braised pomfret

How to Cook Braised Pomfret: A Complete Guide

Braised pomfret, 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: 1 fresh pomfret (about 500g), 3 slices of ginger, 2 cloves of garlic, 2 scallions, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tsp Shaoxing wine, 1 tsp sugar, 200ml water, and vegetable oil for frying.

Steps:

1. Prep the fish: Clean the pomfret, score both sides diagonally, and pat dry. Season lightly with salt.

2. Fry to perfection: Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Fry the fish until golden brown on both sides (about 3-4 minutes per side). Set aside.

3. Make the sauce: In the same wok, sauté ginger, garlic, and scallions until fragrant. Add soy sauces, Shaoxing wine, sugar, and water, stirring to mix.

4. Braise the fish: Return the fish to the wok. Simmer over low heat for 8-10 minutes, spooning the sauce over it occasionally.

5. Finish and serve: Turn off the heat, let the fish steep in the sauce for 2 minutes. Garnish with extra scallions and serve hot with rice.

Tips: For extra flavor, add a pinch of five-spice powder or a dried chili. Ensure the oil is hot enough to prevent the fish from sticking. This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice, soaking up the rich, umami-rich sauce. Enjoy this restaurant-quality meal at home!