🐟 My dad's secret recipe for Steamed Fish (蒸鱼)!

soy sauce

🥗Healthier: low-sodium soy sauce

💰Cheaper: tamari

Low-sodium soy sauce reduces sodium intake while tamari is gluten-free.

sesame oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil is a healthier fat option, while canola oil is often less expensive.

Introduce the dish and its significance for Lunar New Year.

Explain that tilapia is used, typically bought from Costco.

Remove belly fat from the fish using a paper towel.

Scrape away the black blood from the inside of the fish with a knife.

Rinse the fish clean with water and wipe it dry to absorb moisture.

If necessary, remove scales from the fish using a knife or by scraping inside a bag to avoid mess.

Cut the fish open at the thickest part to ensure even cooking.

Prepare ginger by julienning it into strips, about 1/2 ounce.

Prepare dried mandarin orange peel by cutting it into small pieces, explaining its use to reduce fishy taste.

Mince a small amount of chili pepper if desired for spiciness.

Chop green onion shoots and split them down the middle for presentation.

Prepare a sauce in a bowl with 1 tbsp ground bean sauce, 1/2 tbsp light soy sauce, a dash of white pepper, 1/2 tsp salt, a dash of chicken bouillon (optional), 1/2 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp cornstarch, and 1/2 tbsp olive oil, mixing well for 20-30 seconds.

Add some of the sauce inside the fish, saving the rest for later.

Set up a wok with water for steaming and wait for it to boil before adding the fish.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens