Name: Delicious Chinese Steamed Cod Fish with Ginger Scallion Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 fillet cod fish (a flaky, firm fish that absorbs all the fabulous flavors); 2 tbsp avocado oil (a healthy oil with a subtle flavor); 1 tbsp coconut aminos (a fantastic soy sauce alternative); 4 tbsp sesame oil (adds a rich, nutty flavor); 0.8 oz ginger (provides a warm heat and aromatic depth); 4 scallions (adds vibrant color and fresh crunch); 3 Fresno chilies (adjust for heat preference)

Caught between craving something light yet satisfying? Let me introduce you to my go-to marvel: Chinese Steamed Cod Fish with Ginger Scallion Sauce. This dish not only transports me straight to the vibrant markets of Asia, but it also boasts a major perk — it comes together in just 20 minutes! Picture this: the flaky cod being enveloped in a fragrant ginger-scallion sauce that's both a flavor bomb and a gentle hug on a plate. Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner for two or looking to impress guests with minimal fuss, this recipe is your secret weapon. Plus, it's a delightful way to indulge in something healthy without compromising on taste. Ready to make mealtime magic happen in your kitchen? Let’s dive into the details!

Why Choose This Steamed Cod Recipe?

Quick Preparation: In just 20 minutes, you can whip up this flavorful dish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner invitations.

Bold Flavors: The ginger-scallion sauce adds a vibrant punch to the delicate cod, transforming each bite into a culinary adventure.

Health-Conscious: Packed with lean protein and healthy fats, this dish meets your nutritional needs without sacrificing taste.

Versatile Serving: Serve it over a bed of jasmine rice or alongside sautéed veggies for a complete meal that offers something for everyone.

Impressive Presentation: This dish looks as good as it tastes, making it a stunning centerpiece for your dining table and a sure conversation starter!

Chinese Steamed Cod Fish Ingredients

• Unlock the secrets to deliciousness with the perfect ingredients!

For the Cod

1 fillet cod fish – a flaky, firm fish that absorbs all the fabulous flavors.

For the Sauce

2 tablespoon avocado oil – a healthy oil with a subtle flavor that enhances the dish.
1 tablespoon coconut aminos – a fantastic soy sauce alternative, bringing a touch of sweetness.
4 tablespoon sesame oil – adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the scallions beautifully.
0.8 oz ginger – provides a warm heat and aromatic depth to the sauce.

For the Garnish

4 scallions – these add vibrant color and a fresh crunch to your dish.
3 Fresno chilies – for those who like a little kick; feel free to adjust for heat preference!

With these ingredients ready, you are set to create a mouthwatering Chinese Steamed Cod Fish with Ginger Scallion Sauce that will surely impress!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chinese Steamed Cod Fish with Ginger Scallion Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Cod Fillet
Begin by preparing your cod fish fillet. Gently pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, ensuring a better sear. Then, drizzle coconut aminos over the fillet, allowing it to soak up the flavor. Set the seasoned fish aside on a heatproof plate—it’s ready for steaming!

Step 2: Chop the Aromatics
Next, finely slice the ginger and scallions, and chop the Fresno chilies. Aim for thin slices of ginger to release its aromatic oils, while the scallions should be cut at a diagonal for an elegant presentation. The chilies can be chopped into small pieces to help distribute their spicy kick later in the cooking process.

Step 3: Set Up the Steamer
Prepare your steaming apparatus—either a steamer or a wok with a steaming rack. Fill it with about two inches of water and bring it to a vigorous boil over medium-high heat. As the water heats up, place the plate with the seasoned cod fillet in the steamer, ready to transform into a perfectly flaky dish.

Step 4: Steam the Cod
Once the water is boiling, cover the steamer and allow the cod to steam for approximately 10 minutes. The fish will turn opaque and should flake easily with a fork when done. Keep an eye on it but resist the temptation to lift the lid too often, as you want to maintain that steam!

Step 5: Sauté the Ginger and Scallions
While the cod is steaming, heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely sliced ginger and scallions, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes until they are fragrant and the scallions are tender. This will create a flavorful base for your ginger-scallion sauce.

Step 6: Incorporate the Chilies and Sesame Oil
After the ginger and scallions have begun to brown slightly, toss in the chopped Fresno chilies and 4 tablespoons of sesame oil. Stir everything well to combine, allowing the flavors to meld together for another 2-3 minutes. Your ginger-scallion sauce is coming together beautifully, ready to shine over the cod!

Step 7: Plate and Serve
Once the cod is finished steaming, carefully remove the plate from the steamer—watch out for the hot steam! Drizzle the aromatic ginger-scallion mixture generously over the tender fish. Now is the time to admire your stunning Chinese Steamed Cod Fish with Ginger Scallion Sauce before serving it hot, garnished with extra scallions and chilies!

What to Serve with Chinese Steamed Cod Fish with Ginger Scallion Sauce

Transform your delightful cod dish into a memorable meal by pairing it with complementary sides that enhance its flavors.

Jasmine Rice: A fluffy base that absorbs the aromatic ginger-scallion sauce, adding comfort to each bite. Enjoy it steaming hot for that perfect contrast.
Sautéed Bok Choy: Tender, green bok choy lightly sautéed in garlic adds freshness and a satisfying crunch to balance the tender fish. Its vibrant color brightens your plate as well!
Stir-Fried Snow Peas: Crisp and sweet, these snow peas add a delightful pop of color and a burst of flavor that works well with steamed cod. They are a refreshing accompaniment!
Coconut Brown Rice: Cooked in coconut milk, this rice brings a subtle creaminess and slight sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory fish and sauce.
Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup offers comfort and depth, cleansing your palate between bites of the rich cod. It adds an earthy note to your meal.
Pickled Radishes: These tangy, crunchy bites contrast beautifully with the soft fish, providing a delightful zing and a refreshing palate cleanser.
Chilled Green Tea: Refreshing and light, this drink complements the flavors of the cod while keeping your meal balanced and soothing. Add a sprig of mint for an extra lift!
Asian Pear Salad: Tossed with sesame dressing, this crisp salad adds a delightful sweetness that echoes the ginger-scallion sauce, giving an exciting twist to your dining experience.

Let these pairings elevate your Chinese Steamed Cod Fish with Ginger Scallion Sauce to a full-fledged feast!

Chinese Steamed Cod Fish Variations

Feel free to get creative with this dish and make it your own, adding a personal touch that enhances every bite!

Gluten-Free: Substitute coconut aminos with tamari for a gluten-free, savory option that retains similar flavors.
Low-Carb: Serve with cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for a health-conscious take that’s equally satisfying.
Spicy Twist: Mix in some chili garlic sauce to your ginger-scallion sauce for an extra spicy kick that elevates the flavor profile.
Herbaceous Boost: Toss in a handful of fresh herbs like cilantro or basil to the sauce for an aromatic freshness that lightens the dish.
Peanut Sauce Add-in: Incorporate a tablespoon of creamy peanut butter into the ginger-scallion sauce for a rich, nutty flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the cod.
Citrusy Zing: Add the zest of one lime or lemon to the sauce to give it a bright and zesty finish that enhances the overall taste.
Texture Variation: Try adding slivered almonds or toasted sesame seeds on top for a delightful crunch that contrasts nicely with the tender cod.

Each of these variations allows you to explore new flavor dimensions while keeping the essence of the dish intact. Enjoy the discovery!

Storage Tips for Chinese Steamed Cod Fish

Fridge: Store any leftover cod fish tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. This retains its moisture and flavor.

Freezer: If you need to freeze the steamed cod, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, for optimal freshness. Enjoy within 1 month for best quality.

Reheating: Reheat leftover cod gently in a steamer to maintain its tenderness. This method also allows the ginger-scallion sauce to enhance the flavor as it warms.

Ginger-Scallion Sauce: You can prepare the ginger-scallion mixture ahead and store in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a breeze to serve with fresh steamed cod.

Expert Tips for Chinese Steamed Cod Fish

Fresh Ingredients: Always use the freshest cod fish available. Fresh fish not only tastes better but also steams more uniformly for the best texture.
Proper Steaming: Maintain a rolling boil in your steamer to ensure even cooking. Avoid opening the lid frequently, as this lets out the steam and may disrupt cooking times.
Customize Heat Level: Adjust the amount of Fresno chilies based on your heat preference. If you prefer less spice, use fewer chilies or choose a milder variety.
Oil Choices: While this recipe calls for avocado and sesame oils, feel free to experiment with other oils like olive oil for different flavor profiles.
Ginger Prep: Slice the ginger thinly to release maximum flavor and aroma. If you prefer a milder ginger taste, reduce the amount used in the sauce.
Serving Suggestions: For a complete meal, pair the Chinese Steamed Cod Fish with Ginger Scallion Sauce over jasmine rice or alongside sautéed vegetables for a balanced plate.

Make Ahead Options

These Chinese Steamed Cod Fish with Ginger Scallion Sauce are incredibly convenient for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the ginger-scallion sauce up to 3 days in advance; simply sauté the ginger and scallions, mix in the Fresno chilies and sesame oil, then refrigerate in an airtight container. When you're ready to serve, simply steam the seasoned cod fillet fresh, which only takes about 10 minutes. This method ensures the fish remains delightfully flaky and complements the freshly made sauce, giving you a delightful meal that's just as delicious as if made from scratch on the spot. Enjoy the time-saving benefits without sacrificing flavor!

Chinese Steamed Cod Fish with Ginger Scallion Sauce Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right cod fish?
Absolutely! When selecting cod fish, look for fillets that are bright and moist with a clean, ocean-like scent. Avoid any fillets with dark spots or an overly fishy smell, which can indicate age. Fresh cod should have a firm texture and a translucent appearance.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
To store any leftover cod fish, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. For optimal flavor and texture, reheat gently in a steamer or a microwave with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture.

Can I freeze the Chinese Steamed Cod Fish?
Indeed! To freeze steamed cod, wrap the fillets tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Aim to enjoy it within 1 month for the best taste and quality. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently in a steamer.

What if my cod fish isn’t cooking evenly?
If the fish isn’t cooking evenly, check to ensure the steamer water is at a rolling boil before adding the cod. Also, avoid overcrowding the steamer; steam the cod in batches if necessary to allow even heat distribution. Always keep the lid closed during steaming to maintain a steady heat environment.

Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, definitely! The use of coconut aminos makes this dish a perfect gluten-free option. Always check the labels to confirm that all ingredients, especially any sauces, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

Can I make the ginger-scallion sauce ahead of time?
Very much so! You can prepare the ginger-scallion mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This not only saves time during meal prep but allows the flavors to deepen, enhancing the taste when you drizzle it over the cod right before serving.