The Art of Making Spicy Boiled Fish - A Step-by-Step Guide

水煮鱼 (Shuǐzhǔ yú), also known as Spicy Boiled Fish, is a popular Sichuan dish that is loved by many for its fiery flavor and tender fish. Despite its name, the dish is not actually boiled but rather simmered gently in a flavorful broth. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of making your own delicious Spicy Boiled Fish at home.

Ingredients:

• 500g white fish fillets
• 50g Sichuan peppercorns
• 50g dried red chili peppers
• 50ml vegetable oil
• 50g ginger, sliced
• 50g garlic, minced
• 50g doubanjiang (fermented broad bean paste)
• 50g Chinese rice wine
• 50g soy sauce
• 50g sugar
• 500ml chicken stock
• 50g green onions, chopped
• 50g cilantro, chopped

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

Cut the fish fillets into bite-sized pieces and season with salt. Set aside while you prepare the broth.

Step 2: Make the Broth

Heat the vegetable oil in a wok over medium heat. Add the Sichuan peppercorns and dried red chili peppers, and stir-fry until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Remove the peppercorns and chili peppers from the oil, and set them aside. Leave the infused oil in the wok.

Add the ginger and garlic to the infused oil, and stir-fry until aromatic. Stir in the doubanjiang and cook for a minute to release its flavors. Next, pour in the Chinese rice wine, soy sauce, sugar, and chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Cook the Fish

Gently slide the seasoned fish fillets into the simmering broth. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and tender. Be careful not to overcook the fish, as it can become tough and rubbery.

Step 4: Serve

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fish to a serving plate and garnish with the reserved Sichuan peppercorns, dried red chili peppers, green onions, and cilantro. Pour some of the flavorful broth over the fish.

Finally, you can enjoy your homemade Spicy Boiled Fish with a steaming bowl of rice or noodles. The dish is best known for its bold and numbing flavor that comes from the Sichuan peppercorns, which combine with the heat of the dried red chili peppers to create a tingling sensation on your taste buds.

Remember, water-boiled fish can be quite spicy, so adjust the amount of chili peppers according to your preference. Don't forget to have a glass of cold water or a refreshing beverage handy to cool your palate if it gets too intense!

Now that you know the secrets of making an authentic Spicy Boiled Fish, why not gather the necessary ingredients and give it a try in your own kitchen? Impress your family and friends with this delicious Sichuan specialty!