Chinese Catfish Swai Recipes

CANTONESE STEAMED FISH

Steps:

• Cut the scallions into 2-inch lengths, and cut the pieces in half lengthwise. Julienne them thinly. Thinly slice about 15g of ginger, and julienne them. Give the cilantro a rough chop. Set the aromatics aside.
• Combine the light soy sauce, salt, sugar and hot water in a small bowl and mix until the sugar and salt are dissolved. Set aside.
• Prepare your steaming set-up, and fill with 1-2 inches of water. Bring to a boil.
• Rinse your fish fillet, and carefully lay it on an oblong heat-proof plate that will fit into your wok or steaming setup. Carefully place it in the steamer, and adjust the heat to medium. The water should be at a slow boil that generates a good amount of steam, but not so high that the water evaporates too quickly.
• Cover and steam for 7-10 minutes depending upon the size and thickness of your fish fillet. If you have extremely small, thin fillets (half an inch), cook for 4-5 minutes. Check for doneness using a butter knife. If it falls easily through the thickest part of the fillet to the bottom of the plate, the fish is done.
• Turn off the heat, and carefully drain any liquid on the plate. Spread about ⅓ of the scallions, ginger, and cilantro on the steamed fish (alternatively, you can wait to do this AFTER adding the sauce).
• To make the sauce, heat a wok or small saucepan to medium high heat, and add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Add the remaining ⅔ of the ginger, and fry for 1 minute. Add the white parts of the scallions and cook for 30 seconds.Then add rest of the scallions and cilantro. The mixture should be sizzling.
• Add the soy sauce mixture. Bring the mixture to a bubble, and cook until the scallions and cilantro are just wilted, about 30 seconds.
• Pour this mixture over the fish. If you prefer to add the raw aromatics after adding the sauce, you can do so now, and heat an additional 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to pour over the raw aromatics. Serve immediately!

SEASONED SWAI FISH FILLET

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a shallow pan or baking sheet with cooking spray.
• Place fish fillets into the prepared pan.
• Heat margarine in a saucepan over medium heat. Mix white wine, lemon juice, cilantro, garlic, salt, and black pepper into the melted margarine; simmer sauce for 2 minutes. Generously spoon sauce over fish fillets. Sprinkle fillets with paprika.
• Bake in the preheated oven until fish flakes easily with a fork, 10 to 12 minutes.

SOY-BRAISED SWAI

Steps:

• Heat oil in a skillet with high sides over medium heat. Add ginger and sauté until fragrant, 30 to 60 seconds.
• Add fish fillets, soy sauce, water, scallions, cilantro, and vinegar to the skillet. Bring to a boil and cover.
• Remove from heat and let sit until fish flakes easily with a fork, 10 to 15 minutes.

SPICY CATALINA SWAI

Steps:

• Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat.
• Place a large piece of aluminum foil on a work surface; pinch edges together forming a boat-like shape to contain liquids. Pour Catalina dressing in the middle of the aluminum foil. Place fish fillet in the dressing, turning to coat fish in dressing completely.
• Mix chile-garlic sauce, garlic powder, ground black pepper, sea salt, red pepper flakes, mustard powder, and white pepper together in a small bowl. Coat both sides of fish fillet with spice mixture. Wrap aluminum foil around coated fish fillet and dressing, sealing the edges together.
• Cook fish on the preheated grill until opaque and flakes easily with a fork, 8 to 12 minutes.