Black Bean–Steamed Fish
Steaming fish with salty black beans is a classic Chinese cooking technique, offering a simple yet flavorful dish that’s heart-healthy and perfect for a family-style meal.
Time: 20 minutes (10 minutes active)
Makes: 4 servings as part of a multicourse family-style meal
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Chinese salted black beans, rinsed, drained, and dried
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (1 large clove)
- 1 teaspoon minced peeled fresh ginger (from a ½-inch piece)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- Four 1-inch-thick fish steaks or fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- Chopped green onions for garnish
- Cilantro sprigs for garnish
Instructions
1 Preparing the Black Bean Paste:
- Crush the black beans in a small bowl using the back of a spoon.
- Add minced garlic, minced ginger, cornstarch, and soy sauce. Mix well to form a thick paste.
2 Steaming the Fish:
- Set up your steamer by filling the steamer pan halfway with water. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce to medium heat until ready to steam.
- Grease a pie plate or rimmed platter that fits inside the steamer without touching the sides.
- Spread the black bean paste evenly over one side of each fish steak or fillet.
- Arrange the fish on the greased plate. Depending on your steamer size, you may need to steam in batches.
- Place the plate of fish in the steamer basket or rack. Cover and steam for 6 to 10 minutes, until the fish turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
3 Finishing and Serving:
- Turn off the heat and wait for the steam to subside before lifting the lid. Carefully remove the plate of fish to prevent condensation from dripping onto the fish.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro sprigs.
- Serve immediately with freshly steamed rice and a vegetable side dish.
Notes
- Steaming Time: Adjust based on the thickness and texture of the fish. Thicker steaks or denser fish varieties will require longer steaming.
- Doneness: It’s better to slightly undercook than overcook fish. Check early for doneness and continue steaming as needed.
- Variations: Experiment with different types of fish steaks or fillets, such as cod, salmon, flounder, or black cod, to suit your preference.
Enjoy this tender and flavorful Black Bean–Steamed Fish as a nutritious addition to your meal, complemented by the aromatic blend of black beans, garlic, and ginger.