23/10/2026
🇨🇳 Steamed Fish — Step-by-Step Recipe
Chinese Steamed Fish is a classic Cantonese seafood dish. The fish is gently steamed with ginger, then finished with light soy sauce, fresh spring onions, and hot oil. It is delicate, juicy, aromatic, and perfect for restaurant-style cooking.
25–35 min
Total time
2 servings
1 whole fish
Easy
Skill level
1. Ingredients
Main ingredients
1 whole sea bass or sea bream (600–800 g), cleaned and scaled
30 g fresh ginger, julienned
4 spring onions, cut into thin strips
2 tbsp light soy sauce
1 tbsp Shaoxing cooking w**e (optional)
2 tbsp water or light fish stock
2 tbsp neutral oil, such as vegetable or sunflower oil
1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
A few sprigs of fresh coriander (optional)
For the soy sauce seasoning
1 tsp sugar
ÂĽ tsp white pepper
1 tsp light soy sauce extra, if needed
2. Step-by-step cooking method
Step 1 — Prepare the fish
Rinse the cleaned fish if necessary and pat it dry. Make 2–3 shallow diagonal cuts on each side so the heat cooks it evenly. Place it on a heatproof plate that fits inside your steamer.
Step 2 — Prepare the aromatics
Cut the ginger into thin strips and slice the spring onions lengthwise into fine strips. Put some ginger inside the fish cavity and on top. Keep the spring onions aside for the final presentation.
Step 3 — Prepare the steamer
Bring water to a boil in a wok or steamer. Place the fish plate on a steaming rack above the boiling water. Make sure the water does not touch the plate.
Step 4 — Steam the fish
Cover and steam over high heat for approximately 8–12 minutes for a 600–800 g fish, depending on thickness. The flesh should turn opaque and separate easily with a fork. Confirm the thickest part reaches 63°C.
Step 5 — Prepare the sauce
Mix 2 tablespoons light soy sauce, 2 tablespoons water or fish stock, the sugar, white pepper, and optional Shaoxing w**e. Warm gently in a small saucepan until the sugar dissolves.
Step 6 — Finish the fish
Carefully remove the fish from the steamer. Pour away the excess steaming liquid, which can taste diluted or fishy. Spoon the prepared soy sauce around and over the fish.
Step 7 — Add hot oil
Arrange the fresh ginger and spring onions over the fish. Heat 2 tablespoons neutral oil until shimmering, then carefully pour it over the aromatics. They should sizzle and release their fragrance. Keep your face and hands away from splashes.
Step 8 — Garnish and serve
Add a few coriander leaves and a little sesame oil if desired. Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice and stir-fried vegetables.
3. Chef's tips 👨‍🍳
Best fish: Sea bass, sea bream, or another fresh, mild white fish.
Don't overcook: Steaming time depends on the fish's thickness, not just its weight.
Authentic finish: Pouring hot oil over the ginger and spring onions releases their aroma and gives the dish its signature flavor.
Restaurant presentation: Use a long oval platter, arrange the fish neatly, and keep the spring onions fresh and bright.
You like my video my page Wave food recipes
you ❤️