
Delicious Asian Style Boiled Carp Fillet
Nutritional value per serving
Calories250kcal
Carbs4gram
Fat7gram
Protein30gram
Ingredients
- Carp fillet (fresh, skin-on) - choose firm, fresh fish without fishy smell400 g
- Ginger (fresh, sliced) - select fresh ginger that is firm and smooth30 g
- Garlic cloves (crushed) - fresh garlic bulbs with tight skin are best3 piece
- Green onions (chopped) - choose fresh, bright green stalks2 stalk
- Soy sauce (light) - use a good quality brand for better flavor2 tbsp
- Water - filtered or clean tap water1000 ml
- Salt - use iodized or sea salt1 tsp
- White pepper - freshly ground if possible0.5 tsp
- Cilantro (optional for garnish)a handful n/a

This Asian style boiled carp fillet recipe is a simple, healthy, and flavorful meal that even beginners can master. With clean, aromatic broth and delicate texture of the carp, this dish is perfect for a quick dinner or a nutritious lunch. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $6 USD / €5.5 / £4.5 / ₹450, and the dish contains around 250 kcal per serving. This recipe is gluten-free and fits well in a low-fat, high-protein diet. Difficulty is easy to medium, with about 10 minutes preparation and 20 minutes cooking time. Enjoy a fuss-free, nutritious meal with this foolproof recipe!
Preparation instructions
Prepare ingredients
1Slice the fresh ginger into thin slices. Peel and crush the garlic cloves. Chop the green onions, separating the white and green parts. Rinse the carp fillet under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels. This helps remove any scales or residue and ensures clean fish.
Boil the aromatics
2In a medium pot, add the 1000 ml of water. Add the sliced ginger, crushed garlic, and the white parts of the green onion. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. This step takes about 5 minutes. Boiling aromatics infuses flavor into the broth.
Add the carp fillet
3Once the broth is boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the carp fillet gently. Add salt and white pepper. Let it simmer gently. Avoid high heat to prevent breaking the delicate fish. Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes. The internal temperature of the fish should reach at least 63°C (145°F) for optimal safety and doneness.
Check doneness
4To check if the carp fillet is cooked, insert a fork into the thickest part of the fish and gently twist. The flesh should flake easily and be opaque. Also, the internal temperature measured with a food thermometer should be at least 63°C (145°F). Safe internal temperature ensures fish is safe to eat.
Finish and serve
5Turn off the heat. Add soy sauce to the broth and stir gently. Transfer the carp fillet to a serving dish, pour some hot broth over it, and garnish with chopped green onion tops and cilantro leaves if using. Serve immediately with steamed rice or vegetables.
Cooking Tips
-Always use a food thermometer to check fish doneness to prevent undercooking.
-Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw fish and other ingredients.
-If you like a spicier broth, add a sliced chili pepper when boiling aromatics.
-If fresh carp is not available, you can substitute with another firm white fish like catfish or tilapia.
Equipment Needed
- Medium pot with lid
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Food thermometer
- Serving dish
Shopping List
- [ ] Carp fillet (400g): approx. $4.00. Choose fresh, firm fillets without smell.
- [ ] Fresh ginger (30g): approx. $0.50. Look for firm, smooth skin.
- [ ] Garlic (3 cloves): approx. $0.20. Pick bulbs that are tight and dry.
- [ ] Green onions (2 stalks): approx. $0.30. Bright green, fresh to touch.
- [ ] Soy sauce (light, 2 tbsp): approx. $0.40. Choose good quality for flavor.
- [ ] Salt (1 tsp): approx. $0.05. Iodized or sea salt works well.
- [ ] White pepper (0.5 tsp): approx. $0.20. Freshly ground preferred.
- [ ] Cilantro (handful, optional): approx. $0.50. Fresh green leaves.
Total cost: approx. $6.15
FAQ
What is the safe internal temperature for cooked fish?
Fish should be cooked to an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) to ensure it is safe to eat.
Can I use frozen carp fillets for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen fillets but make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure even cooking and safety.
How can I tell if the carp fillet is done without a thermometer?
The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque throughout.
Can I add other vegetables to the broth?
Yes, you can add vegetables like bok choy or mushrooms to the broth during simmering for extra flavor and nutrition.