This recipe for Crispy Fish Braised with Pickled Cucumber offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors, showcasing the delicate sweetness of the fish against the tangy crunch of the pickled cucumber. Imagine flaky, perfectly cooked fish swimming in a savory, aromatic broth, punctuated by the bright acidity of the cucumbers. This dish is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight meal for those seeking a sophisticated yet approachable culinary experience. The unique combination of crispy fish and refreshing pickled cucumbers creates a truly unforgettable taste sensation.
Forget complicated techniques and lengthy prep times; this recipe focuses on achieving maximum flavor with minimal effort. The result is a stunning dish that is both visually appealing and incredibly delicious, guaranteed to impress your family and friends. To learn how to recreate this culinary masterpiece at home, let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
- Paper towels
- Knife
- Blender or mortar
- Frying pan
- Large pot
Ingredients
- Carp fish: 1.44 kg
- Pork belly: 200g
- Pickled cucumber: 500g
- Tomatoes: 400g
- Green onions: 70g
- Dill: 90g
- Coriander: 30g
- Lemon: 1
- Non-spicy chili peppers: 2
- Spicy chili peppers: 5
- Fresh turmeric: 90g
- Shallots: 5
- Ginger root: 20g
- Vinegar
- Salt
- Sugar: 2 tablespoons
- MSG: 1/2 tablespoon
- Fish sauce: 1 teaspoon
- Cooking oil
- Water: 1.5 liters
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Fish and Ingredients
- Clean the carp, removing the intestines and gills. Keep the other parts intact. Wash thoroughly with vinegar and salt, then rinse again to remove slime. Dry the fish with paper towels.
- Wash and squeeze the pickled cucumber to remove excess water. Chop the tomatoes, green onions, dill, coriander, chili peppers (remove seeds), and shallots. Peel and chop the ginger.
- Peel and wash the fresh turmeric. Blend or pound it into a puree. Juice the lemon and remove the seeds.
- Cut the fish into smaller pieces for easier frying.
Step 2. Fry the Fish and Sauté Aromatics
- Heat cooking oil in a frying pan and fry the fish until golden brown and crispy on both sides (approximately 4-5 minutes per side).
- Heat cooking oil in a large pot. Add the pork belly and stir-fry until golden brown and slightly burnt on the edges.
- Add the chili, ginger, and shallots, stir-fry until fragrant. Then add the pickled cucumber and half of the tomatoes. Stir-fry for about 1 minute.
Step 3. Braising the Fish
- Add 1.5 liters of water, sugar, MSG, salt, fish sauce, and turmeric puree (or powder). Stir well until the color turns golden yellow.
- Add the remaining tomatoes and stir until the broth is to your liking. Add more salt if needed.
- Cover the pot and bring to a boil. Add the fried carp, ensuring it's submerged in the broth. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, occasionally scooping out excess froth.
Step 4. Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with dill, green onions, coriander, and chopped chili peppers before serving. Serve hot with rice or noodles.
Read more: Vietnamese Braised Pork Ribs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Choose pork belly with some fat for a more flavorful dish.
- Use a non-stick pan for easier frying and better fish presentation.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the fish.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Be careful not to overcook the fish, or it will break easily.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 1500-1800
- Fat: 80-100g
- Carbs: 60-80g
- Protein: 100-120g
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of fish for this recipe?
Yes! Firm, white-fleshed fish like cod, snapper, or tilapia work best. Avoid overly delicate fish that might fall apart during braising.
2. How can I make the fish extra crispy?
Ensure the fish is completely dry before cooking. A good pat down with paper towels helps. You can also use a cornstarch or potato starch dredge for an extra crispy exterior.
This Crispy Fish Braised with Pickled Cucumber recipe is a testament to the magic of simple ingredients and clever techniques. The resulting dish is both satisfying and refreshing, a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. Enjoy this easy-to-make yet impressive meal!