What's better than a perfectly cooked fish fillet? Steamed fish is a healthy and simple dish to prepare, perfect to be served on any occasion. Based on the fillets of your favorite fish, or even a whole clean and scaly fish, and the right combination of spices and vegetables, you can prepare a delicious recipe, able to satisfy both a small and a large number of people. Experiment with the different methods proposed by this article and learn how to cook steamed fish perfectly.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Cooking in the Microwave Oven
Step 1. Prepare the fish
You can choose any fish with a thick fillet (salmon, halibut, sea bass, red snapper, etc.). Alternatively, you can opt for a whole fish, scaled and without its entrails. In both cases, place it in a glass dish with a lid after having lightly greased the bottom.
If you want to cook several fillets at the same time, you can stack them on top of each other
Step 2. Prepare a side dish to go with the fish (optional)
If you like, you can start making a simple side dish while the fish cooks in the microwave. Pour some rice into a rice cooker and light it; you can opt for basmati or jasmine variety rice. Alternatively, boil some salted water to cook a couscous; you can also add a small amount of oil or butter to taste.
Step 3. Season the fish
This is the funniest part of the recipe. What flavors would you like to delight your palate with? You can easily flavor the fish with one of the combinations proposed below or decide to create your own custom dressing. Don't worry about seasoning the fillets perfectly, just pour your mixture over the fish!
- A couple of tablespoons of coconut milk, cloves, a finely chopped clove of garlic, fresh or dried basil, coriander, chopped chives and lemon juice.
- Lime or lemon juice, sliced spring onion, garlic, salt and pepper.
- A pinch of cumin powder, a finely chopped clove of garlic, a sliced sweet onion, coriander, salt and pepper.
- A couple of tablespoons of soy sauce, a tablespoon of sesame oil, grated ginger, a tablespoon of rice wine and sesame seeds.
Step 4. Microwave the fish
Close the dish with the lid and place it in the microwave. Cook the fillets for 4-5 minutes, depending on their thickness.
Test the doneness of the fish with a fork. If the meat is white or opaque and flakes easily at the touch of a fork, it means it is cooked to perfection
Step 5. Bring your recipe to the table
Plate up the fish and your chosen side dish, such as rice, couscous or even a simple salad, and enjoy it with your diners!
Method 2 of 3: Steaming
Step 1. Prepare the steamer
Pour 8-10 cm of water into the bottom of a saucepan or wok. Make sure the bamboo basket can be placed on top of the pot or wok without coming into contact with water. Turn on a high flame and bring the water to a boil.
Step 2. Prepare the topping (optional)
This is the funniest part of the recipe. What flavors would you like to delight your palate with? You can easily flavor the fish with one of the combinations proposed below or decide to create your own custom dressing. Don't worry about seasoning the fillets perfectly, just pour your mixture over the fish!
- A couple of tablespoons of coconut milk, cloves, a finely chopped clove of garlic, fresh or dried basil, coriander, chopped chives and lemon juice.
- Lime or lemon juice, sliced spring onion, garlic, salt and pepper.
- A pinch of cumin powder, a finely chopped clove of garlic, a sliced sweet onion, coriander, salt and pepper.
- A couple of tablespoons of soy sauce, a tablespoon of sesame oil, grated ginger, a tablespoon of rice wine and sesame seeds.
- In case you have chosen to cook a whole fish (clean and scaled), cut the skin diagonally on both sides and distribute salt, pepper and seasonings directly on the incisions.
Step 3. Line a bamboo basket with some kale leaves
If you are cooking fillets, use one large leaf for each and turn the skin side down. In the case of a whole fish, overlap the cabbage leaves to coat the entire base of the bamboo basket.
Spread a third of the sauce over the fish
Step 4. Steam the fish
Wait for the water to boil, then place the bamboo basket on the pot or wok. Cover with a lid. The cooking time required varies according to the thickness of the fillet, and lengthens slightly in the case of a whole fish. A fillet about 2-3 cm thick will take about 10 minutes to cook.
- Be careful not to overcook the fish so as not to risk making it soggy.
- Check the fish after the first 10 minutes of cooking and every 2 minutes thereafter.
- The fish is ready when it flakes easily and loses its translucent appearance.
- Note that the fish will continue to cook for a few minutes even after being removed from the heat.
Step 5. Bring your recipe to the table
Fillets can be served on the cabbage leaves below. In the case of a whole fish you can decide to transfer it to a serving dish or to bring the bamboo basket directly to the table. In both cases, season it with more sauce and transfer the remaining sauce to a gravy boat to make it available to guests.
Method 3 of 3: Cooking in the Oven or on the Grill
Step 1. Preheat the oven or grill
Bring the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or heat the gas barbecue for 10-15 minutes. Place a shelf of the oven in its central part or slightly heat the grill and clean it with a special brush before starting to cook. Set the barbecue to medium heat and place the grill at a medium-low height.
Step 2. Prepare the topping
Take a small bowl and mix your favorite ingredients. This is the funniest part of the recipe. What flavors would you like to delight your palate with? You can easily flavor the fish with one of the combinations proposed below or decide to create your own custom dressing. Don't worry about seasoning the fillets perfectly, just pour your mixture over the fish!
- A couple of tablespoons of coconut milk, cloves, a finely chopped clove of garlic, fresh or dried basil, coriander, chopped chives and lemon juice.
- Lime or lemon juice, sliced spring onion, garlic, salt and pepper.
- A pinch of cumin powder, a finely chopped clove of garlic, a sliced sweet onion, coriander, salt and pepper.
- A couple of tablespoons of soy sauce, a tablespoon of sesame oil, grated ginger, a tablespoon of rice wine and sesame seeds.
Step 3. Line the cooking surface with silver foil
If you have decided to bake the fish in the oven, line a sturdy baking sheet with a quantity of aluminum foil that will allow you to wrap the fish softly. Even if you are using the barbecue, line the grill and make sure there is enough paper to wrap the fish.
If you wish, you can also wrap the fish in large leaves, such as banana leaves
Step 4. Place the fish on the wire rack or foil lined baking tray
Make sure it sits snugly in the center, then spread the dressing over the fillets. You can also add a few slices of lime or lemon to taste.
Step 5. Wrap the fish
Fold the paper to form a soft foil around the fish. Make sure it's tightly sealed, then put it to bake in the oven or on the grill. The recommended cooking time is 15 minutes for fillets and 25 minutes for whole fish. After the indicated time has elapsed, check the doneness of the meat and let it cook again, if you deem it necessary.
- The fish is ready when it flakes easily and loses its translucent appearance.
- Once the recommended cooking time is reached, check the fish every two minutes.
- If you are using a gas barbecue, keep the lid closed while cooking.
Step 6. Bring your recipe to the table
Open the packet carefully so as not to risk burning yourself with the boiling steam trapped inside. Create an opening using metal kitchen tongs or two forks. Gently lift the fish with a metal scoop and transfer it to a serving dish. Add the remaining dressing and serve immediately.
Advice
- Adding coriander leaves and pepper will add character to the dish. Be creative in choosing which herbs and spices to use.
- These cooking methods are perfect for preparing fish with a delicate texture, such as sea bass, grouper and tilapia. Salmon and pike are not suitable for steaming.
- If you're using a traditional steamer, try putting a handful of white cedar shavings in the water. Fish and vegetables will acquire a light but delicious smoky aroma.
- Enjoy the fish still hot.
- The most important advice is to use very fresh fish. If you have chosen to cook frozen fish, make sure it is completely defrosted before you start cooking.
