fried carp recipe

How to Cook Douban Fish: A Complete Guide

Douban Fish, a iconic Sichuan dish, balances numbing spiciness, savory flavors, and tender fish. Here’s a step-by-step guide to mastering it.

Ingredients: 1 whole grass carp (or tilapia), 3 tbsp Doubanjiang (broad bean paste), 2 tbsp fermented black beans, 1 ginger slice, 2 garlic cloves, 1 green onion, 1 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tsp sugar, 2 tbsp cooking wine, 4-5 dried chili peppers (optional), starch, and vegetable oil.

Steps:

1. Prep the Fish: Clean the fish, score diagonal cuts on both sides, and marinate with 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp cooking wine, and starch for 15 minutes.

2. Make the Sauce: Mix 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp cooking wine, 1 tsp sugar, and 100ml water.

3. Stir-Fry: Heat oil in a wok. Sauté ginger, garlic, and dried chilies until fragrant. Add Doubanjiang and black beans, stir-fry until red oil appears.

4. Cook the Fish: Place fish in the wok, gently pour sauce over it. Simmer 5-7 minutes over medium heat, basting occasionally.

5. Garnish and Serve: Top with chopped green onions. Serve hot with steamed rice for the full experience.

Tips: For extra umami, use fresh river fish. Adjust Doubanjiang to control spiciness. Enjoy this restaurant-quality dish at home!