Demoli's fish stew recipe

Demoli Fish Stew: A Culinary Journey from Northeast China

Demoli fish stew, a beloved Northeast Chinese dish, warms hearts with its rich broth and fresh ingredients. Named after Demoli Village in Heilongjiang, this recipe blends simplicity with bold flavors, perfect for family gatherings. Here’s a step-by-step guide to recreate this iconic meal.

Ingredients:

1 whole freshwater fish (mandarin fish or grass carp, 1.5–2 kg), tofu (firm, 300g), wood ear mushrooms (50g), vermicelli (50g), pork belly (100g), and a medley of vegetables (carrots, cabbage, bean sprouts). Seasonings include soy sauce, cooking wine, salt, sugar, ginger, garlic, green onions, and chili peppers (optional).

Instructions:

1. Prep: Clean the fish, score diagonally, and marinate in 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp cooking wine, and ginger for 15 minutes. Soak wood ear mushrooms and vermicelli until soft. Cut tofu into cubes, and slice pork belly into thin strips.

2. Sauté: Heat oil in a large pot. Stir-fry pork belly until crispy, then add ginger, garlic, and green onions. Toss in the fish, searing both sides lightly.

3. Simmer: Pour in 4 cups of water, add mushrooms, tofu, and carrots. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Season with soy sauce, salt, and sugar.

4. Finish: Add vermicelli, cabbage, and bean sprouts. Cook for 5 more minutes until the fish is tender and broth is flavorful. Garnish with extra green onions and serve hot with rice.

This hearty stew balances umami, freshness, and a hint of spice, embodying the rustic charm of Northeast China. Enjoy this comforting dish that turns simple ingredients into a memorable feast!