Name: Whole Black Bass with Ginger and Scallions
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: Makes 8 servings (as part of a Chinese meal)
Ingredients: 1 (3-lb) whole black bass or sea bass (not Chilean), cleaned, leaving head and tail intact; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 bunch scallions, white and pale green parts cut into very thin 2-inch strips and greens reserved separately; 1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and cut into very thin matchsticks; 3 tablespoons light soy sauce (preferably Pearl River Bridge brand); 1/4 teaspoon sugar; 1 tablespoon peanut or vegetable oil; a large shallow baking dish (about 15 by 10 inches) to fit inside a 17- by 12- by 2 1/2-inch roasting pan; heavy-duty foil; a well-seasoned 14-inch flat-bottomed wok

Image may contain Food Dish Meal Bowl Plant Animal Seafood Sea Life Lobster and Produce

Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Simon Andrews, Prop Styling by Beatrice Chastka

A whole fish, representing abundance, is almost always included on the celebratory Chinese table. Ours is flavored only lightly, with ginger and scallions, so as not to overpower the fresh taste of the fish. We developed an oven-steaming method to free up space on your stovetop for soup and stir-fries.

Cooks' note:

Fish can be prepared (but not steamed) 6 hours ahead and chilled, covered.

Recipe notes

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

38 Lunar New Year Foods
These lucky Lunar New Year recipes are a delicious way to celebrate
Scallions Not Optional
In these 73 recipes, green onions aren't just a garnish—they're integral to the dish.
A Lunar New Year Menu That Goes Beyond Dumplings
China's Spring Festival is a two-week feast, but no two Lunar New Year menus are alike. Mine involves a whole fish, rice pudding, and sure, a dumpling or two.

Speedy Chicken Stroganoff

This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.

The Only Frittata Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

29 Ricotta Recipes for Dinner, Dessert, and More

Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

23 Easy Pie Recipes for Low-Effort, High-Reward Desserts

There’s a reason they say, “easy as pie,” you know?

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans

This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.

Recipe notes

38 Lunar New Year Foods

Scallions Not Optional

A Lunar New Year Menu That Goes Beyond Dumplings