Steamed Fish with Salted Chopped Chilies (Duo Jiao Yu)
Local name: 剁椒鱼
In short: Tender fish steamed under a blanket of salted chopped red chilies, garlic and ginger, finished with hot oil and scallions, a Hunan classic. It takes about 27 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 12 min
- Resting
- 10 min
- Total
- 27 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 240 kcal
Duo jiao yu tou is a signature Hunan dish, traditionally made with a large fish head steamed under a thick layer of salted, chopped red chilies. The chilies taste tangy and salty as well as hot, and they flavor both the fish and the juices on the plate. A final splash of sizzling oil and scallions finishes it. Thick fish fillets give the same flavor and are easier for home cooks. Serve with plenty of rice.
Instructions
- Pat the fish dry and rub it with the wine. Lay the ginger slices on a heatproof plate and arrange the fillets on top in a single layer. Let them sit for 10 minutes.
- Mix the chopped chilies with the garlic, minced ginger and 1 tablespoon of the oil. Spread the mixture evenly over the fish.
- Steam over boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes, until the fish turns opaque and flakes easily (63°C/145°F).
- Scatter the scallions over the top. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil until it shimmers and just begins to smoke, then pour it over the scallions so they sizzle.
- Drizzle the soy sauce around the edge of the plate and serve at once with steamed rice.
Tips
- Jars of salted chopped chilies are sold at Asian grocery stores. If you cannot find them, chop 150 g of fresh red chilies and toss with 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, then rest for 1 hour.
- For the traditional version, use a whole fish head of about 1 kg (2.2 lb) and steam it for 15 to 18 minutes. Some families lay noodles under it to soak up the juices.
Questions and answers
Can I make this with fish fillets instead of a fish head?
Yes. Thick fillets of cod, halibut or snapper work well and steam in 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid thin fillets, which overcook quickly under the chilies.
Is chopped chili fish very spicy?
It is moderately hot, with more sourness and salt than fire. Use less topping, or rinse the chilies briefly, for a milder dish.
What can I use if I cannot find salted chilies?
Make a quick substitute from fresh red chilies, salt and a little vinegar as in the tips, or use coarse chili paste. The flavor will be slightly different but still good.
How long does it take to make Steamed Fish with Salted Chopped Chilies (Duo Jiao Yu)?
About 27 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 12 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Steamed Fish with Salted Chopped Chilies (Duo Jiao Yu)?
About 240 kcal per serving, with 28 g of protein, 4 g of carbohydrates and 12 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 240 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 4 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 1500 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
