Ingredients

  • 1 quart water
  • 1 (3-inch) piece ginger, sliced
  • 4 kafir lime leaves, optional
  • 1 (1 by 3-inch) piece lime peel
  • 1 (1 by 3-inch) piece lemon peel
  • 4 sprigs cilantro, plus more for garnish
  • 3 scallions
  • 1 cup white wine
  • 1 jalapeno, cut into large pieces
  • 2 tablespoons peanut oil
  • Salt
  • 4 (4-ounce) pieces red snapper fillet, skin on
  • 4 large Napa cabbage leaves
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 6 baby bok choy, halved lengthwise
  • 2 tablespoons peanut oil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 jalapeno, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced on the bias, white and green parts kept separate
  • Cooked jasmine rice, accompaniment
  • Special Equipment: 2-layer bamboo or regular steamer

Method

  • In a shallow pot that a bamboo steamer fits over or in a wok, add the water and bring to a boil.
  • You can also use a traditional steamer that has 2 layers.
  • Add the ginger, lime leaves, citrus zest, cilantro, scallions, white wine, jalapeno, and peanut oil.
  • Season well with salt.
  • Bring back to a boil and cook for 10 minutes for the flavors to combine.
  • Season the fish with salt and pepper.
  • Place the first layer of the bamboo steamer over the pot.
  • Line the steamer with the cabbage leaves, making sure that the surface is not completely covered so the steam can get through.
  • Lay the fish, skin-side up, on the cabbage leaves.
  • Cover and steam for 1 minute.
  • Place the bok choy on the second layer of the bamboo steamer in 1 layer.
  • Uncover the steamer and place the bok choy layer on top of the fish.
  • Cover and steam for about 5 minutes, or until the fish is just cooked through and the bok choy is tender, but still has some crispness.
  • Check the fish for doneness by gently inserting a fork into it.
  • If the fork slides easily in, the fish is done.
  • If the fork resists sliding in, it is not quite done.
  • Remove the fish and bok choy and keep warm while you make the sauce.
  • Heat a medium saute pan over medium-high heat.
  • Add the peanut oil and heat.
  • When the oil is hot, add the ginger, garlic, and jalapeno and saute until just translucent, about 3 minutes.
  • Do not allow the vegetables to brown.
  • Add 4 ounces of the steaming liquid and the soy sauce and boil for 2 minutes.
  • Do not season with salt as the soy sauce is salty.
  • Add the sugar and boil for 1 minute, or until the sugar is completely dissolved.
  • Lower the heat and whisk in the butter.
  • Add the scallion whites, stir, and remove from the heat.
  • Place some jasmine rice on a platter.
  • Top with the steamed bok choy.
  • Top the bok choy with the snapper, skin-side up.
  • Spoon the sauce over the fish.
  • Garnish with the scallion greens and cilantro sprigs.