Tomakewater-cookedfish(水煮鱼),youwillneedthefollowingingredients:-1wholefish(usuallytilapiaorcatfish)-1cupcookingoil-2tablespoonsSichuanpeppercorns-1tablespoondriedchilipepperflakes-4-5clovesgarlic,minc
To make water-cooked fish (水煮鱼), you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 whole fish (usually tilapia or catfish)
- 1 cup cooking oil
- 2 tablespoons Sichuan peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon dried chili pepper flakes
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch ginger, minced
- 4-5 green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1 cup Napa cabbage, sliced
- 1 cup Chinese celery, sliced
- 1 cup enoki mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing rice wine
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt to taste
Here's the step-by-step method to make water-cooked fish:
1. Rinse the fish thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels. Cut the fish into 2 to 3-inch thick slices.
2. In a wok or deep skillet, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the Sichuan peppercorns and chili pepper flakes. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Remove the Sichuan peppercorns and chili pepper flakes, leaving the flavored oil in the wok.
4. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the flavored oil and stir-fry for another minute.
5. Add the green onions, bean sprouts, Napa cabbage, Chinese celery, and enoki mushrooms to the wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly cooked.
6. Add the soy sauce, Shaoxing rice wine, sugar, and salt to the wok. Stir to combine the flavors.
7. Carefully place the fish slices into the wok and gently stir the ingredients. Make sure the fish slices are partially submerged in the liquid.
8. Cover the wok and let the fish cook for about 5-7 minutes on medium heat until it is cooked through.
9. Carefully transfer the cooked fish and vegetables to a serving platter, making sure to keep the liquid in the wok.
10. Place the wok back on the stove and bring the liquid to a boil. Pour the boiling liquid over the fish and vegetables.
11. Garnish with additional green onions and chili pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice.
Enjoy your homemade water-cooked fish (水煮鱼)!
NOTE: Water-cooked fish is a popular Sichuan dish known for its spicy and numbing flavors. Adjust the amount of chili pepper flakes according to your spice preference.