Cantonese-style Cod with Ginger and Spring Onion

This Cantonese-style cod is the ultimate quick and healthy dish that feels like pure comfort on a plate. Ready in under 15 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something nourishing yet full of flavour. The cod is melt-in-your-mouth tender, delicately infused with the warmth of ginger and the freshness of spring onion.

Steaming is a classic Cantonese cooking method that keeps the fish moist, flaky, and incredibly light. It’s a gentle technique that enhances the natural sweetness of the cod without overpowering it. A drizzle of light soy sauce and sesame oil adds just the right amount of umami, while a final pour of hot oil over the aromatics creates a fragrant sizzle that brings the whole dish to life.

Despite its elegant presentation, this dish is surprisingly simple to prepare. It’s a healthy option that doesn’t compromise on taste, there are no heavy sauces or deep frying involved. Just clean, vibrant flavors and perfectly cooked fish.

Serve Cantonese-style Cod with fluffy white rice and a side of greens for a balanced, satisfying meal that tastes like it came straight from a Chinese restaurant.

cantonese style cod with ginger and spring onion on plate

Cantonese Style Steamed Cod with Ginger and Green Onions

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dinner, lunch, Main Course, Sauce, Side Dish
Cuisine Asian, Chinese
Servings 2

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces of cod fillets, fresh or frozen
  • Thumbsized piece of ginger, thinly sliced into matchsticks or if using minced ginger from jar, use a tsp for each piece of fish
  • 2 stalks spring onion, julienned
  • Handful coriander (optional)
  • sesame oil (optional)
  • Shaoxing wine (optional)

Sauce

  • 4 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil, (e.g. sunflower or vegetable)

Instructions
 

  • Place cod fillets on a heatproof plate. Drizzle with Shaoxing wine or sesame oil, top with half the ginger.
  • Steam for 8–10 minutes, or until cod is opaque and flakes easily. May take longer if using frozen cod, if you can poke through it easily, then it is ready.
  • Remove from steamer, discard excess liquid, and top with remaining ginger, spring onions and coriander (if using).
  • Heat neutral oil until smoking, meanwhile, combine sugar and soy sauce. Pour oil over the fish to sizzle the aromatics.
  • Finish with sweet soy sauce and sesame oil. Serve hot with steamed rice.
Keyword 30 minute meals, chinese, dinner ideas, dinner recipes, Easy recipes, fish recipes, Healthy recipes

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