Once in a while, I get a craving for the steamed cream dory. Cream Dory fish fillet is a popular choice among seafood lovers due to its delicate and mild flavor, as well as its flaky texture. When I was young, my father used to take me to Chinese restaurants and among other Chinese dishes, I got to taste this kind of fish. It was unlike other fish I have tasted then and I remember thinking that it was clean tasting and not as fishy. Back then, cream dory was not as available in markets and groceries as it is now.
Steamed Cream Dory Fish Fillet Recipe (Chinese Style)
Ingredients
YOUR SHOPPING LIST:
- 1 pack of 3 pcs cream dory fillets, sliced
- ½ inch ginger, grated
- salt
- freshly ground black pepper
Sauce
- ¼ cup light soy sauce (If you dont have Light Soy Sauce, I just mix regular soy sauce 1 (water):2(soy sauce).
- 2½ cups of water
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- Sesame oil
Garnishes
- Fried Garlic
- Spring Onions, chopped
- Bell Pepper
Instructions
- Clean the fish and rub it with salt and ginger.
- Boil water on your steamer and add the fish once the water is boiling. Steam the fish for about 10 to 15 minutes until the fish is cooked. Set aside.
- Combine the sauce ingredients. and boil. Add half of the spring onions and bell pepper. Turn off the heat.
- Fry garlic until crunchy.
- Pour sauce over fish and garnish with spring onions and bell pepper. Sprinkle fried garlic on top.
- Serve with rice!
Notes
If you have some parchment paper, you can line the steamer first so the fish will not stick. Otherwise, just be careful with removing the fish.
Nowadays, when I’m on the red days (Petsa de Peligro lol), this fish is a lifesaver because it’s even cheaper than fresh fish in the market. It’s been getting a lot of bad press lately because some people claim that cream dory may not be safe to eat. This is because cream dory is often farm-raised in crowded conditions, which can lead to the spread of diseases and parasites. Additionally, farm-raised cream dory may be fed a diet that is not natural for the fish, which can affect the quality and nutritional value of the fish.
Which is a lot of hogwash in my opinion. All food has possibilities of being contaminated with anything and cream dory is about as healthy as any produced and processed food. What I’m saying is that the risk would be about the same as say, chicken.
Another point of view is, Cream Dory is a predatory fish, which means that it eats other fish. And as a result, it can contain high levels of mercury and other contaminants. This is especially true for larger cream dory, which have had more time to accumulate these toxins in their bodies.
So, it’s important to consider the source and farming method of the cream dory fish before consuming it. It’s always best to opt for wild-caught cream dory, and if that is not an option, to look for a reputable source of farm-raised fish that is raised in a sustainable and healthy manner.
Is cream dory fish healthy?
Nutritional Content of Fish Dory
All types of fish contain high nutritional value. It is already known by many people. Many people find the fish and make fish as side dished every day. Fish is a kind of food that can be used as a delicious side dish and its nutrition value a lot, so the more made the fish became a favorite choice. Nearly all fish contain very many nutrients, including fish Dory. Some of the content of the fish Dory was:
- Omega 3
- Iodine
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Taurine
- Selenium
- Fluoride
- DHA
- EPA, etc.
One thing that is for sure is that cream dory is a popular fish in the Philippines and it’s a great fish to cook for your family and friends. This steamed cream dory fish fillet recipe is very easy to cook and one among simple recipes for cream dory. Check the recipe below for how to cook cream dory.
Steamed Cream Dory Fish Fillet Recipe (Chinese Style)
Steaming Cream Dory to Perfection
Steaming is a fantastic way to cook Cream Dory, preserving its delicate flavor and moisture. Here’s how to nail it:
Season Well: Begin by patting your Cream Dory fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with a bit of salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of your favorite spices. The key is to enhance the fish’s natural flavor without overwhelming it.
Prepare Your Steamer: Fill your steamer with enough water and bring it to a boil. If you’re feeling adventurous, add slices of ginger, lemongrass, or a few sprigs of herbs to the water for an aromatic infusion.
Place the Fish on the Steamer: Arrange the Cream Dory fillets on a plate suitable for steaming. If you have a bamboo steamer, even better! It adds an extra touch of flavor. Ensure the fish isn’t overcrowded to allow even cooking.
Steam with Care: Once the water is boiling, place the fish in the steamer, cover, and let it cook. Depending on the thickness of the fillets, this should take between 6 to 8 minutes. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork but is still moist.
Garnish and Serve: Gently transfer the steamed fillets onto a serving dish. Garnish with fresh herbs, slices of lemon, or a drizzle of light soy sauce mixed with sesame oil for an extra flavor boost. Serve immediately and enjoy the tender, flaky goodness.
Cooking Cream Dory with Flair
If steaming isn’t your style, cooking Cream Dory can take many delicious forms. Here are a few tips for making the most out of this fish:
Pan-Frying: Cream Dory has a wonderful texture that crisps up beautifully when pan-fried. Lightly dust the fillets with flour, season, and cook in a preheated pan with a bit of oil. Keep the heat on medium to avoid burning, and flip the fish carefully to get a golden crust on both sides.
Baking: For a healthier option, baking Cream Dory is a hassle-free method. Marinate the fillets in your choice of seasonings or a simple mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes or until the fish is cooked through.
Sauces and Sides: Cream Dory pairs wonderfully with a variety of sauces and sides. Think light, citrusy sauces or a creamy dill sauce for a touch of elegance. As for sides, steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad make perfect companions to this fish.
Remember, the best dishes come from not just following recipes, but also from experimenting with flavors and techniques. So, feel free to get creative with your Cream Dory dishes, mixing and matching ingredients based on your preferences.
Ps, if you’re looking for a good steamer, I am partial to the electric ones for steaming fish. I have the other steamer for puto but it’s sometimes too clunky to take out. This Hanabishi Electric Steamer is a really good product. I had the Kyowa Electric Steamer version which is slightly bigger since forever but that has sadly died because of a flood. Both are great and is really handy for steaming Siomai and Siopao.
Special Equipment
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