How to Make Authentic Steamed Fish with Soy Sauce: No Fishy Smell

Steamed fish with soy sauce is a simple yet extremely delicious dish, preserving 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 prepare it properly, the dish can easily become fishy and lose its appeal. The article below will guide you on how to make steamed fish with soy sauce that is authentic, from ingredient selection to dipping sauce preparation, along with other attractive variations. Let’s follow along with Ola Squid right now!

1. How to make steamed fish with soy sauce

To make the steamed fish with soy sauce soft, fragrant, and free of fishy odors, the secret lies in proper ingredient selection, preparation, and steaming technique. Below is a detailed guide for you to prepare this authentic steamed fish dish at home:

1.1. Ingredients

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

• 1 fresh carp
• 1 onion, 1 knob of ginger
• 2 fresh chili peppers, 3 purple shallots
• 30g scallions, cilantro, 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

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1.2. Instructions

• Step 1 – Fish preparation: First, you need to clean the carp by removing the intestines, gills, blood vessels, and scales. Then, rub the fish evenly with 1 tablespoon of white wine, leave it for 10 minutes, and rinse thoroughly with water multiple times.
• Step 2 – Preparing ingredients: Peel and slice the ginger; peel and slice the shallots. Cut the onion into small wedges, and wash the scallions and dill before cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
• Step 3 – Marinating the fish: Next, mix the seasoning including seasoning powder, chili powder, pepper, MSG, salt, sugar, and sesame oil. Apply this mixture to the inside and outside of the fish. Then, stuff some ginger, shallots, fresh chili, scallions, and onions into the fish’s belly. Sprinkle the remaining ginger and shallots over the fish and marinate for about 30 minutes.
• Step 4 – Making the sauce: Boil 300ml of soy sauce, 300ml of water along with the remaining ginger, onions, and scallions. Season to taste.
• Step 5 – Steaming the fish: Continue by placing the fish in a bowl or a steamer basket, steaming over medium heat for 20 minutes. Pour the sauce over the fish and steam for another 20 minutes.
• Step 6 – Finished product: Finally, arrange the fish on a plate, sprinkle with dill and sliced chili. You should enjoy it while the fish is still hot; it can be served with fish sauce, enjoyed with hot rice, or wrapped in rice paper for a very appealing meal.

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

The dipping sauce is an equally important element that makes the steamed fish with soy sauce more appealing. The ingredients you need to prepare include good soy sauce, sugar, lemon juice or rice vinegar, minced garlic, and chili. You can add a little minced ginger if you like a warm aroma and want to help neutralize any fishy odor more effectively.

Then, pour the soy sauce into a bowl, add the sugar, and stir until completely dissolved. Next, add lemon juice or rice vinegar to create a mild sour taste, helping the sauce become more balanced. Finally, add the minced garlic and chili (and ginger if desired), then mix well so the flavors blend together.

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

3. Guide to choosing and removing fishy odor from carp

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

• The fish eyes are clear, bright, and not cloudy or sunken.
• The gills are bright red, not dark or slimy; avoid fish with a strong fishy odor.
• Prioritize fish with a long, streamlined shape and full body; avoid fish that are too small or thin.
• Scales should be firmly attached and shiny; scales that easily come off are a sign the fish is no longer fresh.
• The body and belly of the fish should be firm and have good elasticity, not soft or unusually bloated.

Besides choosing fresh fish, effective odor removal also helps the dish taste much better, so you should apply these tips:

• Sea salt or diluted saltwater: Gently rub it over the body and gills, then rinse thoroughly. However, do not soak it for too long to maintain freshness.
• Lemon juice or vinegar: Mix lemon or vinegar with water, soak the fish for 5-10 minutes, then rinse again. Note: do not rub lemon directly on the fish meat to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• White wine or ginger: You can soak the fish in water mixed with white wine for about 5 minutes, or gently rub mashed ginger over the fish body to remove the fishy odor and create a natural aroma.

4. Other delicious steamed fish with soy sauce dishes

Besides the traditional way of making steamed fish with soy sauce mentioned above, you can completely innovate this dish with various ingredients and preparation methods. Here are some suggested variations of steamed fish with soy sauce suitable for both family meals and occasions when entertaining guests.

Steamed fish with oyster sauce

Steamed fish with oyster sauce is a simple dish but incredibly appetizing thanks to its harmonious sweet and savory flavor.

Ingredients

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

How to make steamed fish with oyster sauce:

• Clean the fish, remove the fishy odor, and marinate with oyster sauce, soy sauce, and pepper for about 15 minutes.
• Arrange ginger and shallots on top of the fish, steam for 12–15 minutes until cooked.
• Sprinkle with scallions, drizzle hot oil over the top, and it’s complete.

See more: How to make steamed grouper with soy sauce that is not fishy and tastes exotic

Chinese-style steamed fish with soy sauce

Chinese-style steamed fish with soy sauce has a light, yet delicately rich flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 fresh fish
• 2–3 tablespoons soy sauce
• Julienned ginger
• Scallions
• Cooking oil

How to make Chinese-style steamed fish with soy sauce

• Clean the fish, remove the fishy odor, and lightly score the body of the fish.
• Place ginger on the plate, put the fish on top, and steam for 12–15 minutes once the water is boiling.
• Remove the fish, discard the steaming liquid, and pour soy sauce over the fish.
• Sprinkle with scallions, drizzle hot oil over the top, and serve hot.

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Steamed grouper with soy sauce

Steamed grouper with soy sauce is a dish often featured at parties or special occasions. Grouper meat is white, firm, and naturally sweet; when steamed with the right amount of soy sauce, it further highlights its natural flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 fresh grouper
• 2–3 tablespoons soy sauce
• Julienned ginger
• Scallions
• Cooking oil

How to make

• Clean the grouper, remove the fishy odor, and lightly score the body of the fish.
• Place ginger on the plate, put the fish on top, and steam for 12–15 minutes once the water is boiling.
• Remove the fish, discard the steaming liquid, and pour soy sauce over the fish.
• Sprinkle with scallions, drizzle hot oil over the top, and serve hot.

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Steamed fish with soy sauce in foil

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

Ingredients:

• 1 fresh fish
• 2–3 tablespoons soy sauce
• Julienned ginger
• Scallions
• Cooking oil

How to make steamed fish with soy sauce in foil:

• Clean the fish, remove the fishy odor, and lightly score the body of the fish.
• Lay out the aluminum foil, place the fish on top, sprinkle with ginger, and pour the soy sauce over.
• Seal the foil tightly, put it in the steamer for 15–20 minutes.
• Open the foil, sprinkle with scallions, and drizzle hot oil over the top.
• 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, it will help you successfully prepare this rich, nutritious dish for your family meals. Furthermore, if you love cuisine, especially seafood dishes and cooking recipes that are delicious, easy, and still guarantee authentic flavor, don’t forget to visit Ola Squid to explore more useful cooking tips as well as interesting information and other attractive articles.