Category
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dinner
A classic Hunan-style steamed whole tilapia served on a bed of silken tofu, infused with garlic, ginger, scallions, and salted chopped Hunan chili peppers.
Ingredients
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1 fresh whole tilapia (about 1¼–1½ lbs or ~650 g)
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16 oz (450 g) silken tofu, sliced lengthwise and crosswise into ¼-inch pieces
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⅛ teaspoon salt (for tofu, plus more to taste)
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3 tablespoons canola oil
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1½ tablespoons minced ginger
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6 tablespoons Hunan salty chopped chili peppers (duo jiao)
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 scallion, white and green parts diced separately
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⅔ cup hot water
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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1 teaspoon granulated white sugar
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¼ teaspoon white pepper powder, or to taste
Directions
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Prepare the whole tilapia (scaled, gutted, cleaned thoroughly, scrub any missed scales, scrape remaining blood or membranes, trim fins).
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Slice the tofu and arrange it on a heatproof serving plate. Sprinkle with salt and place the tilapia on top of the tofu.
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Steam over medium-high heat in a wok or steamer with about 4 cups cold water for roughly 13 minutes (adjust time if using fillets). Use a butter knife to check for doneness—should slide in easily to the bone. Drain excess liquid carefully.
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In a small pan or wok over low heat, warm the canola oil. Add ginger and duo jiao, and infuse briefly until fragrant and oil turns red. Add garlic and white scallion, stir quickly, then add hot water, soy sauce, sugar, and white pepper. Bring to a simmer, adjusting salt if needed. Stir in green scallion, remove from heat.
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Immediately spoon this hot sauce over the steamed fish and tofu, ensuring even distribution of chili, ginger, garlic, and scallions. Finish with extra white pepper if desired. Serve immediately with lots of rice.
Nutrients
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Rich in high-quality protein from both fish and tofu
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Omega-3 fatty acids from tilapia, beneficial for heart health
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Low in saturated fat, moderate in healthy fats (canola oil)
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Vitamins: B vitamins, vitamin D (from fish), vitamin K and folate (from tofu and scallions)
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Minerals: calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium
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Capsaicin and antioxidants from duo jiao and aromatics offer anti-inflammatory benefits
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This Hunan steamed whole tilapia shines through its balance of bold heat and subtle silkiness. Featuring velvety tofu, fiery duo jiao chili, fragrant aromatics, and tender steamed fish, every mouthful offers a medley of textures and flavors. It captures the essence of Hunan cuisine—bright, spicy, and deeply satisfying—while offering a presentation elegant enough for the dinner table yet simple enough for a weeknight meal.
The Benefits of the Ingredients
Tilapia provides lean protein with essential omega-3s for cardiovascular and brain health. Silken tofu contributes plant-based protein, calcium, and phytoestrogens. Duo jiao chili peppers deliver capsaicin—a compound linked to metabolism boosting and anti-inflammatory benefits—while garlic, ginger, and scallions bring digestive and immune-supporting properties. Together, these ingredients create a dish that’s flavorful and nutritionally balanced.
Cooking Tips
Choose a smaller tilapia (around 1¼–1½ lbs)—easier to handle, cooks evenly and fits well on your plate. If possible, source fresh or live tilapia from an Asian market for optimal flavor. Clean thoroughly, removing all scales, gills, and bloodlines for the best texture. Ensure even steaming by laying tofu flat and using a proper steaming setup (wok or steamer, steaming rack, adequate water). Don’t overcook—the fish should flake gently with a butter knife. Make your chili sauce last minute, spoon it hot over the fish for maximum aroma and flavor impact.
Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside a generous bowl of steamed white rice to soak up the savory, spicy juices. Round out the meal with simple sides—blanched greens like bok choy or gai lan, lightly stir-fried seasonal vegetables, or a cooling cucumber-ginger salad to contrast the heat. For festive dinners, present the whole fish on the tofu bed at the center of the table for a dramatic family-style presentation. Wine pairings: a crisp, slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer complements the spice and richness of the dish.
Conclusion
Steamed Hunan-style whole tilapia with tofu is an exceptional dish that marries bold regional flavors with elegant simplicity. It elevates everyday ingredients—fish, tofu, chilies—into a harmony of textures and tastes that showcases Hunan cuisine’s passionate spirit. Nutrient-dense and delightfully aromatic, it shines as both a centerpiece for special meals and a comforting home dinner. Whether you’re showcasing your culinary flair or seeking a nourishing, satisfying meal, this recipe delivers.
Pin Title:
Hunan-Style Steamed Whole Tilapia with Silken Tofu – Bold & Elegant Dinner Recipe
Pin Description:
Dive into a sensational dinner with this Hunan-style steamed whole tilapia on a silky tofu bed, infused with fiery duo jiao chili, ginger, garlic, and scallion. Nutrient-rich, flavor-packed, and ideal for sharing. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining with ease.
Hashtags:
#HunanSteamedFish #TilapiaDinner #ChineseCuisine