At the table
Lift small pieces of flesh away from the central bone and check for fine bones. Spoon a little sauce over plain rice if you like.
Contains fish, pork fat and soy sauce; it is not vegetarian or vegan. Fish bones remain. Soy sauce may contain wheat, and cooking wine is used.
Simpler preparations omit the mushrooms, bamboo shoots or pork fat. The name refers to line-caught fish; ask the restaurant about its actual sourcing.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Simpler preparations omit the mushrooms, bamboo shoots or pork fat. The name refers to line-caught fish; ask the restaurant about its actual sourcing.
Typical ingredients
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Delicate fish savor with ginger, mushrooms and a lightly salty sauce.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Tender flaky fish, soft mushrooms and crisp-tender bamboo shoots.
- How it’s made
- Bone-in hairtail portions are steamed with the accompaniments, a little sugar and rice wine, then finished with seasoned soy sauce and scallion.
Simpler preparations omit the mushrooms, bamboo shoots or pork fat. The name refers to line-caught fish; ask the restaurant about its actual sourcing.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Zhejiang.
About this regional connection
Zhejiang: Supported local food association, not exclusive origin.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有清蒸钓带鱼吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
The meaning of diaodai
Diao means caught with a hook and line, while dai refers to ribbon-shaped hairtail. Steaming is a Zhoushan way of enjoying its tender flesh without a heavy coating; restaurant recipes and fish sourcing vary.