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Tatiana Rosana is a chef who is 1st generation Cuban-American. She grew up in Miami in a traditional Cuban family where food was always the most important thing. To this day, chef Rosana is in charge of Outlook Kitchen, Lookout Rooftop and Bar, and the in-room dining at The Envoy Hotel as the executive chef. She has been on The Food Network’s “Beat Bobby Flay,” “Chopped,” and “Chopped Champions” since she started working at The Envoy Hotel. She has won twice and is now a two-time Chopped Champion.
The bamboo steamer is one of the most useful kitchen tools that doesn’t get used nearly enough to its full potential. It makes me think of tall baskets stacked on top of each other with tasty dim sum and precarious seats over pots and woks. Most people know that the bamboo steamer can make tasty dumplings and fluffy bao buns, but I promise you that it can do so much more.
From vegetables to custards to cakes, the bamboo steamer basket is only limited by your imagination. This gentle heat application of steaming cooks the fish perfectly without drying it out. Add a very salty soy and mirin sauce, and you have a quick, easy, and healthy dinner for a weeknight in minutes.
Cooking this dish? We want to see! Tag @reviewed and @chef. tatiana on Instagram so we can share your masterpiece.
The steaming process adds a rich ginger flavor to the tender fish, mixed with ultra-savory soy sauce.
Bamboo steamers are an amazing kitchen tool that every home cook should have. While they’re most known for steaming dumplings and buns bamboo steamers can also be used to cook fish to tender perfection. The gentle steam heat ensures fish comes out moist and flavorful every time.
In this article, I’ll explain everything you need to know about using a bamboo steamer to make delicious steamed fish at home. Let’s get started!
What is a Bamboo Steamer?
A bamboo steamer is a round, tiered container made of bamboo It sits inside a wok or pot above boiling water, suspended by the rim. As the water converts to steam, it rises and permeates through the bamboo to gently cook the food inside
Bamboo steamers come in both stackable sets and collapsible designs. I recommend getting a 2 or 3 tier stackable steamer so you can cook multiple components at once.
The benefits of steaming in bamboo include:
- Even heating
- Retention of nutrients
- Lower fat cooking
- Infusion of flavors
It’s an easy, healthy way to cook everything from veggies to meats. And it’s perfect for getting tender, flaky fish without drying it out.
Tips for Cooking Fish in a Bamboo Steamer
Follow these tips to steam fish like a pro:
Choose Tender Fish
The best fish for steaming are more delicate, flaky varieties like:
- Tilapia
- Snapper
- Sole
- Flounder
- Trout
- Halibut
- Salmon
Firmer fish like tuna and swordfish hold up better to grilling or sautéing.
Cut Fish to Size
Cut your fish into portions that will fit into your steamer basket, leaving a little room around the edges. Fillet or cut fish crosswise into medallions.
You want the steam to circulate fully around each piece.
Use Aromatics
Slice ginger, garlic, scallions or lemongrass and place under the fish to infuse flavor. Herbs like cilantro or basil also pair nicely.
Season Lightly
Just a sprinkle of salt and white pepper is all you need to season the fish before steaming. The steam will concentrate flavors.
Steam Over Boiling Water
Fill your wok or pot with 1-2 inches of water. Make sure the water isn’t touching the bottom of the steamer. Bring to a boil before placing steamer inside.
Monitor Cooking Time
Depending on thickness, fish takes 5-15 minutes to cook through. Check for flaking and opaque interior.
Add Sauce After
Mix up flavorful sauces featuring soy sauce, sesame oil, chili garlic sauce, hoisin, or oyster sauce. Drizzle over steamed fish right before serving.
Step-by-Step Guide to Steaming Fish
Here is a simple walkthrough for how to steam fish in a bamboo steamer from start to finish:
1. Prep Ingredients
Rinse fish and pat dry. Slice aromatics like ginger, scallion, etc. Prepare sauce ingredients and combine in a bowl.
2. Boil Water in Wok/Pot
Add 1-2 inches water to wok/pot. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Prepare Steamer
Line steamer basket with cabbage leaves or parchment paper. Place aromatics in an even layer.
4. Add Fish
Arrange fish pieces in a single layer atop aromatics. Sprinkle with salt and white pepper.
5. Steam Fish
Place steamer basket in wok/pot over boiling water. Cover and steam fish for 5-15 minutes.
6. Make Sauce
While fish is steaming, combine sauce ingredients in small bowl. Whisk together.
7. Finish Dish
When fish is cooked, remove steamer and pour prepared sauce over fish. Garnish and serve immediately.
And your steaming fish is ready to enjoy! The boneless fillets will be incredibly tender and moist.
Delicious Steamed Fish Recipes to Try
Now that you know the basics, here are some flavorful recipe ideas for steaming fish in a bamboo basket:
Simple Steamed Fish with Ginger and Scallion
- White fish fillets
- Julienned ginger
- Sliced scallion whites
- Soy sauce, sesame oil, fresh cilantro
Steamed Fish in Lemongrass Broth
- Flounder or sole
- Lemongrass stalks
- Lime wedges
- Fish broth infused with lemongrass
Spicy Steamed Halibut with Chili and Garlic
- Halibut medallions
- Thinly sliced Thai chilies
- Minced garlic
- Soy sauce, lime juice, cilantro
Chinese Steamed Black Bass with Fermented Black Beans
- Black bass fillets
- Fermented black beans
- Julienned ginger
- Soy sauce, rice wine, green onions
Mediterranean Steamed Salmon
- Salmon portions
- Lemon slices
- Fresh oregano and parsley
- White wine, olive oil, garlic
The flavor combinations are endless. Use your favorite herbs, spices and sauces to give the steamed fish an incredible flavor boost.
Helpful Equipment for Steaming Fish
Having the right gear on hand will make steaming fish much easier:
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Bamboo steamer – Select a stackable 2 or 3 tier steamer with lid. 10-12 inches wide.
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Wok or pot – You need something to boil water in that will fit your steamer basket inside.
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Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and absorbs excess moisture.
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Plate or bowl – To hold fish above water line.
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Small prep bowls – For marinades, sauces, chopped aromatics.
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Tongs – Helpful for moving steamer baskets and fish pieces.
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Kitchen scissors – Cut parchment paper circles to size.
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Instant read thermometer – Checks doneness; fish should be 140°F.
Steaming Fish Safely
Steaming fish is considered a low risk cooking method. But proper handling is still important:
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Wash hands, prep tools and surfaces before and after.
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Use fresh, sashimi grade fish bought that day.
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Marinate fish immediately and steam within 30 minutes.
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Discard any fish left out longer than 2 hours.
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Cook fish to an internal temperature of 140°F.
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Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Following basic food safety guidelines will protect you from any illness.
The Benefits of Steamed Fish
There are so many great reasons to start steaming fish in a bamboo basket:
✔ Retains moisture extremely well
✔ Infuses light seasoning into fish
✔ Lower calorie than frying fish
✔ Minimal cleanup or dishes to wash
✔ Easy, fast weeknight meal
✔ Healthy way to cook for family
✔ Highlights delicate flavors of fish
✔ Cooks multiple components at once
Give this simple yet flavorful cooking method a try the next time you have fresh fish on hand. The bamboo steamer allows you to cook fish to tender perfection and highlight its natural flavors.
Experiment with aromatics, marinades and sauces until you find your favorite steamed fish dishes to add to your regular dinner rotation. Enjoy!
Step 2: Prepare scallions
Prepare scallions by cutting into 3-inch pieces and then slicing thinly lengthwise. Scallion should be put in ice water and left to sit while the rest of the meal is being made. This will help them curl up nicely.
Step 4: Arrange fish in bamboo steamer
Put the fish on a plate that can handle heat. The plate should be small enough to fit in the steamer basket but big enough to hold the fish and sauce. Arrange ginger on top of the fish, then pour soy mixture over the ginger and fish. Lightly sprinkle salt over fish to season.
Ensure your plate is stable before placing the lid on your steamer.