Chinese home-style cooking is renowned for its rich flavors and health benefits, with a vast array of dishes that cater to diverse dietary needs. One such delightful and flavorful dish that fits into the halal dietary guidelines is the Steamed Sea Bass. This recipe combines fresh ingredients with traditional Chinese seasonings to create a succulent, aromatic, and visually appealing meal perfect for family gatherings or everyday dining.
Ingredients:
1. 1 whole fresh sea bass (approximately 1.5 kg), cleaned and scaled
2. 3 slices of ginger, julienned
3. 3 cloves garlic, minced
4. 2 green onions, cut into sections
5. 1 red chili pepper, sliced (optional for some who can consume)
6. 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use halal-certified)
7. 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (omit if not available or for stricter halal preferences)
8. 1 teaspoon sugar
9. Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
10. A handful of cilantro leaves for garnish
11. Sesame oil for drizzling
Instructions:
1. **Preparation**: Rinse the sea bass thoroughly and pat it dry. Make several diagonal cuts on both sides of the fish without cutting through the bone. This will allow the marinade to penetrate and help the fish cook evenly.
2. **Marinade**: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, Shaoxing wine (if using), sugar, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
3. **Stuffing**: Stuff the cavity of the fish with half of the ginger, garlic, green onions, and chili pepper (if using). Spread the remaining ginger, garlic, green onions, and chili over the top and inside the slashes in the fish.
4. **Steaming**: Place the prepared fish on a heatproof plate that fits in your steamer. Pour the marinade evenly over the fish. Bring a wok or pot of water to a boil, then place the plate with the fish in the steamer. Steam the fish over high heat for about 15-20 minutes or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily when pierced with a fork.、
5. **Finishing Touches**: Once cooked, carefully remove the plate from the steamer. Drizzle sesame oil over the steamed fish for added aroma and flavor. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
6. **Serving**: Serve hot with steamed rice and enjoy the tender, juicy fish infused with the aromatic spices and herbs.
This traditional Chinese home-style halal steamed sea bass recipe preserves the natural sweetness and freshness of the fish while incorporating the distinctiveness of Chinese cuisine. It’s a wholesome and satisfying meal that highlights the essence of Chinese culinary artistry.