Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious dinner recipe? Look no further! This steamed snapper fish recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and impressing guests alike. It's a simple yet elegant dish that showcases the natural flavor of the snapper, requiring minimal ingredients and cooking time. Get ready to experience a burst of fresh flavors in this easy-to-follow recipe perfect for those seeking healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. This recipe is a testament to the magic of homemade cooking and offers a delightful alternative to more complicated food recipes.
Ingredients:
- 1 (1-1.5 lb) whole snapper, scaled and gutted (or 2 snapper fillets)
- 1 inch ginger, thinly sliced
- 3 scallions, chopped (separate white and green parts)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup water
- Optional: 1-2 red chilies, thinly sliced (for added spice)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
Preparing the Fish:
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Rinse the snapper thoroughly under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels. If using fillets, skip this step.
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Score the snapper's skin several times diagonally on both sides (this helps it cook evenly and prevents it from curling).
Steaming the Fish:
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Place the sliced ginger, white parts of the scallions, and minced garlic in the bottom of a heatproof dish or steamer basket that fits inside a wok or large pot.
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Place the snapper on top of the aromatics.
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In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, cornstarch, black pepper, and water. Pour this mixture evenly over the fish.
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If using chilies, arrange them on top of the fish.
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Bring a pot of water to a boil. Place the steaming dish or steamer basket over the boiling water, ensuring the water doesn't touch the fish. Cover and steam for 10-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fish.
Finishing Touches:
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Remove the steamed snapper from the steamer and transfer it to a serving plate.
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Garnish with the green parts of the scallions and fresh cilantro.
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Serve immediately with steamed rice or your favorite vegetables.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Choosing your Snapper: Look for fresh snapper with bright, clear eyes and firm, moist flesh.
- Don't Overcook: Overcooked snapper will be dry and tough. Start checking for doneness around the 10-minute mark.
- Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, rice wine, or other seasonings to your preference.
- Add Vegetables: Enhance your dish by adding other vegetables to the steamer basket, such as broccoli, mushrooms, or bok choy.
Delicious Variations:
- Lemon Steamed Snapper: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the sauce for a brighter flavor.
- Spicy Steamed Snapper: Increase the amount of chili or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Ginger and Scallion Steamed Snapper: Emphasize the ginger and scallion flavors by increasing the quantity.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Around 200-250 (depending on fish size and added ingredients) Protein: High Fat: Low Carbohydrates: Low
This simple steamed snapper fish recipe is a perfect example of a delicious and healthy meal that’s easy to prepare. Enjoy this quick dinner idea, and remember to experiment with different variations to find your perfect flavor combination. This recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of best recipes and is sure to become a family favorite!