Looking for a dramatic
presentation to impress your guests? This beautiful Chinese-style
fish needs only rice and simple stir-fried vegetables to complete
the meal.
Steamed Whole
Fish
1 (2-pound) flounder, gutted
and cleaned
4 green onions, trimmed and chopped into 2-inch lengths
1 tablespoon thinly sliced peeled gingerroot
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon gin (optional)
1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons peanut oil
- Have your steamer set-up
and ready to go; either a bamboo basket steamer that's large
enough to hold the entire fish or an oiled baking rack or steam
basket in a large pot with simmering water. Make sure the water
level is below the bottom of the rack or basket.
- On both sides of whole
flounder, make parallel diagonal cuts 1-inch apart through the
meat. Place green onions and gingerroot in the cuts, season both
sides with salt and pepper. Place the fish in the already prepared
steamer. Cover and steam 15 minutes or until the fish flakes
easily. Add water as needed. Carefully remove fish to a platter
when done.
- For Sauce: Gently heat
chicken broth, gin and sugar over low heat until sugar is dissolved.
Drain any juice from cooked fish into broth then thicken with
cornstarch dissolved in water. Meanwhile heat peanut oil over
medium heat until hot, but not smoking. Pour hot peanut oil over
cooked fish followed by sauce. Serve immediately
Makes 6 servings.