This Shanghai-style steamed salmon is a flavorful, aromatic dish that highlights the fresh taste of salmon. Steamed to perfection, the fish is infused with a blend of savory seasonings like soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil. This healthy, light dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 2 teaspoons sugar

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, julienned

• 2 green onions, chopped

• 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder (optional)

• Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for drizzling)

Directions

1. Prepare the Salmon: Rinse the salmon fillets and pat them dry with paper towels. If the fillets have skin, you can leave it on or remove it based on preference.

2. Season the Fish: Place the salmon fillets on a heatproof dish suitable for steaming. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and five-spice powder (if using). Pour the mixture evenly over the salmon.

3. Add Aromatics: Scatter the julienned ginger and chopped green onions over the salmon fillets. Let the fish sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.

4. Steam the Salmon: Set up a steamer or a pot with a steaming rack. Fill the pot with water and bring it to a simmer. Place the dish with the salmon on the rack and cover. Steam the salmon for about 8-10 minutes or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

5. Finishing Touches: In a small pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, pour the oil over the steamed salmon to create a sizzling effect.

6. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve immediately. This dish pairs well with steamed rice and sautéed vegetables.

Nutrients

• Calories: 250-300 kcal per serving

• Protein: 25-30g

• Fat: 15-18g

  • Saturated Fat: 3g

• Carbohydrates: 5-6g

  • Sugar: 2g

• Sodium: 600-700mg (due to soy sauce)

• Cholesterol: 60-70mg

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Rich in omega-3 from the salmon

This recipe brings the best of Shanghai-style cooking, focusing on simple ingredients to let the natural flavors of the salmon shine. It’s healthy, delicious, and full of rich umami!

The Essence of Shanghai-Style Cooking

Shanghai cuisine is known for its emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients, subtle seasonings, and steaming techniques. In this dish, the natural flavor of the salmon is preserved and enhanced by the steaming process, which retains moisture and tenderness while allowing the seasonings to infuse the fish. Steaming is a traditional Chinese cooking method that is particularly favored for its health benefits, as it preserves the nutrients in the food without adding extra fat or calories. The ingredients used in this recipe are simple yet aromatic, highlighting the beauty of Shanghai-style cooking, where umami and freshness shine through.

Key Ingredients for Shanghai-Style Steamed Salmon

• Salmon Fillets: The star of this dish, salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and provides a buttery texture. It’s an excellent source of protein and healthy fats, making it both a delicious and nutritious choice.

• Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness and umami to the dish, creating a savory base for the marinade. It enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the salmon.

• Sesame Oil: Known for its nutty aroma, sesame oil gives the dish a distinctive flavor and adds a rich depth to the sauce.

• Rice Vinegar: This mild vinegar adds a subtle tang to the dish, balancing out the richness of the salmon and sesame oil. It also adds a touch of acidity to brighten the flavors.

• Sugar: A small amount of sugar helps to balance the savory elements of the dish and gives the marinade a slight sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

• Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a zesty, slightly spicy kick to the dish, complementing the rich salmon and providing a refreshing note.

• Green Onions: The chopped green onions bring freshness and mild heat, which contrasts beautifully with the richness of the salmon.

• Chinese Five-Spice Powder: Optional, this spice blend includes star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds, adding complexity and a touch of sweetness to the dish.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Prepare the Salmon

Start by rinsing the salmon fillets and patting them dry with paper towels. Whether you prefer the skin on or off is entirely up to you—leaving the skin on can help the fish retain moisture during steaming, but if you prefer skinless salmon, feel free to remove it.

Season the Fish

Place the salmon fillets on a heatproof dish suitable for steaming. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and Chinese five-spice powder (if using). Pour the seasoning mixture evenly over the salmon fillets, ensuring that the fish is well-coated. Allow the salmon to sit for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld into the fish.

Add Aromatics

Scatter the julienned ginger and chopped green onions over the salmon. These aromatics will infuse the salmon with their fragrance and provide an additional layer of flavor as the fish steams.

Steam the Salmon

Set up your steamer or a pot with a steaming rack. Fill the pot with water and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Once the water is simmering, place the dish with the salmon on the rack and cover the pot. Steam the salmon for about 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through, opaque, and flakes easily with a fork.

Finishing Touches

To create an irresistible sizzling effect, heat vegetable oil in a small pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully pour it over the steamed salmon. This will give the salmon a wonderful aroma and a slight crispiness around the edges, further enhancing its flavor.

Serve

Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and additional freshness. Serve immediately with steamed rice and sautéed vegetables for a well-rounded, delicious meal.

Conclusion

Shanghai-style steamed salmon is an easy-to-make, flavorful dish that brings out the natural sweetness of the salmon while infusing it with the rich umami of soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger. Whether you’re looking for a light weeknight dinner or a special dish for a celebration, this healthy meal is both satisfying and delicious. The steaming method ensures the fish stays moist and tender, while the seasonings add complexity and depth. With simple ingredients and a straightforward preparation method, this dish is a perfect example of how Shanghai cuisine elevates fresh ingredients to create mouthwatering meals that are full of flavor.