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Teochew Style Steam Pomfret Fish; Chinese Recipes
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Teochew Style Steam Pomfret Fish with Beehoon Recipe for CNY

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Servings: 4

Equipment

  • Steam Basket or Steamer Pot

Ingredients

  • 1 large pomfret 500-600 grams 500-600 克 1条斗底鲳
  • 3 dried mushrooms 3 个干蘑菇
  • 1/2 packet pickled mustard green vegetables 1/2 包酸菜
  • 2 tomato 2 个番茄
  • 1 packet tofu 1 包豆腐
  • 3-4 sour plum 3-4 个酸梅
  • 1 portion beehoon/vermicelli 1 份米粉
  • 3 slices ginger 3 片 姜
  • 1 tablespoon garlic oil 1 汤匙蒜油
  • 1 tablespoon shallot oil 1 汤匙葱油

Seasoning 调料:

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 茶匙盐
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar 1/2 茶匙糖
  • 400 ml water/chicken stock 400 毫升水/鸡汤

Garnish 装饰:

  • Chinese Parsley/Spring Onion 香菜/葱
  • Chilli 辣椒

Instructions

  • Start by preparing the pomfret fish. Clean it thoroughly by removing the scales, gills, and internal organs, then trim the fins and make a few slits on the fish’s body. Place ginger slices inside the fish belly to reduce any fishiness.
  • For the other ingredients, soak the dried mushrooms until soft, remove the stems, and slice them thinly. Soak the salted vegetables for 30 minutes, rinse them thoroughly, and slice them thinly as well. Slice the tomatoes, cube the tofu, and soak the beehoon until it’s pliable.
  • To assemble the dish, spread the softened beehoon evenly on a steaming plate, then layer the tomatoes, mushrooms, salted vegetables, and mashed sour plum on top. Place the fish on top of the ingredients and scatter the tofu cubes around it. Pour seasoning over the dish.
  • When the water in the pot comes to a boil, steam the dish on high heat for 10 minutes or until the fish is cooked through. Once ready, drizzle shallot or garlic oil over the dish and garnish with spring onions and chilies. Serve hot and enjoy this savory, tangy dish, perfect for Chinese New Year celebrations!

Notes

  • Fish Variety: While pomfret is the classic choice, you can use other types of fish such as seabass, snapper, or grouper. Ensure the fish is fresh for the best flavor.
  • Thorough Cleaning: Wash the fish thoroughly to avoid any fishy taste. This step is crucial for achieving a clean, fresh flavor in your dish.
  • Beehoon Preparation: Soak the beehoon until pliable, but avoid over-soaking as it will soften further during steaming. A quick 10–15 minute soak in room-temperature water usually works well.
  • Steaming Technique: Always ensure the water in your steamer is boiling before placing the fish in. Steam just until the fish is cooked through—over-steaming can dry it out, so keep an eye on the cooking time.
  • Flavorful Garnishes: Drizzle the finished dish with aromatic shallot or garlic oil. This simple addition will elevate the taste, adding a rich, fragrant layer of flavor to the dish.
  • Customize to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the ingredients, such as the amount of salted vegetables, tomatoes, or ginger, based on your personal preferences.