steaming hairtail with chopped pepper

Steamed Pomfret with Chopped Chili: A Flavorful Recipe

Steamed pomfret with chopped chili is a beloved Chinese dish that balances spicy, savory, and fresh flavors. Here’s a simple guide to making it at home.

Ingredients: 1 fresh pomfret (about 500g), 3-4 tablespoons chopped chili (store-bought or homemade), 2 tablespoons light soy sauce, 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine, 1 teaspoon sugar, 2 sliced ginger, 2 scallions (cut into sections), 1 tablespoon cooking oil, and optional garlic and cilantro for garnish.

Steps:

1. Prepare the fish: Clean the pomfret, score both sides diagonally to help absorption, and pat dry. Marinate with 1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine and ginger slices for 10 minutes.

2. Make the sauce: Mix chopped chili, light soy sauce, remaining Shaoxing wine, sugar, and minced garlic (if using) in a bowl.

3. Steam: Place the fish on a heatproof dish. Spread half the sauce over the fish, then steam over high heat for 8-10 minutes until the flesh turns opaque and flakes easily.

4. Finish: Pour the remaining sauce over the steamed fish. Heat oil in a pan until shimmering, drizzle over the fish, and top with cilantro and scallions.

Serve hot with steamed rice to enjoy the tender, spicy-sweet fish. This quick recipe highlights the freshness of the seafood while the chopped chili adds a fiery kick, making it a crowd-pleaser.