Dive into the tantalizing world of Chinese cuisine with our delectable recipe for Steamed Fish with Black Bean Sauce (Tausi). This dish is not just a feast for the eyes, but a symphony of flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to a bustling market in China. Imagine tender, flaky fish infused with the rich, savory notes of black bean sauce, complemented by the aromatic touch of garlic and ginger. In just 25 minutes, you can impress your family and friends with a restaurant-quality meal that’s both healthy and satisfying. Ready to make a splash in your kitchen? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole fish (such as tilapia or snapper)
- 2 tablespoons black bean sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the fish by thoroughly cleaning and patting it dry with paper towels. Make 2-3 diagonal shallow cuts on each side of the fish to help it cook evenly and absorb more flavor.
- Season the fish inside and outside with salt and pepper. Sprinkle half of the minced garlic and sliced ginger inside the fish cavity and on its surface.
- Prepare a steaming setup by filling a large wok or steamer with about 2 inches of water. Place a steaming rack or plate inside that will keep the fish above the water.
- Mix the black bean sauce with remaining garlic and ginger to create a uniform sauce. Spread this sauce evenly over the fish, ensuring it covers both sides.
- Carefully place the seasoned fish on the steaming rack. Ensure the fish is positioned flat and not folded or crowded.
- Cover the steamer and steam over high heat for approximately 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish. The fish is done when its flesh becomes opaque and easily flakes with a fork.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the fish from the steamer. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions.
- Serve immediately, preferably with steamed rice, and drizzle any remaining sauce from the steaming plate over the fish.
Tips
- Choose the Right Fish: Opt for fresh whole fish like tilapia or snapper for the best flavor and texture. Ensure it’s cleaned and scaled properly for an optimal cooking experience.
- Perfectly Seasoned: Don’t skimp on seasoning! Generously salt and pepper the fish both inside and out to enhance its natural flavors.
- Cut for Flavor: Making shallow diagonal cuts on the fish helps it cook evenly and allows the marinade to penetrate deeper, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
- Steaming Setup: If you don’t have a steamer, a large wok with a steaming rack or a heatproof plate will work just fine. Just make sure the water doesn’t touch the fish!
- Watch the Clock: Keep an eye on the steaming time—10 to 12 minutes is usually perfect, but it can vary with the thickness of the fish. You want it to be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
- Garnish for Color: Adding freshly chopped green onions as a garnish not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish’s flavor profile.
- Serve with Style: Pair your steamed fish with fluffy steamed rice to soak up the delicious black bean sauce, making for a well-rounded meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
