Cashew Free Hong Kong Steamed Fish with Ginger & Scallion
Steamed whole fish is one of those dishes that looks impossibly elegant but comes together with very little fuss, and this version delivers every bit of the fragrant, silky result you'd hope for. Fresh ginger and scallions perfume the fish from the inside out as it steams, while a finishing pour of shimmering hot coconut oil and coconut aminos creates that signature sizzle that makes the whole dish feel like a restaurant moment at your own table. Because the sauce is built entirely from coconut aminos and fresh aromatics, there's no need to scan labels for hidden nut-based ingredients — everything here is straightforward and clean. The technique of discarding the steaming liquid before saucing is a small but smart step that keeps the flavors bright and concentrated rather than watery. A whole fish like sea bass or snapper stays incredibly moist under the steam, and the flesh pulls away in tender, delicate flakes that soak up every drop of that gingery sauce. Scatter on the fresh cilantro if you have it — it adds a pop of color and a herby lift that ties the whole plate together beautifully.
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Learn more →Ingredients
2 servings
For the fish
- 1 whole white fish (about 1.5 lb / 680g), such as sea bass, snapper, or tilapia, cleaned and scaled
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and cut into thin matchsticks, divided
- 3 scallions, trimmed and cut into 2-inch lengths, divided
For the sauce
- 3 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and finely julienned
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
For serving
- 2 scallions, trimmed and cut into fine julienne strips
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Fill a large wok or wide pot with 2 inches of water and set a steaming rack or heatproof plate stand inside. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- 2
Pat the fish dry with paper towels and rub both sides and the cavity with the fine sea salt. Lay half the ginger matchsticks and half the scallion lengths inside the cavity and scatter the remaining ginger matchsticks and scallion lengths on a heatproof serving plate. Set the fish on top of the aromatics on the plate.
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