Steamed Sea Bass Fillet with Ginger, Garlic and Sesame-Soy Sauce

Steamed Sea Bass Fillet with Ginger, Garlic and Sesame-Soy Sauce Recipe

Region / culture: China, Taiwan | Servings: 4

Introduction

Steamed Sea Bass Fillet with Ginger, Garlic and Sesame-Soy Sauce is a delicious and healthy dish that is easy to prepare. The combination of flavors from the ginger, garlic, and sesame-soy sauce creates a flavorful and aromatic dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

This recipe is a traditional Chinese dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. Steaming is a popular cooking technique in Chinese cuisine, as it is a healthy way to cook fish while preserving its natural flavors. The combination of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce is a classic flavor profile in Chinese cooking, adding depth and complexity to the dish.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) sea bass fillet (about 1" to 1.5" thick)
1 piece of ginger (1" long)
4 to 6 garlic cloves
1 green onion
0.25 cup of soy sauce
1 tsp of sesame oil
0.5 tsp of powdered dried red chile
0.5 tsp of rice vinegar
2 tsp of sugar

How to prepare

Place the fish in a heat-proof serving dish that is 2 to 3 inches deep and fits inside a stacked steamer rack.
If you do not have a steamer, use a pot that is large and deep enough to accommodate the dish for steaming.
Peel the ginger and slice it into thin pieces.
Stack several pieces at a time and cut them into fine slivers.
Peel the garlic cloves and slice them into thin oval pieces.
Arrange both the ginger and garlic evenly over the fish.
Cut the green onion into 2-inch segments, using both the white and most of the green parts.
Then cut each segment lengthwise into fine slivers.
Set aside.
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, powdered chile, vinegar, and sugar.
Stir well to blend.
Spoon the sauce over the fish without dislodging the garlic and ginger.
Bring 2 inches of water to a boil in a steamer pot before placing the dish holding the fish on a rack above it.
Or, if substituting with a large pot, fill it with 1 to 1.5 inches of water, place a trivet, inverted bowl, or a vegetable steamer rack with the handle removed inside the pot to lift the dish holding the fish from the bottom of the pot.
Bring to a boil, then cover and steam over medium heat for about 10 minutes (steaming time will depend on the thickness of the fillet).
Then reduce the heat to low, lift the cover, and wait for the hot burst of steam to dissipate before sprinkling the slivered green onion over the top of the fish.
Replace the cover, return the heat to medium, and steam for 1 to 2 minutes longer, or until the fish is cooked through.

Variations

You can substitute sea bass with other white fish fillets, such as cod or halibut.
Add sliced shiitake mushrooms or bok choy to the dish for extra flavor and texture.
For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to slice the ginger and garlic thinly to ensure that they cook evenly and infuse the fish with their flavors.

- Be careful not to overcook the fish, as it can become dry and tough. Check for doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the fillet – it should flake easily.

- Adjust the amount of powdered dried red chile to suit your spice preference. You can also omit it entirely if you prefer a milder dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Steamed Sea Bass Fillet with Ginger, Garlic and Sesame-Soy Sauce with steamed rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

Steaming is a gentle cooking technique that helps to retain the natural flavors and nutrients of the fish. It is important to monitor the steaming time carefully to prevent overcooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have sea bass, you can use other white fish fillets such as cod, halibut, or snapper. You can also substitute fresh ginger with ground ginger powder.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the ginger, garlic, and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to steam the fish. This will help to save time on the day of cooking.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Steamed Sea Bass Fillet with Ginger, Garlic and Sesame-Soy Sauce with fresh cilantro leaves or sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

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 cold glass of green tea for a refreshing beverage option.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Steamed Sea Bass Fillet with Ginger, Garlic and Sesame-Soy Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, steam the fish again until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Steamed Sea Bass Fillet with Ginger, Garlic and Sesame-Soy Sauce contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Steamed Sea Bass Fillet with Ginger, Garlic and Sesame-Soy Sauce contains approximately 6 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Steamed Sea Bass Fillet with Ginger, Garlic and Sesame-Soy Sauce contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Steamed Sea Bass Fillet with Ginger, Garlic and Sesame-Soy Sauce contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and fish allergens.

Summary

Steamed Sea Bass Fillet with Ginger, Garlic and Sesame-Soy Sauce is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates and fats. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Steamed Sea Bass Fillet with Ginger, Garlic and Sesame-Soy Sauce is a flavorful and healthy dish that is easy to prepare. With the combination of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Steamed Sea Bass Fillet with Ginger, Garlic and Sesame-Soy Sauce. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl helping my mother in the kitchen. My mother had a friend who was a fantastic cook, and she would often share her recipes with us. One day, she gave my mother the recipe for this delicious dish, and I was immediately intrigued.

I had never cooked with sea bass before, let alone steamed it. The idea of using ginger, garlic, and sesame-soy sauce to flavor the delicate fish seemed exotic and exciting to me. I watched as my mother carefully prepared the ingredients, gently steaming the sea bass fillet until it was perfectly cooked and infused with the fragrant flavors of the seasonings.

As I grew older, I became more and more interested in cooking and experimenting with new recipes. I would often ask my mother to teach me how to make different dishes, and this recipe for Steamed Sea Bass Fillet with Ginger, Garlic and Sesame-Soy Sauce quickly became one of my favorites. I loved the way the flavors melded together to create a harmonious and satisfying dish that was both healthy and delicious.

Over the years, I have made this recipe countless times, tweaking it here and there to suit my own tastes. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all raved about how flavorful and tender the sea bass fillet is. It has become a staple in my cooking repertoire, a dish that I turn to when I want something special and impressive to serve to guests.

One of the things I love most about this recipe is that it is so versatile. I can easily swap out the sea bass for another type of fish, such as salmon or cod, and the dish still turns out wonderfully. I can also adjust the seasonings to make it spicier or milder, depending on my mood and the preferences of those I am cooking for.

I often think back to that day when I first saw the recipe for Steamed Sea Bass Fillet with Ginger, Garlic and Sesame-Soy Sauce. It was a turning point for me, a moment when I realized the magic of combining simple, fresh ingredients to create a truly memorable meal. I am grateful to my mother's friend for sharing her recipe with us, and for inspiring me to become the passionate and creative cook that I am today.

I hope that one day, my own grandchildren will feel the same sense of wonder and excitement that I did when they see me preparing this dish. I hope that they will learn to appreciate the joy of cooking and sharing delicious meals with the ones they love. And most of all, I hope that they will carry on the tradition of passing down treasured recipes from generation to generation, just as I have done with this recipe for Steamed Sea Bass Fillet with Ginger, Garlic and Sesame-Soy Sauce.