20 Chinese Whole Fish Recipe Get Ready To Indulge!
Published on: Mar 19, 2024
Chinese whole fish is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine that is not only delicious and flavorful, but also visually stunning. This dish is usually served on special occasions, such as Chinese New Year or other celebratory feasts. It is a symbol of prosperity, abundance, and good luck in Chinese culture. The fish used in this recipe is typically a freshwater fish, such as carp or tilapia, and is cooked whole to represent completeness and unity. In this article, we will dive into the traditional Chinese whole fish recipe and explore its unique flavors and cultural significance.
Main Ingredients: Fish, Cooking Oil, Pepper, Salt, Herbs, Lemons, Fresh
Why limit yourself to just chicken when you can also make a flavorful whole fish dish? This recipe uses a mixture of soy sauce, chili, and garlic to create a spicy and tangy dipping sauce for the grilled fish. It's a perfect dish for a summer BBQ or a cozy night in.
This Chinese-style pan-fried fish is a classic dish that is sure to impress. The fish is lightly seasoned with ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil before being pan-fried to perfection. Serve it with your favorite side dishes for a delicious and healthy meal.
If you're looking for a flavorful and easy way to cook a whole fish, this Asian-style roasted fish is the way to go. The fish is marinated in a combination of spices and soy sauce before being roasted in the oven. The end result is a tender and flavorful fish that is perfect for any occasion.
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Chinese Steamed Whole Fish with Black Bean Sauce
Main Ingredients: Fish, Fermented Black Beans, Minced Garlic, Minced
Steaming fish is a popular cooking method in Chinese cuisine, and for good reason. It helps to keep the fish tender and moist while infusing it with flavor. This recipe uses a black bean sauce to add a savory and slightly salty taste to the fish. Serve it with rice for a complete meal.
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Chinese-Style Steamed Whole Fish with Ginger and...
Main Ingredients: Sesame Oil, Soy Sauce, Sugar, Hot Chili, Fish, Kosher
Ginger and scallions are a classic combination in Chinese cooking, and they add a delicious flavor to this steamed whole fish dish. The fish is steamed with a mixture of ginger, scallions, and soy sauce for a simple yet flavorful meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight.
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Chinese Steamed Whole Fish with Preserved Radish and...
Main Ingredients: Fish, Preserved Radish, Dried Shiitake Mushrooms, Small
This unique recipe uses preserved radish and chilies to add a spicy and tangy flavor to the steamed fish. The combination of flavors creates a complex and delicious dish that is sure to impress your taste buds. Serve it over rice for a complete meal.
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Thai Style Deep Fried Whole Fish
Main Ingredients: Fish, Oil, Garlic Cloves, Ginger, Red Chilli
If you're a fan of deep-fried dishes, you'll love this Thai-style deep-fried whole fish. The fish is coated in a spicy and tangy sauce before being deep-fried to a crispy perfection. It's a great dish to serve at a party or potluck as it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Oyster sauce is a staple in Chinese cooking and adds a rich and savory flavor to any dish. In this recipe, it is used to steam the fish, infusing it with a delicious umami taste. Serve it with your favorite vegetables for a healthy and satisfying meal.
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Restaurant-style Chinese Steamed Fish
Main Ingredients: Fish, Ginger, Scallion, Cilantro Leaves, Cooking Oil
If you're looking to recreate your favorite Chinese restaurant dish at home, this recipe is a must-try. With the perfect balance of spices and sauces, this steamed fish dish tastes just like the one you would order at your favorite restaurant.
Hot pot is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine, and this recipe puts a unique spin on it by using fish as the main ingredient. The fish is cooked in a flavorful broth along with an assortment of vegetables and noodles, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
Cilantro lovers, this one's for you! This recipe uses a cilantro sauce to steam the fish, giving it a fresh and herbaceous flavor. It's a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal.
If you're in the mood for a warm and comforting soup, look no further than this Chinese-style fish soup. The fish is simmered in a flavorful broth along with vegetables and noodles to create a hearty and nourishing dish.
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Ginger Soy Chinese Noodles
Main Ingredients: Fish, Rice Noodles, Crimini Mushrooms, Broccoli, Yellow
Noodles are a staple in Chinese cuisine and can be paired with a variety of meats and vegetables. In this recipe, the noodles are tossed in a ginger soy sauce and served with tender pieces of chicken and vegetables. It's a delicious and easy meal for any day of the week.
This crispy and flavorful salt and pepper fish is a popular dish in Chinese restaurants and can now be made at home with this easy recipe. The fish is seasoned with a salt and pepper mixture before being deep-fried to a crispy perfection. Serve it with a side of steamed rice for a complete meal.
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Chinese Steamed Bass Fish
Main Ingredients: Soy Sauce, Cooking Wine, Fish, Ginger, Green Onions
Bass is a popular fish that is perfect for steaming, as it has a mild and delicate flavor. This recipe uses a combination of spices and sauces to create a delicious and flavorful steamed bass dish. It's a great option for those looking for a healthy and low-calorie meal.
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Steamed Whole Fish
Main Ingredients: Fish, Lemongrass Stalks, Cilantro Leaves, Fresh Ginger
If you're new to steaming fish, this simple and straightforward recipe is a great place to start. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a delicious and healthy steamed fish dish that is perfect for any occasion.
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Chinese Steamed Fish With Ginger Paste
Main Ingredients: Fish, Spring Onions, Red Chili, Young Ginger, Shaoxing
Ginger paste adds a concentrated and intense ginger flavor to any dish, including this Chinese-style steamed fish. The fish is steamed with a flavorful mixture of ginger paste, soy sauce, and sesame oil to create a delicious and tender meal.
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Chinese Steamed Fish with Ginger and Shallots
Main Ingredients: Fish, Ginger, Shallots, Light Soy Sauce, Sugar, Water
This steamed fish dish is simple yet full of flavor, thanks to the combination of ginger and shallots. The fish is steamed with a mixture of soy sauce and sesame oil, making it a perfect option for a healthy and flavorful meal.
For a more traditional Chinese fish dish, try this fish soup recipe. The soup is made with a fish head, along with an assortment of vegetables and noodles, creating a flavorful broth that is perfect for a cold day.
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Chinese Rice Porridge (Sampan Congee)
Main Ingredients: Rice, Water, Char Siu, Pork, Fish, Squid, Shrimp
Rice porridge, also known as congee, is a popular breakfast dish in many Asian countries, including China. This recipe uses fish as the main protein, along with ginger, garlic, and scallions for a flavorful and comforting meal that is perfect for any time of day.
Cultural Significance of Chinese Whole Fish
Symbolism in Chinese Culture
In Chinese culture, fish is considered a symbol of abundance and prosperity. The Chinese word for fish, "yu," is a homophone for the word "surplus" or "abundance." Therefore, serving a whole fish during special occasions is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the upcoming year. The presentation of the fish is also important, as it should be served with the head and tail intact, symbolizing completeness and unity within the family.
Celebratory Dish
Chinese whole fish is usually served during important celebrations, such as Chinese New Year, weddings, and birthday feasts. It is a dish that brings families and friends together, representing the importance of unity and togetherness. The fish is often the centerpiece of the meal and is shared among all the guests as a symbol of good fortune and blessings for everyone.
The Recipe: Chinese Whole Fish
Ingredients
1 whole freshwater fish (carp or tilapia)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice wine
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 tablespoon green onions, sliced
1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Clean and pat dry the whole fish.
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, green onions, cilantro, sugar, and salt.
Place the fish on a large plate and pour the marinade over it. Let it marinate for 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place the fish on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of the fish. The fish is done when the flesh is white and flakes easily with a fork.
Transfer the fish to a serving platter and garnish with additional green onions and cilantro.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Final Thoughts
Chinese whole fish is not only a delectable dish, but it also holds a deep cultural significance in Chinese culture. It represents prosperity, unity, and togetherness, making it a perfect dish for special occasions or any gathering with loved ones. Give this traditional recipe a try and experience the unique flavors and symbolism behind Chinese whole fish.