17 Japanese Steamed Whole Fish Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 26, 2024
The traditional Japanese steamed whole fish dish, also known as "Sakana no Shioyaki," is a popular and delicious option for seafood lovers. This simple yet elegant dish showcases the natural flavors of the fish while keeping it moist and tender. The gentle steaming method also retains the nutritional value of the fish, making it a healthy choice for any meal. With just a few key ingredients and minimal preparation, you can create a flavorful and authentic Japanese meal in the comfort of your own kitchen. Let's dive into the details of this delectable Japanese steamed whole fish recipe.
Salmon and Black Sesame Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)
Main Ingredients: Smoked Salmon, Short Grain Rice, Black Sesame Seeds
If you're a fan of Japanese cuisine, chances are you've come across Onigiri before. These delicious rice balls are a staple in Japanese lunch boxes and are often filled with various ingredients such as pickled plums, fish, or meat. This recipe puts a spin on the traditional Onigiri by incorporating salmon and black sesame seeds, giving it a unique and flavorful twist.
Okonomiyaki is a popular Japanese street food that translates to "cooked as you like it". It's a savory pancake made with a variety of ingredients such as cabbage, meat, seafood, and topped with a special sauce and mayonnaise. This dish is perfect for those who love a good mix of flavors and textures in their meals.
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Sushi Burrito
Main Ingredients: Japanese Rice Vinegar, Medium Grain Rice, Japanese
Why choose between a burrito and sushi when you can have both? This fusion dish combines the best of both worlds by wrapping sushi ingredients in a large nori sheet, creating a giant sushi roll that resembles a burrito. It's a fun and creative way to enjoy your sushi, and you can customize the fillings to your liking.
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Thai-Style Steamed Whole Fish
Main Ingredients: Fish, Flounder, Snapper, Salt, Coriander Leaves, Minced
Steaming fish is a common cooking method in many Asian countries, and this Thai-style recipe is a must-try for seafood lovers. The fish is steamed with a flavorful marinade made of lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and chili, giving it a spicy and aromatic kick. It's a healthy and delicious dish that can be prepared in just minutes.
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Japanese Steamed Eggs (蒸蛋)
Main Ingredients: Egg, Chicken Broth, Soy Sauce, Water, Scallion
Steamed eggs, also known as chawanmushi, is a popular Japanese dish that is similar to a savory custard. It's made with a mixture of eggs, dashi, and various ingredients such as seafood, vegetables, and meat. This dish is often served in small cups or bowls, making it a perfect appetizer or side dish.
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Japanese Rice Balls Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Umeboshi, Bonito Flakes, Soy Sauce, Mirin
Onigiri, also known as omusubi, are bite-sized rice balls that are often enjoyed as a quick snack or side dish in Japan. They are made by shaping rice into triangles or balls and are often filled with various ingredients, such as pickled plums, fish, or meat. Onigiri is a popular dish among students and office workers due to its convenience and versatility.
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Miso Udon Noodle Soup
Main Ingredients: Noodles, Manila Clams, Butter, Garlic, Shrimp, Fish
Udon is a type of thick wheat noodle that is commonly used in Japanese cuisine. This recipe combines udon noodles with a flavorful miso broth and various toppings such as mushrooms, tofu, and green onions. It's a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for a cold day.
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Japanese Inspired Sous Vide Duck
Main Ingredients: Duck Breast, Yuzu Juice, Japanese Soy Sauce, Mirin
Sous vide is a cooking technique that involves cooking food in a temperature-controlled water bath, resulting in perfectly cooked and tender meat. This recipe uses the sous vide method to prepare a succulent duck breast that is marinated in a Japanese-inspired sauce. It's a dish that will impress your guests and make you feel like a professional chef.
Don't let the name of this dish scare you away – roasted fish head is a delicacy in many Asian countries, and for a good reason. The head of a striped bass is rich in flavor and nutrients and is often cooked with a variety of spices and sauces. This recipe is a must-try for adventurous eaters and seafood lovers.
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Chinese Steamed Whole Fish with Black Bean Sauce
Main Ingredients: Fish, Fermented Black Beans, Minced Garlic, Minced
Steamed fish is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine, and this recipe takes it up a notch with the addition of a flavorful black bean sauce. The sauce is made with fermented black beans, garlic, and ginger, giving the fish a savory and umami-packed taste. It's a dish that is often served during special occasions and celebrations.
This hearty and comforting stew is a popular dish in Japan, especially during the colder months. The beef is slowly cooked with potatoes, carrots, and onions in a flavorful broth made with soy sauce, sake, and mirin. It's a simple yet delicious dish that is sure to warm you up on a chilly day.
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Chinese Steamed Whole Fish with Preserved Radish and...
Main Ingredients: Fish, Preserved Radish, Dried Shiitake Mushrooms, Small
Preserved radish, also known as choi poh, is a common ingredient in Chinese cooking and is made by pickling radishes in salt and spices. This recipe uses preserved radish to add a tangy and salty flavor to the steamed fish, creating a perfect balance of flavors. It's a dish that is easy to make and will impress your taste buds.
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Japanese Yaki Udon For Beginners
Main Ingredients: Udon Noodles, Sesame Oil, Garlic, Rice Vinegar, Pepper
Udon noodles are not only great in soups, but they also make a delicious stir-fry dish. This recipe teaches you how to make a simple yet flavorful yaki udon, which is a stir-fry dish made with udon noodles, vegetables, and protein of your choice. It's a great option for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
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Nikuman (Japanese Steamed Pork Buns)
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Active Dry Yeast, All Purpose Flour, Baking
Nikuman, also known as baozi, are steamed buns filled with a savory meat and vegetable filling. They are a popular street food in Japan and are often enjoyed as a snack or light meal. This recipe teaches you how to make your own nikuman at home, which can be frozen and reheated for a quick and delicious meal anytime.
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Japanese Salmon Bowl
Main Ingredients: White Rice, Rice Wine Vinegar, Soy Sauce, Chilli Sauce
This salmon bowl is a healthy and flavorful option for those who are looking for a quick and easy meal. The salmon is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, then grilled to perfection. It's served on a bed of rice and topped with vegetables and a drizzle of sauce, creating a well-balanced and satisfying meal.
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Japanese Teriyaki-Style Glazed Salmon
Main Ingredients: Salmon Fillets, Sea Salt, Cracked Black Pepper, Grape
Teriyaki is a popular Japanese cooking technique that involves grilling or broiling food with a glaze made of soy sauce, sake, and sugar. This recipe uses the teriyaki method to prepare a delicious and tender salmon that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Serve it with some rice and vegetables for a complete and healthy meal.
This roasted whole fish is a show-stopping dish that is sure to impress your guests. The fish is marinated in a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and other spices, then roasted until tender and flavorful. It's a dish that is often seen in Asian restaurants and can be easily recreated at home.
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Japanese Cabbage Salad
Main Ingredients: Shredded Coleslaw Mix, Granulated Sugar, Light Soy
This cabbage salad is a refreshing and healthy side dish that is often served in Japanese restaurants. The cabbage is thinly sliced and mixed with a dressing made with soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil, giving it a tangy and savory taste. It's perfect for adding some crunch and freshness to your meal.
Sushi rolls, also known as makizushi, are a popular dish in Japanese cuisine and are often enjoyed as a snack or light meal. This recipe teaches you how to make your own sushi rolls at home, filled with your favorite ingredients such as fish, vegetables, and avocado. It's a fun and creative way to enjoy sushi and is perfect for a sushi night with friends.
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Japanese-style Ceviche
Main Ingredients: Fresh Salmon, Ginger, Garlic Cloves, Sugar, Wasabi
Ceviche is a dish that originated in South America and is made by marinating raw fish in citrus juice. This Japanese-inspired recipe adds a twist to the traditional ceviche by incorporating Asian flavors such as soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil. The result is a fresh and zesty dish that is perfect for a hot summer day.
Ingredients and Preparation
To create this traditional Japanese dish, you will need a whole fish, preferably red snapper or sea bream. Make sure to choose a fish that is fresh and of good quality. Other essential ingredients include soy sauce, sake, ginger, scallions, and salt. To start, clean and scale the fish, and then score it on both sides to allow the flavors to penetrate better. Next, rub the fish with salt and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, rinse the fish and pat it dry with a paper towel.
The Steaming Process
To achieve the perfect steamed whole fish, you will need a large steamer or a wok with a steamer rack. Place the fish on the rack and add the ginger and scallions on top. In a separate bowl, mix the soy sauce and sake and pour it over the fish. Cover the steamer or wok and let the fish steam for about 10-12 minutes, depending on the size of the fish. You can test if the fish is cooked by inserting a knife into the thickest part of the fish, and if it easily flakes, it is ready.
Serving and Presentation
Once the fish is cooked, carefully remove it from the steamer or wok and transfer it to a serving platter. Garnish with some fresh scallions and a squeeze of lemon juice for an added burst of flavor. The traditional way of serving this dish is to present the whole fish on the table and let the guests admire its beauty before filleting it. However, if you prefer, you can also serve it already filleted.
Pairing and Variations
This Japanese steamed whole fish dish pairs well with a variety of sides, including rice, vegetables, or a simple salad. For a more substantial meal, you can also serve it with noodles or a side of miso soup. If you want to add a bit of heat to the dish, you can substitute the sake with chili oil or add some red pepper flakes to the marinade. You can also experiment with different types of fish, such as trout or salmon, and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
In conclusion, this traditional Japanese steamed whole fish dish is a fantastic way to elevate your seafood cooking skills and impress your family and friends with a delicious and authentic meal. With minimal ingredients and preparation, you can create a flavorful and healthy dish that will transport your taste buds to Japan. So, why not give this recipe a try and experience the delicate flavors of this classic Japanese dish.
Salmon and Black Sesame Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)