Delicious Steamed Snakehead Fish with Gourd: A Taste of Home

Steamed snakehead fish with gourd is a rustic dish that offers a rich, unforgettable flavor. The tender, sweet flesh of the snakehead fish combined with the refreshing taste of gourd creates a nutritious and comforting meal perfect for any family dinner. Let’s explore how to make this delicious dish at home.

Ingredients for Steamed Snakehead Fish with Gourd

To prepare this dish, you will need the following ingredients:

• Snakehead fish: 1 fish (about 500-700g)
• Gourd: 1 medium
• Carrot: 1 small
• Chili pepper: 1
• Shallots: 2-3
• Green onions
• Black fungus: 10 grams
• Lime: 1
• Garlic: 1 bulb
• Seasonings: seasoning powder, pepper, sugar, fish sauce

Ingredients for Steamed Snakehead Fish with Gourd

Why Choose Snakehead Fish?

Snakehead fish, also known as giant snakehead, is a long-bodied fish with few bones and plenty of meat. Its sweet flesh is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, including protein and omega-3, which are great for your health. This is why snakehead fish is commonly used in traditional Vietnamese dishes.

How to Prepare Steamed Snakehead Fish with Gourd

Preparing the Ingredients

Snakehead Fish:
Choose a fresh snakehead fish, rinse it thoroughly, and rub the entire body with salt to remove the slime. Rinse again with clean water and apply a layer of lime to eliminate any fishy smell. Continue rinsing, then remove the gills and fins. To help the fish absorb the seasonings better, you can lightly score the fish’s body with an X pattern using a knife.

Gourd:
Wash the gourd and keep the skin on to prevent it from getting mushy during steaming. Cut the gourd lengthwise and scoop out the seeds inside.

Shallots and Ginger:
Peel the shallots, mince one and slice the other thinly. Wash the ginger, then divide it into two parts: one part cut into thin strips, the other minced.

Black Fungus:
Soak the black fungus in warm water for about 15 minutes until soft, then rinse and cut into strips.

Chili Pepper and Green Onions:
Cut the chili pepper in half, remove the seeds, and slice one half into thin strips, mince the other half. Cut the green onions into small pieces and soak in water to create a nice curl.

Marinating the Fish

Mix the minced shallots, minced ginger, green onion roots, 1 teaspoon of sugar, ½ teaspoon of pepper, and 1 teaspoon of seasoning powder in a small bowl. Rub this mixture evenly over the entire body of the fish. Next, stuff the fish’s belly with the sliced ginger, shallots, and black fungus.

After marinating, place the fish inside the gourd. If the gourd is too large, you can cut it in half and secure it back together with string or toothpicks.

Steaming the Fish

Prepare a steamer, place the fish inside, and steam for 20-30 minutes on high heat. Once the fish is fully cooked, your dish is ready to enjoy.

How to Make Steamed Snakehead Fish with Gourd

Conclusion

Making steamed snakehead fish with gourd is not overly complicated, but it requires attention to detail in each step. With its refreshing and nutritious flavor, this dish is sure to be a highlight in your family meals. Give it a try to experience its unique taste!

If you enjoy other steamed dishes, be sure to check out more steaming recipes to diversify your family’s menu.