Qingzheng yu (清蒸鱼)
China
Fresh whole fish steamed to a tender texture and dressed with a fragrant sauce. The dish requires minimal culinary skill but delivers the bright flavors of Chinese cuisine.
Ingredients
- 1 pcs whole fish
- 2 pcs green onion
- 1 pcs ginger
- 1.5 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pcs dried chili
- 1 pinch whole Sichuan peppercorn
- 3 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing rice wine
- 0.5 teaspoon sugar
- 1 pinch ground white pepper
Steps
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Thoroughly wash the fish, pat dry with a paper towel, make several 45° slashes on each side, and place it on a steamer‑safe plate.
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Place one third of the sliced green onion and ginger into the cavity of the fish, and distribute the remaining portions under and over the fish.
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Insert the steamer rack (or a small bowl) into the center of the pot, add water below the rack level, and bring to a boil.
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Place the plate with the fish onto the rack, cover with a lid, and steam over high heat for 8 minutes (add 2 more minutes for larger fish if needed).
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Carefully remove the plate from the steamer using kitchen gloves and discard the cloudy liquid that has formed.
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Heat the vegetable oil in a small pan over low heat, add dried chili and whole Sichuan peppercorn; when the oil begins to smoke, drizzle it over the fish (the spices can be removed if desired).
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Into the same pan, add light soy sauce, Shaoxing rice wine, sugar, and ground white pepper, bring to a gentle boil, and pour the resulting sauce over the fish.
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Serve the fish immediately with plain rice, remembering to dip the flesh into the sauce for better flavor.
FAQ
What is Qingzheng yu (蒸鱼)?
Qingzheng yu (蒸鱼) is a classic, traditional Chinese dish featuring fresh whole fish gently steamed and served with a fragrant, savory sauce.
How long does it take to cook Qingzheng yu?
This Qingzheng yu recipe takes approximately 29 minutes to prepare from start to finish, including steaming time.
Can I substitute ingredients in Qingzheng yu?
Yes, Umami Guru's app can help you find suitable substitutions for ingredients like Shaoxing rice wine or specific types of fish, ensuring you can still enjoy this authentic dish.
What kind of fish is best for Qingzheng yu?
A fresh whole fish is ideal for Qingzheng yu. Look for varieties like snapper, sea bass, or tilapia, ensuring it's very fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Where can I find more Ghibli-inspired Chinese recipes?
Explore the Umami Guru app and website for a curated collection of authentic Japanese, Korean, and Chinese recipes, many evoking the enchanting aesthetics of Ghibli films.