Ingredients:
1 whole fish (such as snapper, tilapia, or sea bass, about 1 to 1.5 lb), cleaned and scaled
1/4 cup light soy sauce
1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry white wine
1/2 cup of vegetable oil or canola oil
A 2”x 1/2” piece of fresh ginger julienned
2 scallions julienned
A handful of fresh cilantro leaves
Himalayan salt and freshly ground pepper
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Fish:
Clean the fish thoroughly, removing the gills and innards. Rinse the fish under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Make sure the fish is completely dry to ensure even steaming.
2. Prepare the Steaming Setup:
Fill a large wok or pot with about 2 inches of water. Set up a steamer rack or use a heatproof plate that fits inside the wok. Bring the water to a simmer over medium-high heat.
Season the fish inside and out with salt and freshly ground pepper. Stuff the cavity with half the ginger.
Place the fish into the heat proof dish and top the fish with the remainder of the ginger.
3. Steam the Fish:
Once the water in the wok is simmering, carefully place the dish with the fish on the steamer rack or in the pot. Cover with a tight-fitting lid.
Steam the fish for about 8-12 minutes, depending on the size of the fish. The fish is done when the flesh turns opaque and easily flakes when tested with a fork. If your fish is larger, you may need to steam it for a bit longer.
4. Make the Soy Sauce Mixture:
While the fish is steaming, mix together the soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine in a small bowl. Stir to combine.
5. Finish the Dish:
Once the fish is done steaming, carefully remove the dish from the steamer. Place the scallion and cilantro over the fish.
Heat the oil in a small pan over medium heat until hot, but not smoking. Pour the hot oil over the fish to sizzle and release the aromas.
Drizzle the soy sauce mixture over the steamed fish.
Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice.
Enjoy your Steamed Whole Fish with Soy Sauce! This dish is light, aromatic, and perfect for any meal, especially when paired with simple sides like steamed rice or sautéed vegetables.
