Go For Steamed Fish At A Chinese Restaurant
Fans of Asian cuisine often gravitate to the two of the more popular main selections on the menu, chicken and pork. Overlooking the seafood options, however, limits the culinary experience. Shellfish rank high on the lists for diners eating at a Chinese restaurant, but options for steamed fish might be worth exploring. Besides tasting quite good, steamed fish also ranks as one of the healthier choices.
The Top Choices for Steamed Fish
Sea bass and Tilapia rank high on the list of popular steamed fish selections. Both offer nutrients that health-conscious people would find appealing. Vitamin B6 and Magnesium rank among the good things found in sea bass. Niacin and potassium are two nutrients that make Tilapia a healthy selection. Both fish and, for that matter, most fish, serve as sources of protein.
And Then There's Carp
A talented cook can steam pretty much any fish, but there are some selections more common in restaurants than others. Carp, for example, would be found on menus in China and elsewhere in Asia, where it ranks high in popularity. Despite carp being indigenous to rivers and lakes in the United States, people tend to stay away from it because it is a "bony" fish. If steamed carp is on the menu, perhaps giving it a try may be worthwhile. Besides the taste, carp also comes with many vitamins and nutrients. Carp is high in Vitamin B12 and Selenium but beware of the cholesterol level if that concerns you. Worries about carp being a scavenger that "eats anything" aren't entirely well-founded. Carp purchased in a restaurant is usually farm-raised and fed a prepared diet.
The Value of Steamed Fish
Steamed fish recipes can be described as "naked" dishes. That is, they aren't breaded or cooked in oil. While seasoned, spiced, and, sometimes, covered in soy, steamed fish doesn't usually come with empty calorie add-ons. And there are other benefits:
- Nutrients aren't worth much when partially destroyed in the cooking process. Steaming food preserves more nutrients, so a healthy dish remains healthy.
- Steamed fish fit perfectly in a low-carb diet. If you are eating common side dishes such as rice, then you may prefer an entree that doesn't add more carbs to the list.
Last, a full-sized steamed fish might feed two or more people. Choosing steamed fish allows everyone to share the same main course, but go for different side dishes. Of course, everyone can share the side dishes, making for a fun dinner.
For more information about Asian food, reach out to a local Chinese restaurant.