Asian Style Steamed Sea Bass: A Flavourful Culinary Journey
Asian Style Steamed Sea bass is a wonderful and flavourful recipe perfect for a weekday meal. This recipe stands as a testament to the fact that a dish doesn’t need to be complex to be thoroughly enjoyable.
The first and crucial step is selecting a high-quality sea bass. When you’re at your local market or fishmonger, you’d want to look for a fish with a firm texture, clear eyes, and a fresh, ocean-like smell. This ensures that your dish is as fresh and delicious as it can be.
The beauty of this dish truly lies in its uncomplicated preparation process. Even if you are relatively new to the kitchen, this recipe invites you to create a delightful meal with ease. The combination of ginger, garlic, and a hint of chilli, along with the richness of soy sauce and sesame oil, come together to create a marinade that’s both aromatic and flavour-packed. A stint in the steamer allows the fish to soak up these wonderful flavours, promising a main course that’s both nourishing and fulfilling.
When it comes to serving, simplicity reigns supreme. A side of steamed rice acts as the perfect companion, ready to soak up the delightful juices emanating from the fish. Adding a portion of steamed vegetables not only introduces a crunch but also brings a splash of colour to your dish, making the meal both balanced and visually appealing.
So, as you prepare to try this recipe, remember that it offers an opportunity to introduce your family to a world of flavours that are both rich and easy to create. Here’s to a dining experience that promises a feast for your taste buds and a chance to enjoy the simplicity and joy that home cooking can bring. Happy cooking!
Basic Ingredients for Asian Style Steamed Sea bass
Steamed Sea bass:
Whole Sea bass (500g): Being the star of the dish, it brings the fresh, mildly sweet, and tender flavours of the sea, providing a perfect canvas for the spices and condiments to paint their flavours on.
Garlic and Ginger: These classic Asian staples lend a pungent and spicy undertone, enhancing the fish’s natural flavours and adding a layer of depth and warmth to the dish.
Red Chilli: Adds a spicy kick to the dish, complementing the mild sweetness of the seabass.
Coriander: Offers a burst of freshness and a citrusy aroma, perfectly balancing the heat from the chillies.
Rice Wine Vinegar: Introduces a tangy note, which brightens up the flavours and gives the dish a refreshing zest.
Soy Sauce: Brings a savoury and umami touch, enhancing the natural flavours of the seabass.
Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty and rich dimension, rounding off the spices and giving the dish a glossy finish.
Black Pepper: Gives a spicy and slightly pungent kick, adding depth to the flavour profile.
Preparation Tips Asian Style Steamed Sea bass
- Fish Preparation: Ensure the fish is cleaned and descaled properly to maintain the delicacy of its flavours.
- Scoring the Fish: Scoring the fish not only allows it to cook evenly but also helps in absorbing the flavours from the marinade.
- Steam Timing: Be cautious with the steam time to retain the fish’s moisture and tenderness.
Serving Tips for Asian Style Steamed Sea bass
- Presentation: Serve the fish as a centrepiece, garnished generously to provide a vibrant and appetising look.
- Side Dishes: Complement the fish with a side of steamed jasmine rice and vegetables to make a balanced meal.
- Sauce: Prepare a little extra sauce to serve on the side, allowing guests to adjust the flavour as per their preference.
storage tips
Refrigeration: If there are leftovers, store them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently to avoid drying out the fish, preferably using a steamer or microwave at a low power setting.
Asian Style Steamed Sea bass (Full Video)
Asian Style Steamed Sea bass
Ingredients
- 500 g whole sea bass, cleaned and descaled
- 1 tsp garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ginger, finely chopped
- 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
- handful fresh coriander, chopped
- 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- fresh coriander, chopped
- red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
To Serve
- steamed rice
- steamed seasonal vegetables
Instructions
- Begin by scoring the sea bass on both sides to allow the marinade to penetrate well and facilitate even cooking.
- In a bowl, mix the finely chopped garlic, ginger, red chilli, and fresh coriander to create a vibrant stuffing.
- Gently stuff the mixture into the scored parts and the cavity of the fish, ensuring an even spread of the ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the marinade by whisking together rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil, along with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.
- Lay the fish on the steaming tray, and generously drizzle the marinade both inside and over the fish, letting the flavours seep in.
- Steam the fish for about 15 minutes, or until it's fully cooked and tender, absorbing all the wonderful flavours from the marinade.
- While the fish is steaming, prepare your garnishes and side dishes. Cook the rice as per instructions and steam a medley of seasonal vegetables.
- Once the fish is ready, carefully transfer it onto a serving platter.
- Garnish the sea bass with a sprinkle of fresh coriander, chopped green onions, and red chilli slices to add a burst of colour and flavour.
- Spoon the remaining sauce mixture over the fish, ensuring every bite will be a flavorful delight.
- Serve the hot and fragrant sea bass with a side of fluffy steamed rice and vibrant steamed vegetables, offering a balanced and wholesome meal.
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