Steamed Cod with Black Bean Sauce and Ginger
Silky steamed cod topped with black bean sauce, ginger and hot sizzling oil, a light Cantonese restaurant classic.
Made with Black bean sauce. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time25 min
- LevelMedium
- Costabout £3.05 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Cook the rice following the packet instructions, then cover and keep warm.
- 2
Pat the cod dry. Lay the fillets on a heatproof plate that fits in your steamer, scatter over half the ginger and drizzle with the tamari.
- 3
Bring water to a boil under a steamer rack. Put the plate in, cover tightly and steam over a high heat for 8 to 10 minutes, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
9 min - 4
Meanwhile, warm your ready made black bean sauce (see the base recipe) in a small pan until bubbling.
- 5
Carefully lift the plate out and pour away most of the liquid. Spoon the hot black bean sauce over the fish. Top with the spring onions, remaining ginger, chilli and coriander.
- 6
Heat the oil in a small pan until shimmering, then pour it over the toppings so they sizzle. Serve at once with the rice.
1 min
Tips
- Cook the fish just until it turns opaque. Thick fillets may need an extra minute or two.
- Pour away the steaming liquid before you add the sauce. It can be fishy and will dilute the flavour.
- Hot oil spits. Pour it slowly from a low height and keep your face back.
Storing and freezing
Best eaten at once. Keeps 1 day in the fridge if cooled within 1 hour, then reheat gently until steaming hot all the way through.
Questions
Can I use another fish?
Yes. Sea bass, haddock, hake or pollock all steam well. Adjust the time by thickness, about 8 minutes per 2.5 cm.
Can I cook it in the oven instead of steaming?
Yes. Wrap the fish in a parcel of baking paper or foil with the ginger and bake at 200C for 12 to 15 minutes, then add the sauce and hot oil.
Is this dairy free and gluten free?
Yes, with gluten free tamari and the black bean sauce from the base recipe. It is also egg free and nut free.
More made with black bean sauce
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.