Go Back
–+ servings
Chinese steamed whole bass topped with ginger, scallions, red chili, and cilantro in soy sauce on a white platter.

Easy and Delicious Chinese Steamed Bass Recipe

This easy Chinese steamed bass recipe combines tender whole fish with ginger and soy sauce for a simple, comforting dinner at home.
No ratings yet
Print Pin
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 358kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 whole sea bass cleaned
  • 4 tablespoons fresh ginger finely julienned
  • 2 green onions white and green parts separated
  • 6-8 sprigs fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 small red chili thinly julienned (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons light soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 3 tablespoons canola oil
  • ¾ teaspoon sugar
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Prepare the Fish: Remove any remaining scales and trim the fins, leaving the head and tail intact for a traditional Chinese whole fish recipe presentation. Clean out the cavity and gills, rinse well, and place on a heat-proof plate. Do not season before steaming, as authentic Chinese steamed fish develops its clean flavor during cooking for steamed bass Chinese style.
  • Steam the Fish: Place a rack inside a wok or Chinese fish steamer with water below the plate level. Bring to a boil, then set the plate with the fish on the rack. Cover and steam for about 9 minutes, as in typical Chinese steamed sea bass recipes, until the flesh turns opaque and flakes easily. Properly cooked steamed whole fish should be moist and tender.
  • Add Aromatics: Carefully pour off any liquid from the plate. Sprinkle half of the ginger, the green parts of the green onions, and the cilantro evenly over the fish., the classic topping for Chinese steamed fish with ginger and spring onion, and many Chinese-style steamed fish dishes.
  • Make the Sauce: Heat some of the oil with the remaining ginger, red chili, and the white parts of the green onions until fragrant and sizzling. Add the light soy sauce mixture, along with salt and black pepper, and let it simmer briefly to create the savory sauce used in Chinese fish recipes and variations of the Chinese sea bass recipe. Stir in the remaining oil and the white parts of the green onions.
  • Finish and Serve: Spoon the hot sauce evenly over the fish, letting it sizzle over the aromatics. This final step gives authentic Chinese steamed sea bass its signature fragrance. Serve immediately, while hot, for the best texture and flavor of this classic Chinese-style fish. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 358kcal | Carbohydrates: 6.6g | Protein: 28.9g | Fat: 24.1g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 1394mg | Potassium: 828mg | Fiber: 0.8g | Sugar: 2.2g | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe? Leave a comment below, and tag me @sassychopsticks9 or tag #sassychopsticks9 on Instagram!