Steamed Fish with Young Ginger

Laos Steamed Fish with Young Ginger and Sesame Recipe

Region / culture: Laos | Servings: 4

Introduction

Steamed Fish with Young Ginger is a delicious and healthy dish that is easy to prepare. The combination of fresh fish, young ginger, garlic, sesame seeds, and soy sauce creates a flavorful and aromatic meal that is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

This recipe has its origins in traditional Chinese cuisine, where steaming is a popular cooking technique that helps to retain the natural flavors and nutrients of the ingredients. The use of young ginger adds a unique and refreshing taste to the dish, making it a favorite among many food enthusiasts.

Ingredients

750 g (0.5 lb) fresh fish fillets or steaks
about 125 g (4 oz) fresh young ginger root
juice of 1 lemon
2 tbsp peanut oil
1 tbsp sesame oil
6 cloves garlic, finely sliced
3 tbsp sesame seeds
2 tbsp soy sauce
banana leaves or aluminum foil

How to prepare

Wash and scale the fish.
Scrape the skin off the ginger and slice it very thinly, then cut the slices into fine slivers (almost like threads).
Marinate the ginger in strained lemon juice while preparing the remaining ingredients.
Heat the oils in a small pan and slowly fry the sliced garlic, being careful not to let it burn. The slices should be pale golden.
Pour the oil and garlic over the ginger.
In the same pan, dry fry the sesame seeds until they turn golden brown.
Add the sesame seeds to the ginger and garlic mixture.
Add soy sauce and mix well, then sprinkle the mixture over the fish fillets and steam them in individual leaf or foil packages for 15 minutes.

Variations

You can use different types of fish, such as salmon or cod, for this recipe.
Add some chili flakes or chopped chili for a spicy kick.
Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the ginger in lemon juice to enhance its flavor and reduce its pungency.

- Be careful not to overcook the fish, as it can become dry and tough.

- Use fresh ingredients for the best results, as they will provide the most flavor and nutrients.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Steamed Fish with Young Ginger with steamed rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Steaming is the primary cooking technique used in this recipe, as it helps to preserve the natural flavors and nutrients of the ingredients. Make sure to steam the fish fillets in individual leaf or foil packages to ensure even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh young ginger, you can use regular ginger instead. You can also substitute the fish with tofu or chicken for a vegetarian or poultry option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the ginger and garlic mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. This will help to save time when you are ready to cook the dish.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Steamed Fish with Young Ginger on a bed of steamed rice, garnished with fresh herbs and a wedge of lemon for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a light and crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. You can also serve it with a refreshing green tea or sparkling water.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply steam the fish fillets in the foil packages until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Steamed Fish with Young Ginger contains approximately 300 calories, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal option.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Steamed Fish with Young Ginger contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this dish contains approximately 15 grams of fats, mainly from the peanut oil and sesame oil used in the recipe.

Proteins

Each serving of Steamed Fish with Young Ginger provides approximately 30 grams of protein, making it a great source of this essential nutrient.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C from the ginger and lemon juice, as well as iron and calcium from the fish.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy sauce, which may contain gluten and soy allergens. Please check the labels of your ingredients if you have any allergies.

Summary

Overall, Steamed Fish with Young Ginger is a well-balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a healthy and flavorful option for a nutritious meal.

Summary

Steamed Fish with Young Ginger is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and sure to impress. With its delicate flavors and aromatic ingredients, this recipe is a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Steamed Fish with Young Ginger. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in China. My grandmother, who was known for her amazing cooking skills, had invited some friends over for dinner. I remember watching in awe as she prepared the most delicious dishes, using ingredients that she had grown in her own garden.

One of the dishes she made that night was Steamed Fish with Young Ginger. I had never seen this recipe before, and I was fascinated by the way she combined the fresh fish with the fragrant ginger and other flavorful ingredients. As she cooked, she shared with me the story of how she had learned to make this dish.

She told me that when she was a young bride, she had moved to a new village with her husband. She didn't know anyone there, and she felt lonely and homesick. But one day, she met an elderly woman who lived down the road. This woman, who was known in the village for her delicious cooking, took my grandmother under her wing and taught her many traditional recipes, including the one for Steamed Fish with Young Ginger.

My grandmother's new friend showed her how to select the freshest fish from the market, and how to clean and prepare it for cooking. She taught her the importance of using only the best quality ingredients, and how to balance the flavors to create a perfect harmony in the dish.

As my grandmother shared this story with me, I could see the twinkle in her eye as she remembered her mentor and the lessons she had passed down to her. She told me that she had practiced making the Steamed Fish with Young Ginger many times before she felt confident enough to serve it to her family and friends.

Over the years, my grandmother perfected the recipe, adding her own unique twist to it. She experimented with different seasonings and cooking techniques, always striving to make the dish even more delicious. And each time she made it, she would think of the kind old woman who had taken her under her wing and taught her the art of cooking.

As I grew older, my grandmother passed down the recipe for Steamed Fish with Young Ginger to me. She showed me how to select the freshest fish, how to slice the ginger just right, and how to steam it to perfection. She emphasized the importance of patience and attention to detail, and taught me to savor the process of cooking as much as the end result.

Now, whenever I make Steamed Fish with Young Ginger, I think of my grandmother and the lessons she taught me. I remember the joy and pride in her eyes as she watched me follow in her footsteps, carrying on the tradition of this delicious dish that has been passed down through generations.

And as I serve it to my own family and friends, I hope that they can taste not just the flavors of the dish, but also the love and care that went into making it. For me, this recipe is more than just a meal – it is a connection to my past, a reminder of the strong women who came before me and the legacy they left behind. And I am grateful for the opportunity to carry on this tradition and share it with those I love.