Imagine a dish that whispers elegance with every bite, where delicate butterfish meets silky bean threads in a steamy embrace of Asian-inspired culinary magic. This recipe isn't just a meal—it's a transformative experience that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant kitchens of the Far East, promising a dining adventure that's both light and luxuriously satisfying. If you're craving a restaurant-quality dish that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to prepare, you've just discovered your next kitchen triumph!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 butterfish fillets
- 100g bean threads
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the bean threads. Place the 100g of bean threads in a bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak for about 15 minutes, or until they become soft and pliable. Once softened, drain and set aside.
- While the bean threads are soaking, prepare the butterfish fillets. Rinse the 2 butterfish fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This step helps to remove any excess moisture, allowing the fish to steam better.
- In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Mix well to create a marinade for the fish.
- Place the butterfish fillets in a shallow dish or plate. Pour the marinade over the fish, ensuring they are well coated. Let the fillets marinate for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare your steamer. If using a bamboo steamer, line it with parchment paper to prevent the fish from sticking. If using a metal steamer, ensure it is clean and ready for use.
- Once the fish has marinated, place the drained bean threads at the bottom of the steamer. This will serve as a bed for the fish and will absorb the flavors during steaming.
- Carefully place the marinated butterfish fillets on top of the bean threads in the steamer. Make sure they are arranged in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Bring a pot of water to a gentle boil. Once boiling, carefully place the steamer over the pot, ensuring that the water does not touch the fish. Cover the steamer with a lid.
- Steam the butterfish for about 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the steamer from the pot. Be cautious of the steam when lifting the lid.
- Transfer the butterfish and bean threads to serving plates. Garnish with chopped cilantro for a fresh finish.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Steamed Butterfish in Bean Threads!
Tips
- Always choose fresh butterfish with firm, translucent flesh for the best results.
- Soak bean threads in hot water, not boiling, to maintain their delicate texture.
- Don't skip marinating the fish—those 10 minutes are crucial for developing deep, rich flavors.
- Use a sharp knife to check fish doneness; it should flake easily and look opaque.
- For extra aromatics, consider adding a slice of ginger or a few green onion stalks to the steaming liquid.
- Serve immediately after steaming to preserve the fish's tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- If you don't have a dedicated steamer, a large pot with a metal colander or heat-safe plate can work as an excellent substitute.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 55mg
