Steamed Fish with Black Bean Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon fermented black beans
• 2 teaspoons Shaoxing wine
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 2 teaspoons light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 flounder fillets ((or other white fish such as branzino, cod, or halibut) (*Footnote 1))
• 1 thumb ginger (, julienned)
• 2 scallions (, julienned)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Steps

1. 1

   Combine the fermented black beans, Shaoxing wine, oyster sauce, light soy sauce, ginger, sugar, salt and cornstarch. Stir to combine.

2. 2

   Select a plate that can hold the fish and can fit into your steamer (or wok, if using a wok in your steamer setup). Place the fish fillets into the plate with minimal overlap. Spread the black bean sauce evenly over the fish. Set up your steamer and bring the water to a boil. Place the plate into the steamer and steam covered for 5 minutes (*Footnote 2), or until the fish is cooked through.

3. 3

   Once cooked, transfer the fish onto a serving platter. Spread the ginger and scallion over the fish.

4. 4

   Heat vegetable oil in a small saucepan until it shimmers. Test the oil by poking a piece of scallion into it, it should sizzle and small bubbles rapidly rise up. Immediately pour the oil onto the fish fillets to cook the ginger and scallion. You should hear a vibrant sizzle. Serve hot.