steam chinese fish 清蒸魚

Name: steam chinese fish 清蒸魚
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 whole striped bass (sea bass, or tilapia (about 1 ½ pound / 680 grams), scaled and cleaned by the fish monger (see note)); 2- inch piece fresh ginger (peeled and thinly sliced into matchsticks); ½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt (use half the amount if using sea salt or table salt); 1 tablespoon sugar; 3 tablespoons light soy sauce; ½ cup water (filtered (plus more for steamer)); ⅛ teaspoon ground white pepper (optional); 5 scallions (ends removed and thinly sliced on a bias (at an angle)); 10 sprigs fresh cilantro (roughly chopped with stems and all); 2 tablespoons canola oil; 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Instructions

Prep:10minCook:10min

This steamed whole fish is tender, juicy, and flavorful (with mouthwatering umami, savory, and sweet flavors)! Plus, it's easier than you think. I share step-by-step instructions for how to steam Chinese fish, a traditional staple in many East Asian households. It’s perfect for Lunar New Year as it symbolizes prosperity and abundance, but easy enough to enjoy regularly.

Updated at: Thu, 11 Dec 2025 20:19:54 GMT