Serving Fish Properly

The Chinese have a very particular way to serve fish. This process has been used for centuries and is even popular today. In order to serve fish the Chinese way, you just have to follow these steps:

  1. After steaming the fish, place it on a serving platter. Garnish with green onions that have been cut into circular rings of 3/16” in length, or into long thin strips of 2 inches in length. Green onions shaped into a flower, or “flowerizing” a green onion can also be used a garnish. You may use as many green onions as you like.
  2. To serve the fish, slice right through the middle of the fish and flip over the two sides created, giving a door opening look. The gravy from the steaming process is then poured over the fish.
  3. The last step is optional, but most people do it. Heat up some peanut oil to 450 degrees, and, while it’s still hot, pour it over the entire fish. This will give the fish a smoked flavor.
  4. After the guest eat the sides off, do NOT turn over the fish. A Chinese superstition has it that if a fish is turned over, the person who eats is left at disaster at seas. Instead, remove the central cartilaginous bone, and pour more sauce on the fish. Eat the rest of the fish.