Steamed Fish Head with Double Chili Peppers

Steamed Fish Head with Double Chili Peppers

Some recipes are not just about taste, but about stories and traditions. This steamed fish head with double chili peppers (双椒鱼头) is one of those dishes. Found in an old calendar collection, it carries both the bold flavors of Sichuan-inspired cooking and the warmth of a home-cooked family meal.

This dish highlights the prized fish head, celebrated in many Asian cuisines for its tender texture and rich collagen. The double chili (red and green) adds not only a fiery kick but also a bright aroma that pairs beautifully with the delicate fish.

 Ingredients

• 1 large fish head (cleaned and halved)

• 1 tbsp cooking wine

• ½ tsp ground white pepper

• ½ tsp salt

• 2–3 tbsp chopped chili (red chili or pickled chili for authentic flavor)

• 1 splash of strong Chinese white liquor (baijiu)

• 2–3 slices ginger

• 2 scallions (cut into sections)

• 1 tbsp light soy sauce (steamed fish soy sauce preferred)

• 2 tbsp hot oil

Method

1. Rub the fish head with cooking wine, white pepper, and salt. Marinate for about 20 minutes.

2. Mix the chopped chili with a splash of strong baijiu (Chinese white liquor) and set aside.

3. Brush the marinated fish head with a little oil to keep it moist.

4. Place ginger slices and scallion sections on the bottom of a heatproof dish.

5. Arrange the fish head on top, then spread the chili mixture evenly over it.

6. Prepare a steamer with boiling water. Place the dish inside, cover, and steam over high heat for about 10 minutes (depending on the size of the fish head).

7. Carefully remove the dish, pour off any excess liquid, then drizzle with a little light soy sauce.

8. Heat oil until just smoking, then pour it over the chili-topped fish head to release the fragrance. 

Fish head is prized for its high collagen content, making the meat around the cheeks and jaw tender and silky. It’s also a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and nutrients that support brain and skin health. Paired with chili, this dish stimulates the appetite and warms the body.

Pin! Steamed Fish Head with Double Chili Peppers 

This recipe is more than just steamed fish — it’s a feast for the senses. The fragrance of sizzling chili oil, the tender fish flesh, and the nostalgic connection to old kitchen traditions make it a dish worth revisiting.

If you’ve never tried cooking with fish head before, this recipe is a great introduction. It may look humble, but as this old calendar collection shows — some of the most flavorful dishes are hidden in the simplest places.