How to Cook Ribbon Fish: A Delicious and Nutritious Seafood Option

Hello, Good News! Welcome to our website, where we share with you the best recipes, tips, and tricks for cooking amazing dishes. Today, we are going to talk about ribbon fish, a type of deep-sea fish that has a long, slender, and shiny body. You may have seen them in Asian markets or restaurants, but did you know that you can also cook them at home?

Ribbon fish are not only tasty, but also healthy. They are low in calories and fat, but high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. They have a mild and buttery flavor, and a delicate and flaky texture. They can be prepared in various ways, such as braising, frying, steaming, or even eating raw. In this article, we will show you how to cook ribbon fish in three different methods, as well as some interesting facts and tips about this seafood option.

Braised Ribbon Fish with Soy Sauce and Vinegar

This is a simple and classic way of cooking ribbon fish that brings out its natural flavor and tenderness. The soy sauce and vinegar create a savory and tangy sauce that complements the fish well. You can serve this dish with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal.

Here are the ingredients and steps for making braised ribbon fish with soy sauce and vinegar:

Ingredients

• 1 pound of ribbon fish, cut into 4 to 6-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup of cornstarch or flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Some oil for frying
• 1/2 cup of chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of rice wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in 2 teaspoons of water
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 inch of ginger, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
• A handful of chopped green onions for garnish

Steps

1. Dredge the ribbon fish pieces in cornstarch or flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the fish pieces until golden and crisp on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and cornstarch mixture. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the sauce and stir well.
5. Pour the sauce over the fish pieces and sprinkle with green onions. Enjoy!

Pan-Fried Ribbon Fish with Ginger and Scallions

This is another easy and delicious way of cooking ribbon fish that results in a crispy and flavorful dish. The ginger and scallions add a fresh and aromatic touch to the fish. You can serve this dish with rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.

Here are the ingredients and steps for making pan-fried ribbon fish with ginger and scallions:

Ingredients

• 1 pound of ribbon fish, cut into 3-inch pieces
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 cup of rice wine or sherry
• 2 tablespoons of grated ginger
• Some oil for frying
• A bunch of scallions, cut into 2-inch pieces

Steps

1. Sprinkle salt over the ribbon fish pieces and rub well. Marinate them in rice wine or sherry and ginger for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
2. Heat some oil in a large skillet over high heat. Drain the fish pieces from the marinade and fry them until golden and crisp on both sides, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
3. In the same skillet over high heat, stir-fry the scallions until wilted and charred on the edges, about 2 minutes.
4. Serve the fish topped with scallions. Enjoy!

Steamed Ribbon Fish with Black Bean Sauce

This is a traditional Chinese way of cooking ribbon fish that preserves its moistness and tenderness. The black bean sauce adds a rich and savory flavor to the fish. You can serve this dish with steamed rice and a green salad for a light and healthy meal.

Here are the ingredients and steps for making steamed ribbon fish with black bean sauce:

Ingredients

• 1 pound of ribbon fish, cut into 4 to 6-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons of fermented black beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of rice wine or sherry
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 2 teaspoons of cornstarch
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon of white pepper
• Some oil for greasing
• A few slices of ginger
• A few sprigs of cilantro for garnish

Steps

1. In a small bowl, mash the black beans with a fork. Add the soy sauce, rice wine or sherry, sugar, cornstarch, garlic, and white pepper and mix well.
2. Grease a large heatproof plate with some oil. Arrange the fish pieces on the plate in a single layer. Spoon the black bean sauce over the fish pieces, making sure to coat them well.
3. Place the plate on a steaming rack in a large pot with boiling water. Cover the pot with a lid and steam over high heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
4. Carefully remove the plate from the pot and garnish with ginger slices and cilantro. Enjoy!

Ribbon Fish Nutrition Facts

Ribbon fish is not only delicious, but also nutritious. It is a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and various vitamins and minerals. Here is a table that shows the nutrition facts for 100 grams of raw ribbon fish:

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value*
Calories	130 kcal	7%
Fat	4.9 g	8%
Saturated Fat	2.8 g	14%
Polyunsaturated Fat	0.9 g	–
Monounsaturated Fat	0.7 g	–
Trans Fat	0 g	–
Cholesterol	76 mg	25%
Sodium	150 mg	6%
Potassium	– mg	–
Carbohydrates	3 g	1%
Dietary Fiber	– g	–
Sugars	0 g	–
Protein	19.5 g	39%
Vitamin A	0 IU	0%
Vitamin C	0 mg	0%
Calcium	20 mg	2%
Iron	1.1 mg	6%
Vitamin B6	– mg	–
Vitamin B12	– mcg	–
Magnesium	– mg	–
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

FAQs about Ribbon Fish Recipe

What is ribbon fish?

Ribbon fish is a type of deep-sea fish that belongs to the family Trachipteridae. They have a long, slender, and shiny body that can grow up to 6 feet in length. They have large eyes, small mouths, and sharp teeth. They are also known as cutlassfish, hairtail, or scabbard fish.

Where can I buy ribbon fish?

Ribbon fish can be found in some Asian markets or specialty seafood stores. You can also order them online from some websites that sell fresh or frozen seafood. You can choose between whole or filleted ribbon fish, depending on your preference and recipe.

How do I clean and prepare ribbon fish?

If you buy whole ribbon fish, you need to clean and gut them before cooking. You can use a sharp knife to cut off the head and tail, and then slit the belly open to remove the innards. Rinse the fish well under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. You can then cut the fish into smaller pieces according to your recipe.

How do I store ribbon fish?

If you are not going to cook ribbon fish right away, you should store them in the refrigerator or freezer. You can wrap them in plastic wrap or foil and keep them in the coldest part of the fridge for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before cooking.

How do I know if ribbon fish is fresh?

Fresh ribbon fish should have a firm and shiny skin, clear and bright eyes, and a mild and pleasant smell. Avoid buying ribbon fish that has a dull or slimy skin, cloudy or sunken eyes, or a strong and fishy smell.

How do I know if ribbon fish is cooked?

Ribbon fish is cooked when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the fish. It should reach at least 145°F (63°C) for safety.

What are some health benefits of eating ribbon fish?

Ribbon fish is a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and various vitamins and minerals. Protein helps build and repair muscles, tissues, and organs. Omega-3 fatty acids help lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and inflammation, as well as improve brain and heart health. Vitamins and minerals help support various bodily functions and prevent deficiencies.

What are some common dishes made with ribbon fish?

Ribbon fish can be cooked in various ways, such as braising, frying, steaming, or even eating raw. Some common dishes made with ribbon fish are:

• Braised Ribbon Fish with Soy Sauce and Vinegar: A simple and classic dish that brings out the natural flavor and tenderness of the fish.
• Pan-Fried Ribbon Fish with Ginger and Scallions: A crispy and flavorful dish that adds a fresh and aromatic touch to the fish.
• Steamed Ribbon Fish with Black Bean Sauce: A traditional Chinese dish that preserves the moistness and tenderness of the fish with a rich and savory sauce.
• Ribbon Fish Sashimi: A Japanese dish that involves slicing raw ribbon fish thinly and serving it with soy sauce, wasabi, and ginger.
• Ribbon Fish Salad: A light and refreshing dish that combines ribbon fish with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a lemon dressing.

What are some good sides to serve with ribbon fish?

Ribbon fish can be paired with various sides to make a balanced and satisfying meal. Some good sides to serve with ribbon fish are:

• Steamed Rice: A staple and versatile side that goes well with any sauce or seasoning.
• Noodles: A filling and tasty side that can be cooked in different ways, such as boiled, fried, or soup.
• Vegetables: A healthy and colorful side that can be steamed, roasted, or sautéed.
• Salad: A light and refreshing side that can be made with different greens, fruits, nuts, and dressings.
• Bread: A simple and satisfying side that can be toasted, buttered, or dipped in sauce.

What are some tips and tricks for cooking ribbon fish?

Here are some tips and tricks for cooking ribbon fish:

• Marinate the fish before cooking to enhance its flavor and texture.
• Dredge the fish in cornstarch or flour before frying to make it crispy and prevent sticking.
• Use a large skillet or wok to fry the fish in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
• Use a steaming rack or plate to steam the fish over boiling water to keep it moist and tender.
• Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the fish into smaller pieces to make it easier to eat and serve.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed this article about ribbon fish recipe. Ribbon fish is a delicious and nutritious seafood option that can be cooked in various ways. You can try one of our recipes or create your own with your favorite ingredients and seasonings. You can also check out our other articles for more cooking tips and tricks. Thank you for reading and happy cooking!