- Carefully place the dish with the marinated fish onto the steaming rack or plate. Ensure that the dish is stable and not touching the boiling water.
- Cover the pot or wok with a lid, reducing the heat to medium. Steam the fish for about 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Once the fish is cooked, carefully remove the dish from the steamer. Be cautious of the hot steam. Optionally, you can drizzle a little extra sesame oil over the fish for added flavor.
- Serve the steamed fish hot, garnished with any remaining chopped green onions. This dish pairs well with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Fish: For the best flavor and texture, select fresh fish fillets like snapper or cod. Freshness makes all the difference in this delicate dish.
- Marinate for Flavor: Don’t rush the marination process! Allow the fish to soak up the tau cheo marinade for at least 10 minutes to enhance its taste.
- Perfect Steaming Setup: Ensure that the water level in your pot or wok is below the steaming rack. This prevents the fish from getting soggy while allowing it to cook evenly.
- Watch the Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the fish as it steams. Cooking times can vary based on the thickness of the fillets, so check for doneness by ensuring the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of extra chopped green onions or a drizzle of sesame oil right before serving can elevate the dish's presentation and flavor.
- Serve with Sides: Pair your steamed fish with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal that balances flavors and textures.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
