Recipes

Ginger and Scallion Fish

Serves 4

| Prep Time: 5 mins

| Cook Time: 15 mins

| Total Time: 30 mins

You may need: Chinese Salt & 2 Pepper

Discover The Recipe

In Chinese culture, symbolism has important meaning and this applies to food, too. The arrangement, color, sounds of the words, and especially the ingredients all add importance to the meal. This Ginger and Scallion Fish recipe can bring youthful energy and hope to your home. The Chinese word for fish (Yú) sounds like the words for 'wish' and 'abundance', and so eating fish is thought to make your dreams come true. The green scallions symbolize youth and energy and add a delicate flavor. Ginger is thought to heal and cleanse, but also also tastes delicious. The flavors in this dish combine to make an authentic and exotic meal in minutes. Make this dish on a busy weeknight or serve as a finale to important dinner guests.

This dish is finished with a simple, powerful blend we call ‘Chinese Salt & 2 Pepper’. The key ingredient is Sichuan Peppercorn, the fruit husk of an aromatic Chinese shrub. Not related to peppercorns or chili peppers, it’s actually a member of the citrus family. With a slight lemony taste, its primary action on the taste bud is a tingling sensation that may be new to the Western palate. Sichuan pepper is an essential ingredient in many Chinese dishes and adds a delightful taste. Try the Salt and 2 pepper blend to make our delicious Hong Kong Scallops or Salt & 2 pepper shrimp recipes on the website.

Ingredients

1.5 pounds of fish filets (any flaky white fish: tilapia, halibut, cod, sea bass, cod, snapper, catfish)
1.5 tsp of Piquant Post Chinese Salt & 2 Pepper
fresh ginger root (~2" piece)
6 tbsp rice wine (or dry cooking sherry or dry white wine), divided
1/4 cup oil (olive, canola, or vegetable oil)
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/2 tsp fish sauce (optional)
1/4 cup sugar (optional)
1/3 cup water
1 bunch of scallions, green parts only, cut in half lengthwise
steamed white rice (optional)

Notes

You can use many different kinds of fish in this Ginger and Scallion Fish recipe. Ask your fishmonger or counter what's fresh and aim for a flaky white fish variety like halibut, cod, sea bass, snapper, tilapia, catfish and even sole.

This dish can be pretty salty due to the soy sauce and the finishing salt. Use the Salt & 2 Pepper carefully.

If your dinner guests are on a lower-salt diet, use low-salt soy sauce, omit the fish sauce, and allow your guests to apply the finishing salt on their own.

Avoid overcooking your fish. Set a timer and remove the fish from the oven right away. The fish will continue to cook in the liquid.

Optional ingredients add a little character and flavor but don't sweat it if you don't have them.

Instructions

First, make the rice according to package instructions. Preheat oven to 400 deg. Pat fish filets dry with a paper towel and arrange in a single layer in a small baking dish. Then, season the fish with Chinese Salt & 2 Pepper.

Peel the ginger and thinly slice into rounds or long strips. Sprinkle 3 tbsp of rice wine over the fish. Then, place ginger on top of the fish. Place the baking dish in oven and cook for 12 mins. Don't overcook the fish.

While the fish is cooking, make a sauce as follows: in a small bowl, combine 3 tbsp rice wine, soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and water. Microwave for 1 min and remove. Whisk to dissolve sugar. Then, heat the oil in a small saucepan on Med.

When the fish is done, remove baking dish from the oven. Place scallions on top of fish. Turn up the oil to Med-High. Carefully remove the ginger slices and place in the hot oil. Cook for 1 min and immediately pour oil and ginger over the fish. Then, pour the sauce over the fish. Serve over white rice in bowls, spooning liquid and scallions into each. Add a pinch of Salt & 2 Pepper blend over each bowl (optional).

Alternatives & Substitutions

While this recipe for Ginger and Scallion Fish is a hit with our team staff, you might not feel up for making fish. Below are some alternatives.
Vegetarians: Try substituting slices of firm tofu for the fish. If you prefer to have a light crust on the tofu, you might pan fry the tofu in oil first. You might have to adjust the cooking time up a bit as well (15-20 mins).
Vegetarians can also try subbing cauliflower, mushrooms (portobello and/or shiitake), and other root vegetables in for the fish. Or, try our Vegan Dan Dan Noodles, or our 2 Pepper Tofu recipes!
Try using the Salt & 2 Pepper blend to make our delicious Hong Kong Scallops With Ginger and Soy recipe.
Make these authentic and classic Chinese dishes at home: Salt & 2 Pepper Shrimp, Chinese Salt & 2 Pepper Ribs, and Chicken Congee (Chinese rice porridge).
The Salt & 2 Pepper is a finishing salt, so you can experiment with it anywhere you add a splash of unique seasoning: roasted vegetables, meats like steak, pork, and chicken, and even soups.
Be sure to leave comments and feedback on your meals and experiments in the comments for others to read.
Post pictures of your masterpiece meal on social media and tag us. We repost!