Steaming Barramundi Fillets: A Quick, Easy, And Healthy Treat

Steamed barramundi fillets are a delicious and healthy dish that can be prepared in a variety of ways. This cooking method is an excellent option for those who want to enjoy the delicate flavour and moist texture of fresh fish without using oil. One popular recipe includes steaming the fish with ingredients like ginger, lime, and soy sauce, resulting in a dish that's both tasty and healthy. With a simple preparation process and short cooking time, steamed barramundi fillets can be a quick and easy addition to your meal repertoire.

How to prepare the fish fillets

First, prepare the fish fillets by cleaning and drying them, and making sure there are no bones. Cut the fillets into pieces—the exact size will depend on the number of people you are serving. A single fillet should be between 180g and 200g per person.

Next, place the fillets in a shallow heatproof bowl or on a plate with a lip that will fit inside your steamer basket. If you are using a plate, place a piece of greaseproof paper in the steamer basket first. If you are steaming vegetables with your fish, arrange them on the plate first, then place the fillets on top.

Now, add your chosen flavourings to the fish. Most recipes suggest using ginger, with a few also adding garlic, shallots, and/or soy sauce. You can also pour sherry over the fish, or add lime juice and sesame oil to the other ingredients. Scatter or drizzle these ingredients over the fillets, reserving a small amount to add to your vegetables if you are cooking them in the same way.

Finally, seal your steamer basket with a lid and place it over a wok or large saucepan of boiling water. The water should not touch the base of the steamer.

How to make the sauce

To make the sauce for steamed barramundi fillets, you'll need a combination of ginger, garlic, shallots or onions, and a variety of liquids such as soy sauce, lime juice, and sesame oil. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Preparing the Ingredients:

First, gather and prepare your ingredients. You will need:

• Ginger (freshly grated or finely shredded)
• Garlic (minced or thinly sliced)
• Red Asian shallots or white/yellow onion (sliced)
• Light or regular soy sauce
• Lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• Sesame oil
• Oyster sauce
• Sugar
• Peanut oil or vegetable oil

Making the Sauce:

• Heat a moderate amount of peanut oil or vegetable oil in a frying pan or small wok. The amount of oil will depend on the size of your pan and the number of servings, but typically around 2-3 tablespoons of oil is sufficient. Heat the oil until it is moderately hot; you don't want it to be smoking for this step.
• Add the ginger, garlic, and shallots (or onion) to the pan. Sauté these ingredients until they become fragrant and start to colour slightly. This step should take around 2-3 minutes.
• In a separate bowl, combine the oyster sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Add about 2 tablespoons of this mixture to the frying pan and stir well to incorporate it into the other ingredients.
• Pour in the chicken or pork stock (around 250 ml) and cook for a further 2-3 minutes. The sauce should slightly reduce and thicken during this time.
• Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your preference. If you want a stronger oyster sauce flavour, add more of the oyster sauce mixture.

Serving the Sauce:

Once your barramundi fillets are steamed and ready to serve, remove them from the steamer. Garnish the fish with sliced spring onions, chilli, and coriander, if desired. Then, pour the sauce over the fish. Serve the barramundi fillets with steamed rice and enjoy!

How to steam the fish

Firstly, prepare your fillets by cleaning and drying the fish, and making sure there are no bones. Cut the fillets into pieces, if necessary. You can use a shallow heatproof bowl that fits inside your steamer basket, or a plate with a lip that fits in a steamer basket. Place the fish in your chosen vessel, and pour over a small amount of dry sherry, if desired.

Next, prepare your steamer. You can use a bamboo steamer set over a pot of boiling water, or a large saucepan or wok. Fill the pot, pan, or wok with enough water to reach just below the base of the steamer basket, and bring to a boil. Place the steamer basket in the pot, ensuring the water does not touch the base of the steamer.

Now, add your flavourings to the fish. You can use a combination of ginger, garlic, and spring onions, or just ginger alone. Scatter these over the fish, and add a drizzle of sesame oil and a sprinkle of sugar, if you like. You can also add a few drops of dry sherry to the fish at this stage, if you did not do so earlier.

Place the lid on the steamer basket, and steam the fish for 8-12 minutes, until the fish is just cooked through. The fish will be opaque and its flesh will be white and flaky when it is ready. Remove the fish from the steamer, and serve immediately.

How to cook the greens

To make a delicious side of greens to accompany your steamed barramundi fillets, you can follow these simple steps.

Firstly, select your choice of greens. Asian greens such as bok choy, Chinese broccoli, or choy sum are great options to pair with the fish. Wash and cut the greens to a similar size so that they cook evenly. You can also add some sliced garlic and ginger to the greens for extra flavour.

Next, heat some peanut oil in a wok over high heat until it begins to smoke. Add the greens, garlic, and ginger to the wok and stir-fry for about a minute until fragrant. Then, add oyster sauce and any remaining soy sauce mixture from the fish to the wok. Toss everything together until the greens are nicely coated and wilted.

Finally, remove the greens from the heat and plate them. You can top the greens with some roasted sesame seeds for added texture and flavour. Serve them alongside the steamed barramundi fillets for a delicious and healthy meal.

Enjoy your homemade steamed barramundi and greens!

How long to steam the fish for

The length of time you should steam your barramundi fillets depends on a few factors, such as the weight of the fillets, the type of steamer you are using, and your personal preference for the level of doneness.

If you are using a bamboo steamer, most sources recommend steaming barramundi fillets for around 8 to 12 minutes. One source recommends steaming for 10 minutes, or until the fish is just cooked, while another suggests 10 to 12 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. If you are using a plate inside a steamer basket, one source recommends steaming for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the fish is just cooked through.

For a whole barramundi, steaming times can be longer. One source recommends steaming a 700g whole barramundi for 10 to 15 minutes, or until cooked through.

It's important to note that the steaming time may vary depending on the heat source and the size and type of steamer you are using. Always ensure that your fish is cooked to your desired level of doneness before serving.

Frequently asked questions