Name: Steamed Sole with Black Bean Sauce
Yield: Serves 4 to 6
Ingredients: One 1 1/4 pound sole, cleaned and gutted, with head and tail intact; 1/2 plus 1/8 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons Chinese dried black beans (dul see); 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 1/2 teaspoon sugar; 3/4 sesame oil; 3/4 teaspoon Shao Hsing rice cooking wine; 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon finely shredded ginger; 1 scallion, finely shredded; 1 tablespoon thin soy sauce

One of the secrets of steaming sole is to season the fish just before cooking. If the fish sits too long with the seasonings, the salt will extract water from the fish and, consequently, the fish will be less juicy. Try to choose a fish not longer than 14 inches, so that it will hang over the plate by no more than 1 1/2 inches on each end but will still fit in the steamer.

It is not necessary to purchase lemon sole for this recipe; just be sure the fish is very fresh and has the head and tail intact.

Recipe notes

Chocolate Guinness Cake

A generous glug of stout gives this snackable loaf a malty depth.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans

This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Speedy Chicken Stroganoff

This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.

Cod With Lemon Butter Sauce

A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.