Steamed Chinese Fish Recipe for Chinese New Year

Celebrated for its auspicious symbolism, this Steamed Chinese Fish dish is a quintessential centerpiece for Chinese New Year festivities. Its presentation with the head and tail intact signifies a wholesome beginning and end, embodying wishes for abundance and prosperity throughout the year. Choose from a variety of fish like snapper or bass to suit your preference.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole snapper
• Coriander and green onion
• 2-inch piece of ginger,
• 4 mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 1 red chili, deseeded and thinly sliced
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Recipe

1. Rinse the fish and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Season generously with salt and pepper, both inside and out.
3. Stuff half of the sliced onion and ginger inside the fish cavity, then spread the remaining onion and ginger, along with  mushrooms and chilli, on top of the fish.
4. Place the prepared fish on a heatproof plate that fits inside your stockpot or wok. Combine soy sauce and sesame oil, then drizzle the mixture over the fish.
5. Pour approximately 2 inches of water into the stockpot or wok, bringing it to a simmer. Ensure the water level does not touch the steamer.
6. Carefully position the plate with the fish inside the steamer, cover, and steam for 8-10 minutes until the fish easily flakes with a knife.
7. Remove the plate from the steamer, discard any accumulated liquid, and garnish with coriander before serving.