Edit Article

In the MicrowaveIn a Steaming BasketIn the Oven Or On the Grill

Edited by Xia Huang, Imperatrix, Sondra C, Pablo Dauria and 10 others

Is there anything better than a piece of properly cooked fish? Steamed fish is an easy, healthy dish that works well on any dinner table. By starting out with your favorite fish fillets, or even a cleaned and descaled whole fish, the right vegetables and spices, you can prep a delicious meal that feeds a few or feeds a group. Scroll past the jump to learn a few steaming methods.

Ad

EditMethod 1 of 3: In the Microwave

This no-fuss method is great for a quick and relatively mess-free dinner.

  1. Cook Steamed Fish Step 1 Version 2.jpg
    1
    Put the seasoned fish in a large microwaveable glass container that has a cover[1].
    Ad
  2. Cook Steamed Fish Step 2 Version 2.jpg
    2
    Add two teaspoons of cooking wine to the container.
  3. Cook Steamed Fish Step 3 Version 2.jpg
    3
    Cover the container and put it into a microwave.
  4. Cook Steamed Fish Step 4 Version 2.jpg
    4
    Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes (for a 1000-watt microwave), adjusting the time for your microwave wattage.

EditMethod 2 of 3: In a Steaming Basket

This is one of the most traditional ways to steam fish, and it can be done with a stainless steel or a bamboo steamer.

  1. Cook Steamed Fish Step 5 Version 2.jpg
    1
    Fill the bottom part of the pot or wok with water, broth or wine and bring it to a boil.
  2. Cook Steamed Fish Step 6 Version 2.jpg
    2
    Place the seasoned fish in a single layer in the steamer. With bamboo steamers, you may wish to use a lettuce or cabbage leaf underneath to protect the wood from absorbing the smell of the fish[2].
  3. Cook Steamed Fish Step 7 Version 2.jpg
    3
    Place the steamer on top of the pot of boiling liquid, making sure that the liquid does not touch the steamer[3].
  4. Cook Steamed Fish Step 8.jpg
    4
    Put the top on the steamer and seal it tightly. No steam should escape to ensure even cooking.
  5. Cook Steamed Fish Step 9.jpg
    5
    For a fish fillet that is about one inch thick, cook for approximately 5 to 8 minutes.

EditMethod 3 of 3: In the Oven Or On the Grill

This type of cooking is called en papillote, meaning that you are wrapping the food in foil to allow it to steam in its own juices.

  1. Cook Steamed Fish Step 10.jpg
    1
    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, or let your grill heat up for 10 to 15 minutes.
  2. Cook Steamed Fish Step 11.jpg
    2
    Lay out a large piece of aluminum foil on a flat surface[4]. It should be long enough to wrap around the fish with plenty of extra space.
  3. Cook Steamed Fish Step 12.jpg
    3
    Place the fish (up to two fillets) in the center of the aluminum foil and add and seasoning or vegetables that you would like to use.
  4. Cook Steamed Fish Step 13.jpg
    4
    Sprinkle with the juice of one lime or lemon.
  5. Cook Steamed Fish Step 14.jpg
    5
    Fold up the edges of the aluminum foil to create a sealed tend around the fish.
  6. Cook Steamed Fish Step 15.jpg
    6
    Place the packet in the oven or on the grill for about 15 minutes for a fillet, and 30 for a whole fish[5].
  7. Cook Steamed Fish Step 16.jpg
    7
    Remove the packet from the oven or grill and carefully open the aluminum foil, allowing the steam to come out. Check to make sure the fish is cooked and return to the oven or grill if additional cooking time is needed.
  8. Cook Steamed Fish Intro Version 2.jpg
    8
    Finished.
    Ad
Add your own method
Save

EditTips

  • Adding pepper and cilantro leaves will also give different style. You can be innovative with the herbs and spices that you use.
  • Select bass, walleye, tilapia, grouper or other kinds of fish that have fine texture. Salmon and pike are not recommended for this method.
  • If you are using a traditional steamer pot, toss a handful of Northern White Cedar chips to the water. It will add a very mild but delicious wood flavor to your steamed fish and vegetables.
  • Eat the dish when it is very warm.
  • The fish should be very fresh. Never use a fish that has been frozen.
Ad

EditRelated wikiHows

How to
Cook Frozen Fish

How to
Eat Fish

How to
Cook a Lobster

How to
Barbecue Sardines

How to
Cook Lobster Tails

How to
Make Door County Fish Boils

How to
Grill Fish

How to
BBQ or Grill a Whole Fish Without Burning

How to
Cook Grouper

EditSources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.delish.com/food/family-meals/how-to-cook-fish-micro-steaming
  2. ↑ http://www.livestrong.com/article/435888-how-to-cook-fish-in-a-bamboo-steamer/
  3. ↑ http://www.ehow.com/how_8197171_cook-steamed-fish.html
  4. ↑ http://thefrugalchef.com/2012/03/how-to-steam-fish-oven-steamed-fish/
  5. ↑ http://www.livestrong.com/article/438612-how-to-steam-fish-in-the-oven/

Article Info

Categories: Fish and Seafood | Steaming Food

Recent edits by: Chris Hadley, Maluniu, Krystle

In other languages:

Português: Como Cozinhar Peixe no Vapor, Deutsch: Wie man Fisch dämpft, Français: Comment cuire du poisson à la vapeur, Español: Cómo cocinar pescado al vapor, Italiano: Come Cucinare il Pesce al Vapore, Русский: приготовить рыбу на пару

Ad

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 88,824 times.

Was this article accurate?

YesNo

Contribute
to wikiHow!

Edit this article