Steamed salmon with black bean sauce

Fish is at the heart of every Chinese New Year meal as it signifies ‘abundance’ (of riches, health, happiness, etc.) during the following year. Traditionally, the fish – normally a sea bass – would be steamed whole.

Serves 4

4 salmon steaks (approximately 450g)
2 spring onions, chopped into rings
fresh coriander sprigs, to finish (optional)
boiled or steamed rice, to serve

For the black bean sauce:

2 tbsp Chinese fermented black beans, rinsed and mashed
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 thumb-sized slices of ginger, shredded
1 tbsp light soy sauce
1 tsp Shaoxing rice wine
2 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp white pepper
a dash of sesame oil
2 tsp vegetable oil

1. Combine all the ingredients for the sauce in a bowl and mix well.

2. Place the salmon steaks on a heat-proof plate and spoon over the black bean sauce.

3. Steam above a high heat for 10-15 minutes until cooked.

4. Sprinkle the spring onions and coriander over the top of the steaks and serve at once with boiled or steamed rice.