Unveil the Secret to Perfectly Steamed Fish with Soy Sauce, No Fishy Smell

Steamed fish with soy sauce is a simple yet incredibly delicious dish that preserves the natural sweetness of the fish and the characteristic aroma of soy sauce. However, if you do not know how to choose the fish and process it, the dish can easily become fishy and lose its appeal. The article below will guide you on how to make perfectly flavored steamed fish with soy sauce, from selecting ingredients to mixing the dipping sauce, along with other attractive variations. Let’s follow Ola Squid to find out!

1. How to make steamed fish with soy sauce

To ensure the steamed fish with soy sauce is tender, fragrant, and free of any fishy odor, the secret lies in the preparation, processing, and proper steaming technique. Here is a detailed guide for you to make professional-style steamed fish with soy sauce at home:

1.1. Ingredients

The ingredients for steamed fish with soy sauce are quite simple and easy to prepare:

• 1 fresh carp
• 1 onion, 1 ginger root
• 2 fresh chilies, 3 shallots
• 30g green onions, coriander, and dill
• 300ml soy sauce, 1 tablespoon white wine
• 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons seasoning powder, 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon MSG, 3 teaspoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

1.2. Instructions

• Step 1 – Prepare the fish: First, you need to clean the carp by removing the internal organs, gills, blood veins, and scales. Then, rub the fish thoroughly with 1 tablespoon of white wine, let it sit for 10 minutes, and rinse multiple times with water.
• Step 2 – Prepare other ingredients: Peel and slice the ginger; peel and slice the shallots. Cut the onion into small wedges, and wash the green onions and dill, then cut them into bite-sized pieces.
• Step 3 – Marinate the fish: Next, mix the seasoning powder, chili powder, pepper, MSG, salt, sugar, and sesame oil together. Rub this mixture onto the inside and outside of the fish. Then, stuff the fish cavity with some ginger, shallots, fresh chilies, green onions, and onion. Sprinkle ginger and shallots over the body of the fish and marinate for about 30 minutes.
• Step 4 – Prepare the sauce: Boil 300ml soy sauce and 300ml water along with the remaining ginger, onion, and green onions. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
• Step 5 – Steam the fish: Place the fish in a bowl or steamer, steam over medium heat for 20 minutes. Pour the prepared sauce over the fish and steam for another 20 minutes.
• Step 6 – Final product: Finally, arrange the fish on a plate, sprinkle with dill and chopped chilies. You should enjoy it while it’s hot, dipped in fish sauce, and served with hot rice or wrapped in rice paper for a truly attractive meal.

See more: What is delicious to make with salmon? 15 irresistible dish suggestions

2. How to make dipping sauce for steamed fish with soy sauce

The dipping sauce is an equally important factor in making the steamed fish with soy sauce more appealing. The ingredients you need to prepare include good quality soy sauce, sugar, lime juice or rice vinegar, minced garlic, and minced chili. You can add a little minced ginger if you like a warm aroma and to help eliminate any fishy scent more effectively.

Then, pour the soy sauce into a bowl, add sugar, and stir until completely dissolved. Next, add lime juice or rice vinegar to create a light sour taste, making the dipping sauce more refreshing. Finally, add the minced garlic, chili (and ginger if using) and mix well so all the flavors blend together.

>>> See more: Top 6 irresistible dipping sauce recipes for steamed squid

3. Guide to choosing and deodorizing carp

To make the steamed fish with soy sauce delicious and nutritious, choosing fresh fish is a vital factor. Here are some criteria when buying fresh carp that you should not overlook:

• Clear, bright eyes that are not cloudy or sunken.
• Bright red gills, not dark or slimy; avoid fish with a strong fishy odor.
• Prioritize fish with an elongated shape and a full body, avoiding fish that are too small or thin.
• Firm, shiny scales; easily detached scales are a sign that the fish is no longer fresh.
• The body and belly should have firm, elastic meat that is not soft or abnormally bloated.

In addition to choosing fresh fish, effective deodorizing also helps the dish taste better, so you should apply the following tips:

• Sea salt or diluted salt water: Gently rub salt over the entire body and gills, then rinse clean. However, do not soak for too long to maintain freshness.
• Lime juice or vinegar: Mix lime or vinegar with water and soak the fish for 5-10 minutes, then rinse again. Note not to rub lime directly onto the fish meat to avoid the meat becoming mushy.
• White wine or ginger: You can soak the fish in water mixed with white wine for about 5 minutes, or gently rub crushed ginger onto the fish to eliminate odors and create a natural fragrance.

4. Other delicious steamed fish variations

Besides the traditional way of making steamed fish with soy sauce mentioned above, you can completely innovate this dish with various ingredients and cooking methods. Below are some suggestions for variations of steamed fish with soy sauce suitable for both family meals and special occasions.

Steamed fish with oyster sauce

Steamed fish with oyster sauce is a simple yet very appetizing dish thanks to its harmonious sweet and salty flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 fresh fish
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• Ginger, green onions
• Shallots
• Soy sauce, pepper, cooking oil

How to make steamed fish with oyster sauce:

• Clean the fish, remove odors, and marinate with oyster sauce, soy sauce, and pepper for 15 minutes.
• Arrange ginger and shallots on the fish, steam for 12–15 minutes until cooked.
• Sprinkle with green onions, pour hot oil over the top, and it’s done.

Chinese-style steamed fish with soy sauce

Chinese-style steamed fish with soy sauce has a light yet sophisticated and rich flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 fresh fish
• 2–3 tablespoons soy sauce
• Shredded ginger
• Green onions
• Cooking oil

How to make Chinese-style steamed fish with soy sauce

• Clean the fish, remove odors, and lightly score the body.
• Place ginger on the plate, put the fish on top, and steam for 12–15 minutes once the water boils.
• Take the fish out, discard the steaming liquid, and pour soy sauce over the fish.
• Sprinkle with green onions, pour hot oil over it, and serve hot.

Steamed grouper with soy sauce

Steamed grouper with soy sauce is a dish often seen at parties or special occasions. Grouper meat is white, firm, and naturally sweet, and when steamed with just enough soy sauce, its natural flavor becomes even more prominent.

Ingredients

• 1 fresh grouper
• 2–3 tablespoons soy sauce
• Shredded ginger
• Green onions
• Cooking oil

How to make

• Clean the grouper, remove odors, and lightly score the body.
• Place ginger on the plate, put the fish on top, and steam for 12–15 minutes once the water boils.
• Take the fish out, discard the steaming liquid, and pour soy sauce over the fish.
• Sprinkle with green onions, pour hot oil over it, and serve hot.

Steamed fish with soy sauce in foil

Steamed fish with soy sauce in foil is a simple cooking method that helps the fish cook evenly and retain all its natural sweetness.

Ingredients:

• 1 fresh fish
• 2–3 tablespoons soy sauce
• Shredded ginger
• Green onions
• Cooking oil

How to make steamed fish with soy sauce in foil:

• Clean the fish, remove odors, and lightly score the body.
• Lay out the foil, place the fish on it, sprinkle with ginger, and pour over the soy sauce.
• Seal the foil tightly and place in the steamer for 15–20 minutes.
• Open the foil, sprinkle with green onions, and pour hot oil over the fish.
• Serve hot; the fish meat will be tender and infused with flavor.

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Hopefully, with the recipe for steamed fish with soy sauce shared above, you will successfully prepare this flavorful and nutritious dish for your family meal. Furthermore, if you love culinary arts, especially seafood dishes and easy yet authentic cooking recipes, don’t forget to visit the Ola Squid store to discover many useful processing tips as well as interesting information and other engaging articles. If you are looking for premium seafood snacks, check out our high-quality whole dried squid for an unforgettable experience.