#shahirahcooks Dinner for Family

My family came over on Saturday and husband and I hosted an impromptu dinner for them. Youngest brother wanted to come over and lepak for awhile before going home after Friday prayers. He blasted out a message in our family whatsapp group and that triggered my parents' interest to come over as well. I don't blame them la for jumping at the slightest chance. They had been wanting to come over but I did not allow as my house/kitchen is still bare and I feel bad for not being able to host them properly. 

As we have done our marketing the week before CNY, I agreed to let them come over as I felt we were able to feed them decently already. 

I decided to dress up the 2 pieces for sea bass we bought at such a deal (if $8 for 2 is a deal to you, then it's a deal la. To me macam cheap ah) and serve them with white rice. But according to Mama; 

Mama: fish aje? takde side dishes lain2? 

Me: abeh? nak side dishes ape lagi seh? I planned nak buat steam fish aje. 

Mama: goreng la sayur2 ke... 

Me: ok, we ajak ayah go Giant while the boys stay. 

Luckily Ayah was okay with the arrangement. I prepared the fishes first and wrapped them in plastic wrap to marinate for awhile in the fridge. Then Ayah drove us to Giant where we picked up 3 bunches of kangkung and its rencah. We decided to go instant as I don't have time to think! LOL! 

Back home, I forgot to grab a steamer stand so I had to make do with whatever I have currently. I placed a small but big enough bowl to hold the big plate with the 2 fishes. The way Mama does it is to steam in the microwave but I decided to go traditional. When the water started boiling vigorously, I balanced the plate carefully on the small bowl and cover with the lid. Thank goodness for the hugeass wok :P

While the fishes were in the sauna, I prepared the veggies for the kangkung belacan. Mama helped me cut them into smaller pieces. I dislike cutting kangkung cos there's too much of it but after cooking, they will wilt to almost nothing. Waste current only.

3 bunches of kangkung, wilted. Filled up 2 plates actually but still, looked so little.

my Tom Yum Steamed Fish ;9

... and my dinner table layout. 

The tablecloth was also a last minute purchase cos I do not want to stain my white tabletop and of cos, I just had to buy the grey colour one LOL!

Please dont laugh at my el cheapo plastic plates hahahahaha! I have yet to buy proper dining ware la. Maklum la, newly weds with a house in tow, banyak pakai duit dok! 

My steamed fishes turned out perfect, juicy and flavourful despite being marinated for awhile only whereas my kangkung...let's just say I will try to cook them from scratch in the near future.