Steaming Fish: How Much Water For Perfect Results?

Steaming is an underrated cooking method that works especially well with delicate ingredients like fresh fish. It is a healthy cooking method as it doesn't require any additional oil, unlike sauteing or stir-frying. A rice cooker can be used to steam fish and cook rice simultaneously, making it a convenient and easy way to prepare a complete meal. The amount of water required to steam fish in a rice cooker depends on the type of fish and the size of the cooker. It is recommended to place the fish in the cooker with enough sauce or water to thoroughly and evenly cook the flesh. For fish fillets, 1 to 3 cups of water or sauce may be needed, while for a whole fish, more water may be required.

How to prepare the fish for steaming

To prepare the fish for steaming, start by scaling and washing the fish. Rub salt all over the fish, including the head, stomach, and tail, and let it sit for 15 minutes. If using frozen fish, make sure to thaw the fillet thoroughly and rinse it under running tap water to clean it. You can also pour hot water over the fish to get rid of any fishy smell.

Next, prepare a spice mixture according to your taste preferences. This could include garlic, ginger, hot chili, or other desired flavors. You can cook the spices in a little olive oil for a minute or two to bring out their flavor. If you're using fresh herbs, simply sprinkle them on the fish with a pinch of salt and pepper.

If you're using a whole fish, make three half-inch clefts on each side of the fish. For fish fillets, use a sharp knife to create three to four quarter- to half-inch slits on both sides. Pat the fish dry and season it with your chosen spices or a marinade.

Now, you can place the fish on a plate that fits the upper level of your rice cooker. If you're cooking rice simultaneously, wait until there is little visible water left in the rice before placing the fish in the cooker.

How much water to add to the rice cooker

The amount of water you need to add to your rice cooker depends on whether you are cooking rice and fish together or steaming the fish on its own.

If you are cooking rice and steaming fish at the same time, measure out your rice and water according to the instructions of your rice cooker, and begin cooking the rice in the usual way. Once there is little visible water in the rice, place your seasoned fish into the steamer basket, and place the steamer basket on top of your rice cooker.

If you are steaming the fish on its own, simply put 3 cups of water in the bottom of your rice cooker and steam the fish on top of that.

If you are using a sauce, you will need to ensure that it has at least 1 cup of liquid to properly cook the fish. If you are seasoning the fish without liquids, you will need to add 1 to 3 cups of water to the bottom of the rice cooker.

When to add the fish to the rice cooker

The best time to add the fish to the rice cooker depends on whether you are cooking rice at the same time, and the type of rice cooker you are using.

If you are cooking rice at the same time as steaming the fish, it is recommended to place the fish in the rice cooker when the water in the rice is almost gone, and the rice is almost tender. This will allow the fish to steam without overcooking.

If you are not cooking rice at the same time, you can simply put water in the bottom of the rice cooker and steam the fish on top. In this case, it is recommended to add the fish to the rice cooker when the water is boiling.

For a rice cooker with a steamer basket or steaming function, it is best to place the fish in the basket and then put the basket in the rice cooker when the water is boiling.

For a basic rice cooker without a steamer basket, it is recommended to place the fish directly on top of the rice when there is little visible water left, and then allow the rice to finish cooking.

It is important to note that the timing may vary depending on the type of fish and the thickness of the fillets. For example, a thicker slice of fish fillet may need more time to cook, and it is recommended to follow the 10-minute-per-inch rule for thicker fillets. Additionally, it is crucial to check the fish frequently to ensure it does not overcook.

How long to steam the fish for

The length of time you steam the fish for will depend on the type of fish, the thickness of the fillet, and the power of your rice cooker.

If you are cooking a whole fish, you should check for doneness after 12 minutes, then every 2 minutes after that, until the flesh near the top fin flakes easily when poked with a fork.

For fish fillets, you should check after 10 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily. For fillets less than 1 inch thick, check after 5 minutes, then every 2 minutes after that.

If you are cooking a thinner fillet, it will take less time to cook. A fillet that is slightly thinner than an inch at its thickest part will take around 6 minutes to cook. You can follow the 10-minute-per-inch rule if your fillet is thicker.

It is better to undercook the fish slightly and keep it covered for another minute or two after cooking to prevent it from drying out and becoming tough.

If you are cooking rice at the same time, the fish will be done when the rice is ready.

How to serve the fish

The first step to serving the fish is to ensure it is cooked. The best way to check this is to poke the fish with a fork to see if the flesh flakes easily. If the fish is cooked, transfer it to a serving bowl or plate.

If you are serving the fish with rice, it is best to serve it immediately, along with freshly baked bread or steamed vegetables. If you are not serving the fish with rice, you can steam the fish on its own by putting 3 cups of water in the bottom of the rice cooker.

There are many ways to season the fish. For a Chinese-inspired dish, you can use soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil, cilantro, and scallions. To make a Cajun-style fish dish, season with cayenne pepper, chopped onions, celery, green peppers, garlic, fish stock, lemon juice, and diced tomatoes with chopped green chiles. Alternatively, prepare an Italian fish sauce with tomato sauce, basil, oregano, garlic, thyme, and olive oil.

You can also simply squeeze lemon juice over the fish, or add a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. For a smokier flavor, sprinkle the fish with paprika, cumin powder, or chipotle powder.

Frequently asked questions