braise local fish

How to Cook Braised Flatfish: A Complete Guide

Braised flatfish, a beloved Chinese dish, delights with its tender flesh and savory sauce. Here’s a simple yet delicious recipe to master it at home.

Ingredients: 2 fresh flatfish (cleaned and sliced), 3 ginger slices, 2 scallions (cut), 3 cloves (smashed), 1 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, 1 tsp sugar, 200ml water, and vegetable oil for frying.

Steps:

1. Prep the fish: Pat dry the flatfish slices, rub with a pinch of salt and ginger, and marinate for 15 minutes.

2. Sear the fish: Heat oil in a wok over medium heat. Pan-fry the fish until golden on both sides (about 2 minutes per side), then set aside.

3. Make the sauce: In the same wok, sauté ginger, scallions, and cloves until fragrant. Add light/dark soy sauce, sugar, and Shaoxing wine, stir briefly.

4. Braise: Return the fish to the wok, pour in water, and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook on low heat for 8–10 minutes until the fish is tender.

5. Thicken the sauce: Uncover, increase heat slightly, and cook until the sauce thickens slightly. Garnish with extra scallions.

Serve hot with steamed rice. The key is not to overcook the fish to keep it moist. Enjoy this umami-rich dish that’s sure to impress!