Basic Steamed Fish Recipes

SIMPLEST STEAMED FISH

Steps:

• Put at least 1 inch of water in the bottom of a steamer, cover and bring to a boil. Lay the fish on the steamer's rack, making sure the rack is elevated above the water, and cover again. Steam 4 to 8 minutes, or until the fish is done. (A good-size halibut steak may take 10 or even 12 minutes.)
• Remove the fish to a warm platter and drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Cut into serving portions, sprinkle with coarse salt and serve.

BASIC STEAMED FISH

Steps:

• Prepare the wok for steaming.
• Rinse the fish fillets and pat dry with paper towels.
• In a small bowl, whisk the rice wine (mirin) or sherry, sugar, salt and sesame oil.
• Place the fish fillets on a deep, heat-proof plate that will fit inside the steamer basket.
• Pour the rice wine mixture over the fish. Sprinkle with the chopped green onion.
• Cover and steam the fish over high heat until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork (10-15 minutes).
• Serve hot, garnished with the chopped cilantro and lemon wedges.

SIMPLEST STEAMED FISH

Steps:

• Put at least 1-inch of water in the bottom of a steamer; cover and bring to a boil.
• Put the fish in a heat-proof rack or casserole; place in the steamer; cover and steam 4-8 minutes, or until the fish is done.
• Check fish often, being careful when removing the lid of the steamer so you don't get scalded.
• Stop the cooking as soon as a thin-bladed knife meets no resistance when poking the fillet.
• Thicker fillets may need about 10-12 minutes.
• Transfer the fish to a warm platter and drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Sprinkle with coarse salt and serve.

LEMONY STEAMED FISH

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Cut 6 foil squares large enough for each fillet.
• Center fillets on the foil squares and sprinkle each with dill weed, onion powder, parsley, paprika, seasoned salt, lemon pepper, and garlic powder. Sprinkle lemon juice over each fillet. Fold foil over fillets to make a pocket and fold the edges to seal. Place sealed packets on a baking sheet.
• Bake in the preheated oven until fish flakes easily with a fork, about 30 minutes.

STEAMED WHOLE FISH

Steps:

• Rinse the fish under cold running water, pat dry, and place on a lightly oiled, heatproof platter that will fit in your steamer or a large roasting pan. Cut 3 deep diagonal gashes along each side of the fish, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. Sprinkle the inside cavity and outside of the fish with the salt, squeeze the lemon juice over the fish, drizzle with sesame oil, then stuff the slivered ginger and chopped garlic into the gashes. Scatter the scallions over the fish, and marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes.
• Fill the steamer or roasting pan with water to within an inch of the steamer rack, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, and add the ginger chunks to the water. Place platter with fish on steaming rack, cover, and steam over low heat for 20 to 25 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish (plan on 10 minutes for each 1inch of thickness at its widest point).
• About 5 minutes before the fish is done, heat the peanut oil and the sesame oil in a small saucepan until hot, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the soy sauce, lemon juice and sugar.
• Test fish for doneness by poking with a fork or chopsticks. The fish meat should flake easily at its thickest part. Remove from the steamer, pour the hot oil mixture over the fish, and serve immediately.

SIMPLE STEAMED FISH

Steps:

• Rinse the fish. Pat dry, then place in a heat-proof dish.
• Set a rack in a pot and add water to a depth of 1 1/2 to 2 inches. (If you use a steamer, fill half the lower tier with water.) Bring to a boil. Set dish on rack (or on upper tier of steamer) and steam over high heat for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish.
• Test for doneness by poking a chopstick or sharp knife through the thickest part of the fish. It should flake easily and look opaque all the way to the bone.
• When fish is done, use a turkey baster or spoon to discard any accumulated liquid.
• Sprinkle ginger, scallion and optional cilantro over fish. Heat oil in a small skillet. Add soy sauce and heat for a few seconds. Pour mixture over fish. Serve immediately.

CHINESE-STYLE STEAMED FISH

Steps:

• Arrange 1/2 of the green onions on the bottom of the steaming bowl (it is important to steam in a container in order to retain the steam and juices around the fish). Place 1/2 of the mushrooms and Napa cabbage sections on top of the onions. Place fish on top of the vegetables. Sprinkle ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes over fish. Top with the remaining green onions, mushrooms, and napa cabbage. Drizzle soy sauce and water over everything.
• Place steam bowl in a steamer over 1 inch of boiling water, and cover. Steam for 15 to 20 minutes, or until fish flakes easily. Garnish with cilantro, if desired.