Name: Steamed Fish With Ginger and Scallions
Yield: Makes 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 whole fish, such as striped bass, snapper, or rock fish (about 1½ pounds), scaled and cleaned (ask the fishmonger to do this); 1 to 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 6 stalks green onions, cut into (3-inch) segments, divided; ½ cup finely julienned fresh ginger, divided; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine or dry Marsala wine; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; Roughly chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Steamed Striped Bass or Snapper a steamed fish with julienned ginger and scallions

Photo by Clare Barboza

This is a classic preparation for a steamed whole fish. The ginger and green onions not only flavor the fish, but also help to temper any fishiness. Serving whole fish during Chinese New Year symbolizes the wish for prosperity throughout the year and many happy returns.

When you serve whole fish, remember these serving tips: Point the head toward the most distinguished guest. When one side of the fish has been picked clean of flesh, do not turn the fish, which symbolizes flipping a boat or ship. Simply lift the tail and the carcass will separate itself from the bottom half of the fish.

Recipe information

Yield
Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

1 whole fish, such as striped bass, snapper, or rock fish (about 1½ pounds), scaled and cleaned (ask the fishmonger to do this)

1 to 2 teaspoons kosher salt

6 stalks green onions, cut into (3-inch) segments, divided

½ cup finely julienned fresh ginger, divided

3 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine or dry Marsala wine

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Roughly chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Preparation

Step 1
Set up your steamer over high heat.
Step 2
Score the fish, gently making three to four cuts along the body of the fish on both sides, starting from the dorsal fin to the belly. The cuts should be deep enough that you can stuff them with some ginger and onions. Sprinkle the salt in the slits on both sides to help flavor the fish. Gently place half of the onions and ¼ cup of the ginger into the slits.
Step 3
In a small pot over medium-high heat, combine the soy sauce, wine, oil, and the remaining onions and ¼ cup ginger. Heat to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Keep the sauce over low heat while the fish steams.
Step 4
Place the fish in a steam-proof dish, such as a pie plate, that fits in your steamer. The dish should be deep enough to let the sauce pool at the bottom. Steam the fish for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of the fish. To check for doneness, turn off the heat. Carefully lift the lid of the steamer. Using the tip of a sharp knife, gently probe the flesh at the meatiest part of the fish. If it is opaque and flakes, then the fish is done steaming. If it looks underdone, then close the lid and steam over high heat for up to 5 minutes more.
Step 5
Remove the dish from the steamer and drizzle the soy sauce mixture over the fish. Garnish with cilantro. Serve with rice as a part of a meal.