Getting Ready for Chinese New Year: Steamed Asian Fish Parcels Recipe for 5:2 Diet Fast Day
Getting Ready for Chinese New Year:
Steamed Asian Fish Parcels Recipe for 5:2 Diet Fast Day
Getting Ready for Chinese New Year: Steamed Asian Fish Parcels Recipe for 5:2 Diet Fast Day
There is a VERY good reason why so many low-calorie recipes tend to be Asian inspired, as when you are on a diet what you still need and crave is FLAVOUR, and the addition of spices and herbs, as well as pungent ingredients such as ginger and chilli, adds flavour with not many calories. And, when adding bulk to a fast day meal plan, I tend to go for stir-fry vegetables, as they fill you up and are also low in calories, even with a little sesame oil for that essential Asian taste. Some of my most popular 5:2 diet Fast Day recipes, according to my daily traffic report, are also recipes with Asian flavours, such as Tiger Prawn Curry with Basmati Rice and Chinese Garlic,Ginger & Honey Chicken with Noodles . As far as I am concerned, there is no need to lower the taste sensation of low-calorie food, which can lead to boredom and failure to follow a diet. Another “hit” is my recipe for Easy Low-Fat Monkfish Curry Recipe as well as the very popular Smoky Mexican Stir Fry with Chicken. As you can see, all of these recipes have spices in common, and keep our taste buds happy whilst trying to losing weight!
Getting Ready for Chinese New Year: Steamed Asian Fish Parcels Recipe for 5:2 Diet Fast Day
My latest recipe for Steamed Asian Fish Parcels is no exception and this meal went down a storm yesterday, with me on a fast day and my husband who wanted to join in, after smelling the divine aroma of Chinese spices as my fish parcels steamed away in their bamboo basket. As ever with any recipe, whether it be low-calorie or a rib-sticker, you need to use the best quality ingredients; my fish was some EXCELLENT wild Scottish cod fillets, as provided by John at Delish Fish, and all of my vegetables were organic and from the local farm shop. Any firm white fish would be suitable, and I know that John has some fabulous offers on his wild Scottish haddock fillets right now, which would also be perfect in this recipe.
Getting Ready for Chinese New Year: Steamed Asian Fish Parcels Recipe for 5:2 Diet Fast Day
I LOVE creating recipes, both low-calorie ones and my usual seasonal ones, but I must say that out of all of the recipes I have created recently, this one is an absolute stunner! The flavours were exciting and spicy, whilst the fish was perfectly cooked in its little cabbage parcel; and the stir fried vegetables added bulk and flavour with just a teaspoon of sesame oil, for the authentic stir-fry taste. We both loved this meal and it kept us feeling full for several hours. Now, it occurs to me that the term “diet food” is a misnomer, as this did NOT taste like diet food at all and this recipe is MORE than suitable to prepare and serve at ANY family meal table, and especially for Chinese New Year! Why do we have to label low-calorie meals as “diet food”? There is no need, it is fresh, healthy, seasonal and organic grub at its best, but with low calories!
Getting Ready for Chinese New Year: Steamed Asian Fish Parcels Recipe for 5:2 Diet Fast Day
So, this Chinese New Year, which falls on the 10th of February (but starts on the 4th of February), instead of ordering a Chinese take-away, why not make a batch of these little fish parcels up with a large wok of stir fried vegetables? The year is the year of the Snake and apparently all things will be possible this year. “Saving money and being thrifty should be your top priorities. Delusion and deception are common in the year of water Snake. Stay alert! To gain the greatest benefits from this year, you must control spending and use your talents wisely. If you are planning to get married or to begin a business partnership, be sure to thoroughly investigate the other person’s finances and background before you legalize the alliance”
One portion of these Steamed Asian Fish Parcels with a generous helping of stir-fry vegetables is ONLY 180 calories! What a steal for a Fast Day or any day where you want the taste and flavour but not the calories! I am, as you may notice, very pleased with this recipe and I am now developing a chicken, Quorn and beef version too, more about them later. I have to dash now, but, DO keep calling back for new recipes, as well as reviews and giveaways, have a GREAT day and see you later with my Burns Supper menu, as well as a book review and more breakfast recipes too. Karen
Getting Ready for Chinese New Year: Steamed Asian Fish Parcels Recipe for 5:2 Diet Fast Day
Steamed Asian Fish Parcels
Print recipe
| Serves | 2 |
| Prep time | 15 minutes |
| Cook time | 15 minutes |
| Total time | 30 minutes |
| Allergy | Fish |
| Meal type | Lunch, Main Dish, Snack |
| Misc | Pre-preparable, Serve Hot |
| Occasion | Casual Party, Easter, Formal Party, Valentines day |
| Region | Asian |
| By author | Karen S Burns-Booth |
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Light Soy sauce to serve
Parcels
- 150g cod fillet, skinned and boned (cut into 4 pieces)
- 1 small carrot, peeled and cut into fine batons
- 6 spring onions, trimmed and finely diced
- 1" (1 teaspoon) fresh ginger, peeled and grated
- 1 small red chilli, finely minced
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and finely minced
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five spice
- 4 Chinese cabbage leaves (or white cabbage leaves)
Stir-Fry
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 large carrot, peeled and cut into thin batons
- 6 spring onions, trimmed and cut into equal size strips
- 50g Chinese leaves or white cabbage, finely shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five spice
Note
These delightful little fish parcels are steamed with Asian inspired spices and vegetables, and make a wonderful low-calorie lunch or supper dish with only 180 calories per portion - that is two fish parcels and a serving of stir-fry vegetables. (The recipe serves two people) Perfect for those following the 5:2 Diet for fast days and those on Weight Watchers. Total calorie count for the recipe is 360 calories, but the recipe serves two people. Use wild cod fillets for the best taste.
Directions
| Step 1 | Put the carrots into the centre of a Chinese leaf or cabbage leaf and then sit a piece of cod fillet on top. |
| Step 2 | Scatter the ginger, garlic, spring onions and chilli over the top of the fish fillets and then sprinkle over the Chinese five spice. |
| Step 3 | Gather the sides of the cabbage leaf up and around the fish, to cover it completely and secure the parcels with some tooth picks. |
| Step 4 | Place the parcels in a steamer and steam over boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes, checking to see if the cod is cooked after 10 minutes. |
| Step 5 | Just towards the end of the cooking time for the parcels, heat up a large wok and add the sesame oil, add the prepared stir fry vegetables and Chinese five spice and stir fry for 5 minutes, until they are cooked but still crunchy to the bite. |
| Step 6 | Serve the parcels immediately with stir-fry vegetables on the side with some soy sauce. Be careful as you open the parcels, as steam will escape. |
Getting Ready for Chinese New Year: Steamed Asian Fish Parcels Recipe for 5:2 Diet Fast Day
Getting Ready for Chinese New Year: Steamed Asian Fish Parcels Recipe for 5:2 Diet Fast Day
Getting Ready for Chinese New Year: Steamed Asian Fish Parcels Recipe for 5:2 Diet Fast Day
I am linking this recipe up to:
At Home with Mrs M’s Recipe Link Party
ANNA SMILOWSKA says
With sweet chilli dip would be delicious. Chinese cuisine is the best.
Karen Booth says
Thanks Anna! Yes, it would be perfect with sweet chilli sauce! Karen
Angela Crowther says
I love chinese. My favourite kinda food
Dom says
Gorgeous gorgeous stunning stuff Karen. I love Dim Sum and to have a fab recipe like this is priceless. Need to get me a bamboo steamer next time I’m in soho. Gorgeous!
Karen Booth says
Thanks Dom! This is pure dim sum magic without the dumplings or dough wraps! Perfect for your diet too! Karen
Sue says
Karen, I’ve just begun following the 5:2 diet. I was thinking of starting another blog detailing my fast day menus. A bit of googling to see if anyone else was doing the same thing led immediately to you. For some reason your blog had dropped off my radar (I read a lot blogs and lose track sometimes), but what a fabulous rediscovery your blog is. All these wonderful recipes for fast days! I’m going to have a lovely evening looking at them all. Don’t you think it is absolutely the best diet for a food lover? I’ve seen several endorsements for the fast diet from food writers including Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. Many thanks for all your beautiful recipes and photos.
Sue
Karen Booth says
Hello Sue! I know just what you mean, I lost touch with lots of blogs that I used to read regularly when I moved from blogger to word press, as I don’t have that very helpful list of blogs that was listed in the dashboard. It is lovely to see you here and welcome to 5:2, I have been following it for nearly 5 months now and have lost over a stone and feel so much better – sleep better and have more energy. I love the diet and it has been a great knife changing experience. Karen
Angela says
Oh Karen you have outdone yourself on this one. I am leaning towards trying this diet out because of all your lovely posts. Great pics.
Karen Booth says
Thanks very much Angela, I am very pleased with this recipe and it proves that low calories does not mean unimaginative food! Karen
Maya Russell says
Fabulously healthy.
Karen Booth says
Thanks Maya!
Fiona Matters says
Looks gorgeous – hadn’t realised it was steamed in cabbage till the end! I concur with the sweet chilli dip idea. Everything is better with sweet chilli dip.
Karen Booth says
I agree about sweet chilli dip too, I love the stuff, must check calorie count for it for fast days and never mind on non fast days! Karen
WandaFish says
This looks real treat yourself food! I’ll be trying it soon 🙂
Erin S says
What a beautiful dish. That’s my Chinese New Year’s dinner party sorted ! Thank you. x
Karen Booth says
I am so pleased! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we did! Karen
Jen Schofield says
Never really tried doing Chinese, but I will defintely give this a go!
Karen Booth says
These are so easy and VERY tasty Jen!
Rachael says
I made this tonight and it was fantastic. For the first time since I started 5:2, I genuinely felt full by the end with this dish. In fact, I could have probably left a bit, if it hadn’t tasted so good!
Karen Booth says
THANKS so much for the positive feedback, they are lovely little parcels aren’t they? I am so pleased you enjoyed them! I have a NEW Asian inspired recipe posted, Chinese Chicken Egg Roll Wraps, that you might enjoy! Karen
Andrew Petrie says
I have never eaten steamed fish but it must be the ultimate healthy meal and itlooks the business!
abi rolfe says
sounds simply divine!
Lisa Williams says
This is perfect I have bookmarked this to try at the weekend it looks amazing it is my perfect meal thank you so much 🙂
Maya Russell says
Shared on Twitter as @maisietoo – https://twitter.com/maisietoo/status/330220072444497922