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Easy Ginger-Soy Steamed Fish: The Ultimate Asian Fish Recipe for Rice Lovers

Discover the perfect Asian fish recipe to pair with rice! This simple Ginger-Soy Steamed Fish is quick, healthy, and bursting with flavor. A must-try for any rice lover.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 16 hours 55 minutes
Total Time 1 day 9 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Seafood

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb white fish fillets such as cod, tilapia, or snapper, skin on or off
  • 2 inches fresh ginger peeled and thinly sliced, plus more for garnish
  • 3 cloves garlic thinly sliced
  • 2 scallions green onions, white and green parts separated, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine optional, but recommended
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil like vegetable or canola
  • Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish optional

Method
 

  1. Prepare your steaming setup. Fill a wok or large pot with about 1-2 inches of water and bring it to a boil. Place a steamer basket or rack over the boiling water, ensuring the water level doesn't touch the bottom of the basket.
  2. Rinse the fish fillets under cold water and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for a clean flavor.
  3. Arrange the fish fillets in a single layer on a heatproof plate that fits inside your steamer basket. Scatter half of the sliced ginger, garlic, and the white parts of the scallions over and around the fish.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, Shaoxing wine (if using), sesame oil, and sugar. Pour this mixture evenly over the fish.
  5. Carefully place the plate with the fish into the preheated steamer basket. Cover the wok or pot tightly with a lid to trap the steam. Steam for 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish, until it is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  6. While the fish is steaming, heat the neutral oil in a small saucepan or skillet over medium-high heat until it's shimmering hot. Be careful not to let it smoke.
  7. Once the fish is cooked, carefully remove the plate from the steamer. Discard any excess liquid that has accumulated on the plate. Garnish the fish with the remaining fresh ginger slices, the green parts of the scallions, and fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
  8. Immediately drizzle the hot neutral oil over the ginger, scallions, and fish. You should hear a satisfying sizzle. Serve at once with steamed rice.