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Steamed Maya Maya
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How to Cook Steamed Maya Maya (Red Snapper)

Steamed maya maya is a tender and flavorful Filipino dish featuring fresh red snapper steamed to perfection and topped with a savory blend of aromatics and sauce.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Total Time18 minutes
Course: Fish Recipe
Cuisine: Filipino
Keyword: red snapper, steamed maya maya
Servings: 3 servings
Calories: 165kcal
Author: Manny

Ingredients

  • 3/4 kilo fresh maya maya or lapu-lapu red snapper
  • 3 Tbsp cooking oil
  • 2 pcs scallions cut into 1-1/2 inch long
  • 3 Tbsp ginger finely chopped
  • 3 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp rice wine or sherry
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 tsp fine salt
  • 3 stalks onion leeks chopped

Instructions

How to cook Steamed Maya-Maya:

  • Wash and clean fish thoroughly and remove internal organs, gills and scales.
  • Pat dry with a paper towel and place on a heat proof platter.
  • Prepare a steamer that can fit the platter and steam the fish in full boil until cooked.
  • Turn off heat and allow the fish to set for about 5 minutes.
  • In a wok, heat oil and saute scallion and ginger.
  • Add the remaining ingredients and the drippings from the steamed fish.
  • Simmer and pour over steamed fish. Garnish with leeks on top. Serve hot.

Notes

Cooking Tips:

Choose the Freshest Maya Maya for Best Results

The quality of the fish is the foundation of this dish, so always select the freshest maya-maya you can find. Look for fish with bright, clear eyes, shiny scales, and vibrant red gills, as these are telltale signs of freshness. Using fresh fish ensures a sweet, natural flavor that shines through the simplicity of steaming.

Pat the Fish Dry Before Steaming

After cleaning the fish, gently pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This step helps reduce any "malansa" (fishy) odor and allows the seasonings and sauce to adhere better to the fish. A dry surface also ensures even cooking and prevents the fish from becoming overly watery during steaming.

Don’t Oversteam to Keep the Fish Tender

Timing is everything when steaming maya maya, as overcooking can make the fish tough and dry. Steam the fish just until the flesh turns opaque and easily flakes with a fork. Allow it to rest for a few minutes off the heat to let the juices redistribute, resulting in a moist and flavorful dish.