Dive into a culinary adventure with this vibrant and flavorful Tiger Fish Hotpot recipe! Imagine a bubbling pot brimming with tender, flaky tiger fish, immersed in a fragrant broth infused with exotic spices and fresh herbs. This isn't your average hotpot; it's a journey for the taste buds, a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and savory notes that will leave you wanting more. The rich, succulent fish is perfectly complemented by an array of colorful vegetables, creating a visually stunning and incredibly delicious meal.
This unique hotpot recipe is surprisingly easy to make, even for novice cooks. We'll guide you through each step, ensuring a perfectly balanced and unforgettable dining experience. Ready to embark on this culinary adventure? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions below!
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Pan
- Knife
- Spoon
- Gloves
Ingredients
- Pre-shredded catfish cakes: 400g
- Pork bones: 500g
- Garlic: 10 cloves
- Shallots: 2
- Chili peppers: 3
- Duck or chicken egg white: 1
- Tapioca starch: 1 spoon
- White radish: 3 bulbs
- Onion: 1
- Green onions
- Coriander
- Seafood mushrooms: 150g
- Malabar spinach
- Enoki mushrooms: 150g
- Chinese clematis (quail cabbage)
- Seasonings
- Fish sauce
- Cooking oil
- Salt
- Sugar
- MSG
- Ground pepper
- Seasoning powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Broth
- Cut white radish, bitter melon (remove seeds), green onions, and coriander. Clean and separate enoki mushrooms and seafood mushrooms. Soak vegetables in salt water.
- Fry garlic until golden brown. Set aside fried garlic and reserve garlic oil.
- Blanch pork bones in boiling water to remove impurities and odor.
- Simmer pork bones in 2 liters of water with white radish, onion, and coriander for 40 minutes to create a flavorful broth.
- After 40 minutes of simmering, check the pork bones for tenderness. Remove bones and some radish. Season the remaining broth with seasoning powder, sugar, salt, and MSG.
Step 2. Create Tiger Fish Cakes
- In a bowl, combine pre-shredded catfish cakes, chopped onions, shallots, minced garlic, duck egg white, tapioca starch, fried garlic oil, and seasonings. Mix well with oiled gloves.
- Shape the fish cake mixture into a ball, then spread it evenly on an oiled plate, decorating it with sliced chili peppers.
Step 3. Season and Simmer Broth
- After 40 minutes of simmering, check the pork bones for tenderness. Remove bones and some radish. Season the remaining broth with seasoning powder, sugar, salt, and MSG.
Step 4. Cook and Serve Hotpot
- Add vegetables and the fish cakes to the hotpot broth. Simmer for 1-2 minutes before serving.
Read more: Saigon's Famous Fish Hot Pot: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Cut bitter melon slices not too thin for a crispier texture.
- Don't over-fry the garlic; remove from heat when slightly yellow.
- Using gloves helps to mix the fish cake ingredients evenly and prevents sticking.
- Add fried garlic at the end of cooking to maintain its crispness.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 1200-1500
- Fat: 60-80g
- Carbs: 70-90g
- Protein: 80-100g
FAQs
1. Can I substitute tiger fish with another type of fish?
Yes! Firm, white fish like cod, snapper, or halibut work well. Adjust cooking time as needed, depending on the fish's thickness.
2. What if I don't have all the listed spices?
Don't worry! Feel free to adapt the recipe to your spice rack. The core flavors are ginger, garlic, and chili, so focus on those if needed. You can omit less essential spices.
3. How can I make this hotpot spicier or milder?
For spicier hotpot, add more chili peppers or a dash of chili oil. For a milder version, reduce or omit the chili altogether. You can also adjust the amount of soy sauce to balance the flavors.
This Sweet & Refreshing Tiger Fish Hotpot is a delightful culinary experience, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. The unique combination of flavors and textures will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling refreshed and satisfied. Enjoy this delicious and easy-to-make recipe, and don't hesitate to experiment with different vegetables and spices to create your own personalized version!