A whole fish is steamed in Teochew-style which typically uses pomfret fish dressed with salted plums and salted vegetables. It's a very simple dish but incredibly tasty. It is perfect for any weeknight or for a Chinese New Year meal
I bought the pomfret that has been scaled and gutted. I trim off excess tail and fins to make sure the fish fit into my serving plate. You don't have to if it fits on the plate
Cut two to three slits on both sides of the fish so they cook faster and evenly. Season with a small pinch of salt on both sides by rubbing onto the fish
Steaming the fish:
Mix all ingredients for seasonings and set it aside
Bring the water in a steamer to a boil. While waiting for water to boil, scatter half of the salted vegetables on the plate. Put the fish on top. This helps to "prop up" the fish so it cooks evenly
Arrange the rest of the salted vegetables, tomatoes, shiitake mushrooms slices, tofu cubes, ginger slices around the fish. Drizzle with seasonings
Put inside the steamer and steam over high heat for 10 minutes or until cooked through. The flesh will flake easily when it cooks through. 3 minutes before the end of steaming time, scatter some red chili strips on top and continue to steam.
Remove from the steamer and scatter with some green onion strips and serve immediately as part of a multi-course meal with some rice or congee/porridge