清蒸鱼
qīngzhēngyú
The phrase for "steamed fish" in Mandarin is 清蒸鱼 (qīngzhēngyú).
The term 清蒸鱼 refers to a dish of fish cooked by exposing it to steam. This specific term implies a light, pure preparation method, often involving only ginger, scallions and soy sauce, rather than heavy sauces.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 清 (clear/pure), 蒸 (to steam) and 鱼 (fish).
Which one should you use?
A common variation for a specific type of steamed fish is 清蒸鲈鱼 (qīngzhēng lúyú), which means steamed sea bass.
How do you pronounce it?
qīngzhēngyú
Did you know?
- It is a traditional custom in some regions to leave a small portion of the 清蒸鱼 untouched on the plate. This ensures that the 'surplus' represented by the fish remains for the next year.
- In a formal banquet, the head of the fish is often pointed toward the guest of honor as a sign of deep respect and high status.
- The final, crucial step for making 清蒸鱼 is not just the steaming, but pouring sizzling hot oil over the aromatic ginger and scallions right before it hits the table.
Examples in context
- 我想尝试一下清蒸鱼。I would like to try the steamed fish.
- 我们来点蒸鱼吧。Let's order some steamed fish.
- 这里的蒸鲈鱼你尝过吗？Have you tried the steamed sea bass here?
- 这道清蒸鱼很好吃。Zhè dào qīngzhēngyú hěn hǎochī.This steamed fish is delicious.
- 我想点一份清蒸鱼。Wǒ xiǎng diǎn yī fèn qīngzhēngyú.I want to order a steamed fish.
- 清蒸鱼比红烧鱼更健康。Qīngzhēngyú bǐ hóngshāoyú gèng jiànkāng.Steamed fish is healthier than braised fish.
Example conversation
At a Chinese restaurant, Junjie and Yuting are looking at the menu.
- 俊杰 Junjie你觉得清蒸鱼怎么样？Nǐ juéde qīngzhēngyú zěnmeyàng?What do you think of the steamed fish?
- 雨婷 Yuting我觉得清蒸鱼很新鲜。Wǒ juéde qīngzhēngyú hěn xīnxiān.I think the steamed fish is very fresh.
- 俊杰 Junjie那我们就点清蒸鱼吧。Nà wǒmen jiù diǎn qīngzhēngyú ba.Then let's order the steamed fish.
- 雨婷 Yuting好，我也很喜欢吃。Hǎo, wǒ yě hěn xǐhuān chī.Okay, I like eating it too.
