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Cantonese Steamed Fish

10 servings
Cantonese Steamed Fish
Better-Than-Takeout

Cantonese Steamed Fish

Prep15 min
Cook10 min
Total30 min
Serves4
Cantonese Steamed Fish
Steamed fish with ginger and scallions

Cantonese Steamed Fish is a classic dish that never fails to impress. Growing up, I remember my mother making it for special occasions, and the aroma of steamed fish with ginger and scallions would fill the entire house. It's a dish that's both elegant and comforting, and it's surprisingly easy to make at home.

The key to a great Cantonese Steamed Fish is to use the freshest ingredients possible. You'll want to choose a firm white fish, such as cod or tilapia, and make sure it's sashimi-grade. The aromatics, such as ginger and scallions, should be freshly sliced and added to the steamer at the right moment to release their flavors.

Another important aspect of this dish is the sauce. A balanced sauce is essential to bringing all the flavors together. You'll want to use a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil to create a rich and savory sauce that complements the fish perfectly.

In this recipe, I'll guide you through the steps to make an authentic Cantonese Steamed Fish at home. It's a dish that's perfect for special occasions or a quick weeknight dinner. So, let's get started!

One of the things I love about this recipe is that it's incredibly versatile. You can use different types of fish, and adjust the amount of aromatics to your liking. You can also serve it with a variety of sides, such as steamed vegetables or fried rice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
  • It's a healthy and nutritious dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner
  • The combination of flavors and aromatics is unique and delicious
  • It's a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides
  • It's a great way to impress your guests with a delicious and elegant dish
  • It's a classic Cantonese dish that's been passed down through generations

Why This Recipe Works

The reason this recipe works so well is because of the combination of flavors and techniques used. By using a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, we create a balanced sauce that complements the fish perfectly. The aromatics, such as ginger and scallions, add a depth of flavor and aroma that elevates the dish to the next level.

The steaming process is also crucial, as it helps to retain the moisture and delicacy of the fish. By steaming the fish for the right amount of time, we ensure that it's cooked through but still tender and flaky.

Finally, the resting time is important, as it allows the fish to absorb all the flavors and juices. This is what makes the dish so satisfying and delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you'll need a few key ingredients, including fresh fish, aromatics, and a balanced sauce. Make sure to choose the freshest ingredients possible, and adjust the quantities to your liking.

When shopping for the ingredients, look for fresh and high-quality items. For the fish, choose a firm white fish that's sashimi-grade. For the aromatics, choose fresh ginger and scallions, and slice them thinly.

  • 1 lb (450g) cod or tilapia, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) piecesChoose a firm white fish that's sashimi-grade, and cut it into small pieces to ensure even cooking
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauceUse a high-quality soy sauce that's low in sodium and has a rich flavor
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauceOyster sauce adds a depth of flavor and umami taste to the dish, so use a high-quality one
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oilSesame oil has a distinct nutty flavor and aroma, so use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish
  • 2 cloves garlic, mincedMince the garlic finely to release its flavors and aromas
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh gingerGrate the ginger finely to release its flavors and aromas
  • 2 tablespoons chopped scallionsChop the scallions thinly to add a fresh and oniony flavor to the dish
  • 1/4 cup waterUse water to create a steaming liquid that's flavorful and aromatic
  • 1/4 cup white wineUse a dry white wine to add a subtle flavor and aroma to the dish
  • Salt and pepper to tasteSeason the dish with salt and pepper to taste, and adjust the quantities to your liking
Ingredients for Cantonese Steamed Fish

Equipment You’ll Need

Large steamer basketWok or large skilletInstant-read thermometerSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoons

How to Make Cantonese Steamed Fish

  1. 1
    Prepare the ingredients by cutting the fish into small pieces, mincing the garlic, grating the ginger, and chopping the scallions
  2. 2
    In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil to create the sauce
  3. 3
    Add the garlic, ginger, and scallions to the sauce and stir to combine
  4. 4
    Place the fish pieces in the steamer basket, leaving some space between each piece to allow for even cooking
  5. 5
    Pour the sauce over the fish, making sure each piece is coated
  6. 6
    Add the water and white wine to the wok or large skillet, and bring to a boil
  7. 7
    Reduce the heat to medium-low and place the steamer basket over the liquid
  8. 8
    Cover the wok or skillet with a lid and steam the fish for 8-10 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 F (63 C)
  9. 9
    Check the fish for doneness by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the fish
  10. 10
    Once the fish is cooked, remove it from the steamer and let it rest for 2-3 minutes
  11. 11
    Serve the fish hot, garnished with additional scallions and sauce if desired

Expert Tips

  • Use the freshest ingredients possible to ensure the best flavor and texture
  • Adjust the quantities of the ingredients to your liking, and feel free to add or subtract items as desired
  • Make sure to not overcook the fish, as it can become dry and tough
  • Use a variety of sides, such as steamed vegetables or fried rice, to complement the dish
  • Experiment with different types of fish and aromatics to create unique flavor combinations
  • Let the fish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcooking the fish, which can make it dry and tough
  • Not using fresh and high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish
  • Not adjusting the quantities of the ingredients to your liking, which can result in an unbalanced sauce
  • Not letting the fish rest before serving, which can cause the juices to run out and the fish to become dry

Variations and Substitutions

  • Using different types of fish, such as salmon or sea bass, to create unique flavor combinations
  • Adding other aromatics, such as lemongrass or cilantro, to the sauce for added flavor
  • Using different types of soy sauce or oyster sauce to create a unique flavor profile
  • Adding a splash of citrus juice, such as lemon or lime, to the sauce for added brightness
  • Serving the dish with a variety of sides, such as steamed vegetables or fried rice, to complement the flavors

What to Serve With Cantonese Steamed Fish

Cantonese Steamed Fish is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Some popular options include steamed vegetables, fried rice, or noodles. You can also serve it with a side of stir-fried greens or a simple salad.

When serving, garnish the dish with additional scallions and sauce if desired. You can also add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a drizzle of soy sauce for added flavor and texture.

Steamed vegetablesFried riceNoodlesStir-fried greensSimple salad

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Cantonese Steamed Fish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply steam the fish again or reheat it in the microwave.

To freeze, place the cooked fish in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw the fish overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the microwave or steamer.

When reheating, make sure to not overcook the fish, as it can become dry and tough. You can also add a splash of water or soy sauce to the dish to help retain moisture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of fish is best for Cantonese Steamed Fish?

A firm white fish, such as cod or tilapia, is best for this dish. Make sure to choose a sashimi-grade fish for the best flavor and texture

Can I use other types of soy sauce or oyster sauce?

Yes, you can use different types of soy sauce or oyster sauce to create a unique flavor profile. However, make sure to adjust the quantities to your liking and taste the sauce as you go

How do I know when the fish is cooked?

The fish is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 F (63 C). You can check the fish for doneness by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the fish

Can I add other aromatics to the sauce?

Yes, you can add other aromatics, such as lemongrass or cilantro, to the sauce for added flavor. However, make sure to adjust the quantities to your liking and taste the sauce as you go

How do I store and reheat the dish?

Cantonese Steamed Fish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or steamer. To freeze, place the cooked fish in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months

Can I serve the dish with other sides?

Yes, you can serve the dish with a variety of sides, such as steamed vegetables, fried rice, or noodles. You can also serve it with a side of stir-fried greens or a simple salad

Is Cantonese Steamed Fish a healthy dish?

Yes, Cantonese Steamed Fish is a healthy dish that's low in calories and rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. However, make sure to adjust the quantities of the ingredients to your liking and choose low-sodium soy sauce and oyster sauce

Can I make the dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. However, make sure to reheat the dish properly to ensure food safety

The Full Recipe
Recipe Card
Cantonese Steamed Fish

Cantonese Steamed Fish

Learn to make authentic Cantonese Steamed Fish at home with this easy recipe, featuring fresh fish, aromatics, and a balanced sauce

Prep15 min
Cook10 min
Total30 min
Serves4
Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450g) cod or tilapia, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 tablespoons chopped scallions
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup white wine
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ingredients by cutting the fish into small pieces, mincing the garlic, grating the ginger, and chopping the scallions
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil to create the sauce
  3. Add the garlic, ginger, and scallions to the sauce and stir to combine
  4. Place the fish pieces in the steamer basket, leaving some space between each piece to allow for even cooking
  5. Pour the sauce over the fish, making sure each piece is coated
  6. Add the water and white wine to the wok or large skillet, and bring to a boil
  7. Reduce the heat to medium-low and place the steamer basket over the liquid
  8. Cover the wok or skillet with a lid and steam the fish for 8-10 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 F (63 C)
  9. Check the fish for doneness by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the fish
  10. Once the fish is cooked, remove it from the steamer and let it rest for 2-3 minutes
  11. Serve the fish hot, garnished with additional scallions and sauce if desired

Nutrition (per serving, approximate)

250Calories
35gProtein
10gCarbs
10gFat