braised fish pieces

How to Make Braised Fish Cubes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Braised fish cubes, a beloved Chinese dish, offer tender fish in a savory, umami-rich sauce. Here’s a simple yet authentic recipe to recreate it at home.

Ingredients: 500g white fish (like sea bass or cod), cut into 2-inch cubes; 2 tbsp cooking oil; 3 sliced garlic; 1 tbsp ginger, julienned; 2 green onions, chopped; 2 tbsp light soy sauce; 1 tbsp dark soy sauce; 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine; 1 tsp sugar; 1 cup water; 1 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water); optional chili flakes for heat.

Steps:

1. Prepare the fish: Rinse fish cubes and pat dry. Marinate with 1 tsp light soy sauce and 1/2 tsp Shaoxing wine for 10 minutes.

2. Sear the fish: Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add fish cubes and sear until golden (1-2 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.

3. Make the sauce: In the same wok, sauté garlic, ginger, and green onions until fragrant. Return fish to the wok.

4. Simmer: Pour in remaining soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

5. Thicken: Add cornstarch slurry, stir gently until the sauce thickens (1-2 minutes). Adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve hot with steamed rice to savor the flavorful sauce and tender fish. Enjoy this comforting dish that balances sweetness, saltiness, and aromatic spices!