Season with a pinch of salt, light soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine. (If you don’t take alcohol, use a little white pepper instead.)
Gently mix the seasoning with the fish and set aside.
Prepare the Egg Mixture
Crack three eggs into a bowl.
Add an equal amount of water (1:1 ratio). (For a lighter texture, use slightly more water.)
Add a pinch of salt and mix gently using a fork until well combined.
Combine
Pour the egg mixture into a heatproof plate.
Gently add the fish slices on top, making sure the fish is fully submerged in the egg mixture.
Skim off any bubbles on the surface to achieve a smooth finish.
Steam
Bring water in a wok to a boil.
Once boiling, lower the heat to the lowest setting.
Place the plate on a steam rack. Important: Tilt the lid slightly so there’s a small gap. This prevents water droplets from falling on the egg and ensures even heat distribution.
Steam until the egg is set and no longer watery.
Finishing Touches
Once done, drizzle some shallot oil on top. (You can buy this from the supermarket or make your own.)
Garnish with coriander before serving.
Notes
Cooking tips:
1. Choose the Right Fish — Any white-fleshed fish works well for this dish. Halibut, grouper, red snapper, cod or seabass (siakap) are great options as they stay tender after steaming.2. Remove Bubbles — Before steaming, always skim off bubbles from the egg mixture surface — this helps you achieve that signature smooth, silky finish.3. Tilt the Lid — Leaving a small gap in the wok lid is key. It balances the heat and prevents the egg surface from turning rough or bubbly.4. Control the Heat — Use low heat once the water boils. Gentle heat ensures the egg cooks slowly and evenly, creating that custard-like texture.5. Timing — Cooking time depends on your plate’s size and thickness of the egg mixture. For a shallow dish, it usually takes around 10–12 minutes on low heat.