Chinese Style Quick Steamed Fish
A flavorful Chinese-style steamed fish with ginger, black beans, and Lup Cheong, featuring a savory soy and sherry glaze, perfect for a quick and elegant dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the sugar, salt, sherry, soy sauce, vegetable oil, and sliced onion to create a marinade.
- Rub the marinade inside and outside the whole fish and let sit for 20 minutes to 1 hour.
- Lay the marinated fish in a shallow dish.
- Stuff the cavity of the fish with sliced ginger, Chinese black beans, Lup Cheong, and Chinese parsley.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and microwave on High for 12 minutes or until the fish is opaque and glazed.
- Sprinkle chopped green onions over the fish and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more robust flavor, consider adding a splash of sesame oil to the marinade. Fresh ginger can be substituted with ginger paste if you're short on time. If you don’t have Lup Cheong, any type of sausage can work; just make sure to adjust the salt accordingly. Ensure the fish is fresh for the best taste, and feel free to experiment with the stuffing ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fish hot, garnished with chopped green onions and additional Chinese parsley for freshness. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried vegetables like Szechuan Green Beans. Consider serving it alongside a light soy dipping sauce for an extra flavor boost. For a complete meal, add a side of Hot Shrimp Toast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover steamed fish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the fish in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and microwave on medium heat for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. Avoid overcooking to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Style Quick Steamed Fish contains roughly 436 calories, with 15g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (139% of the Daily Value), iron (92% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (69% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1021mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute with other firm white fish like tilapia or rock cod. Just adjust the cooking time based on the size and thickness of the fish to ensure it's cooked through but not overdone.
Is it necessary to marinate the fish for a full hour?
While marinating for 20 minutes will impart flavor, allowing it to marinate for up to an hour enhances the taste even more. If you're in a hurry, 20 minutes is sufficient, but longer is better if time allows.
What can I use instead of Chinese black beans?
If you can't find Chinese black beans, you can use fermented black beans or even a small amount of miso paste for a similar umami flavor. Just keep in mind that the salt content may vary, so adjust accordingly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).