Sizzling Ginger Steamed Fish Recipe
Introduction
This sizzling ginger steamed fish is a light and flavorful dish that combines tender white fish with the sharp aroma of fresh ginger and green onion. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner with a touch of elegance.

Ingredients
- 2 x 180g (6 oz) thin white fish fillets, skinless (~1.5 cm/ 2/3″ thick)
- 1 tsp cooking sake (substitute: mirin, Chinese cooking wine, dry sherry)
- Small pinch salt
- Small pinch white pepper (substitute: black pepper)
- 1/2 cup green onion, green part only, finely sliced on diagonal
- 2 tbsp ginger, finely julienned
- 1 tbsp large red chilli, deseeded and finely julienned on diagonal (optional)
- 2 tsp light soy sauce (or all-purpose soy)
- 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tbsp peanut oil (or vegetable, canola, grapeseed oil)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) or 180°C (fan).
- Step 2: Prepare a parcel by placing a 25cm x 25cm (10″ x 10″) piece of foil on your work surface. Top it with a slightly smaller piece of parchment or baking paper. Place the fish fillets on the paper.
- Step 3: Season each side of the fish with a small pinch of salt and pepper. Drizzle 1/2 teaspoon of sake over the top of each fillet. Fold the paper around the fish to form a parcel, then wrap the foil around it to seal.
- Step 4: Place the parcels on a baking tray and bake for 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 55°C (130°F), or until the fish flakes easily when checked.
- Step 5: Remove the parcels and place each on a plate. Unwrap carefully, folding down the sides to create a “boat” to catch the sauce. Let the fish rest for 3 minutes while you heat the oil.
- Step 6: Heat the peanut oil in a small saucepan over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
- Step 7: Top the fish with the green onion, ginger, and chilli. Drizzle the soy sauce and toasted sesame oil over the fish, then carefully pour the hot peanut oil over the toppings. The oil will sizzle, releasing the aromas.
- Step 8: Serve immediately. Eat the fish straight from the foil parcel, mixing the flaky pieces with the sauce for maximum flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Use mirin or dry sherry if you don’t have cooking sake for a similar flavor.
- Add more chilli if you like extra heat or omit it for a milder dish.
- Try using other firm white fish like cod or haddock if preferred.
- Serve with steamed rice or sautéed greens to complete the meal.
Storage
Store any leftover steamed fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a steamer or microwave to avoid drying out the fish. The sauce can be warmed separately and poured over the fish before serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fish fillets for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen fish as long as it is fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to ensure even steaming.
What can I substitute for green onion if I don’t have any?
Chives or finely sliced shallots can be used as alternatives to green onion for a similar mild onion flavor.
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Sizzling Ginger Steamed Fish Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Sizzling ginger steamed fish is a delicate and flavorful dish featuring tender white fish fillets steamed to perfection and topped with a hot aromatic ginger, green onion, and chili sauce. The fish is steamed in a foil parcel to retain moisture and baked until just flaky, then finished with a dramatic sizzle of hot oil and soy sauce, making a perfect balance of subtle steaming and fiery freshness.
Ingredients
Fish and Seasonings
- 2 x 180g/6 oz thin white fish fillets, skinless (~1.5 cm/2/3″ thick)
- 1 tsp cooking sake (or mirin, Chinese cooking wine, dry sherry)
- Small pinch salt
- Small pinch white pepper (or black pepper)
Toppings
- 1/2 cup green onion, green part only, finely sliced on the diagonal
- 2 tbsp ginger, finely julienned
- 1 tbsp large red chili, deseeded, finely julienned on diagonal (optional)
Sauces and Oils
- 2 tsp light soy sauce (or all-purpose soy sauce)
- 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tbsp peanut oil (or vegetable, canola, grapeseed oil)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C/400°F (or 180°C fan) to prepare for steaming the fish in the parcel.
- Prepare Parcel: Lay down a 2 x 25cm (10″) piece of foil on a clean surface, then place a slightly smaller piece of parchment or baking paper on top. Place the fish fillets on the parchment.
- Season and Wrap Fish: Sprinkle a small pinch of salt and white pepper on each side of the fish fillets. Drizzle 1/2 tsp of sake over the top of each fillet. Fold the parchment around the fish, then fold the foil over tightly to form a sealed parcel ensuring the fish is fully enclosed.
- Bake the Fish: Place the foil parcels on a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 55°C (130°F) or the fish flesh flakes easily when checked. Thin fillets cook quickly within the parcel.
- Rest and Prepare Sauce: Remove parcels and place each on a plate. Carefully unwrap by folding down sides of the foil to form a “boat” that will catch the sauce. Rest the fish for 3 minutes while heating the oil.
- Heat Oil: In a small saucepan or tiny pan, heat the peanut oil over medium heat until hot and shimmering.
- Sizzle the Toppings: Top the fish with green onion, ginger, and chili. Drizzle with light soy sauce and toasted sesame oil. Pour the hot peanut oil over the aromatics on the fish – it will sizzle dramatically, releasing fragrant steam and flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the fish straight from the foil. Squidge the flaky fish pieces in the flavorful sauce before eating for the best experience.
Notes
- Use thin white fish with firm texture for steaming, such as cod, snapper, or sea bass.
- Sake can be substituted with mirin, Chinese cooking wine, or dry sherry if unavailable.
- The green part of the green onion adds freshness without overpowering the dish.
- Red chili is optional but adds a nice mild heat and color contrast.
- Hot oil poured over aromatics is essential for the signature sizzling effect and flavor release.
- Ensure foil parcels are sealed tightly to trap steam and cook the fish evenly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Keywords: steamed fish, ginger fish recipe, baked fish fillet, Asian fish dish, sizzling ginger sauce, foil steam fish

