Eating in China
Generated guide illustration: whole steamed Wuchang bream with shiitake and bamboo shoots.

Ezhou steamed Wuchang fish

鄂州清蒸武昌鱼Èzhōu qīngzhēng Wǔchāngyú

Whole steamed bream with mushrooms and bamboo shoots

A whole Wuchang fish is steamed with shiitake, winter bamboo shoots and clear chicken stock.

Heat
Region
Hubei
Type
Dishes
Order in Chinese

At the table

How to enjoy it

Take small portions and carefully remove bones before eating.

A useful check

Contains fish and chicken stock; small bones may remain.

How it may vary

The usual steamed version is not chili-hot; garnishes and seasonings vary by kitchen.

GET TO KNOW THE DISH

What goes into it?

Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.

Blunt-snout bream is the fish used for this preparation.

Recipes vary by restaurant.

How does it taste?

Savory fish and chicken-stock flavour.

Chili heat
Texture
Tender steamed flesh with bones still present.
How it’s made
Steam the prepared whole fish with shiitake, winter bamboo shoots and chicken stock.

Blunt-snout bream is the fish used for this preparation.

A CONNECTION TO PLACE

Origin & regional roots

Explore regional food

Associated with Hubei.

Ask if they have it first

ASK IF IT'S AVAILABLE

请问你们有鄂州清蒸武昌鱼吗?

Do you have this item?

A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ

Story & history

The Wuchang in Ezhou’s Fish

Wuchang in this fish’s name points to the old name of Ezhou, rather than today’s Wuchang district in Wuhan. Blunt-snout bream is the fish used here. Steaming it whole with shiitake, winter bamboo shoots and chicken stock keeps the fish at the centre of the dish. Serve portions from the platter and remove bones carefully; a whole steamed fish is not a boneless fillet.

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