Ginger Steamed Snapper is a fantastic choice for light dinner recipes. This dish is incredibly flavorful, remarkably easy to prepare, and perfect for a healthy weeknight meal. You’ll love how quickly you can get this fresh and aromatic snapper on your table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Snapper Fillets: You can use other mild white fish like cod or tilapia.
- Fresh Ginger: Essential for flavor; do not substitute with ground ginger.
- Green Onions: Chives or a small amount of finely diced yellow onion can work in a pinch.
- Soy Sauce: Use tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil adds a deeper flavor.
Ingredients:
Main:
- 2 (6-ounce) snapper fillets, skin on or off
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced into rounds, plus 1 tablespoon julienned
- 2 green onions, sliced into 2-inch pieces, plus 1 tablespoon thinly sliced for garnish
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth
Optional:
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
- 1/2 red chili, thinly sliced, for garnish (for a little kick)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 2
- Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 (depending on fillet size)
- Tools Needed: Steamer basket, large pot or wok with lid.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Steamer
Fill a large pot or wok with about 1-2 inches of water. Place your steamer basket inside, making sure the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the basket. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2. Season the Snapper
Pat the snapper fillets dry with paper towels. Place them on a heatproof plate that fits inside your steamer basket. Arrange the ginger rounds and 2-inch green onion pieces over and around the fish.
3. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and water or vegetable broth. This simple sauce will infuse flavor into your light dinner recipes.
4. Steam the Fish
Carefully place the plate with the snapper into the hot steamer basket. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the fish. Cover the steamer tightly with a lid and steam for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time will vary based on the thickness of your fillets.
5. Garnish and Serve
Carefully remove the plate from the steamer. Garnish the steamed snapper with the julienned ginger, thinly sliced green onions, and optional fresh cilantro and red chili. Serve immediately for a delicious and light dinner recipes option.
Variation Ideas:
- Add a few drops of rice vinegar to the sauce for a brighter flavor.
- Include thinly sliced mushrooms or a handful of spinach beneath the fish for extra vegetables.
- Serve over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or quinoa to complete your light dinner recipes.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover Ginger Steamed Snapper in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the fish in a microwave on a low setting or steam briefly until just heated through to retain moisture. Avoid overcooking, as this can dry out the fish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I use frozen fish?
Yes, you can use frozen snapper. Ensure it is fully thawed and patted very dry before steaming.
What if I don’t have a steamer?
You can create a makeshift steamer by placing a heatproof rack or crumbled aluminum foil balls in a large pot with water, then placing your plate on top.
Is this dish spicy?
No, this recipe is not inherently spicy. The optional red chili adds a mild kick if you choose to include it.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
While you can prepare the sauce and chop the aromatics in advance, it’s best to steam the fish just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
What sides pair well with this snapper?
Steamed rice, sautéed greens, or a simple cucumber salad are excellent companions for this light dinner recipes.