Revealing the 'divine' secret to a rich, 'standard' braised fish dish from the West

Western Braised Fish - Unforgettable Countryside Flavor

Braised fish, a famous specialty of the Mekong Delta, always has a strange attraction for anyone who has ever enjoyed it. The rich, spicy flavor, combined with the natural sweetness of fresh fish, creates an irresistible culinary symphony.

Each family in the West has its own secret to creating a standard braised fish dish, but in general, it all aims for harmony between the ingredients, spices, and braising techniques.

Secrets to Choosing Fresh Ingredients - The Key to 'Divine' Braised Fish

Choose fresh, firm fish:

Braised fish is best when made from fresh, freshly caught fish. You should choose live fish that swim well, have bright eyes, shiny scales, and firm flesh.

Some types of fish commonly used for braising are: snakehead fish, basa fish, catfish, perch... Depending on your preference, you can choose the appropriate type of fish.

Indispensable 'Divine' Spices:

• Fresh Coconut Water: Fresh coconut water is the soul of Western braised fish. The natural sweetness of coconut water helps the fish become tender, flavorful, and more delicious.
• Palm Sugar: Palm sugar brings a beautiful caramel color and a characteristic rich sweetness to the dish.
• Good Fish Sauce: Good fish sauce is an important factor determining the richness of the braising liquid. You should choose pure fish sauce with a high protein content.
• Shallots, Garlic, Chili: This trio of spices is indispensable in any Western dish, creating a characteristic fragrant, spicy flavor.
• Pepper, Pork Belly: Ground pepper and pork belly contribute to adding an attractive and fatty flavor to the braised fish.

Western Braised Fish Recipe - 'Addictive' from the First Try

Ingredient Preparation:

• Clean the fish, cut into bite-sized pieces, marinate with salt, pepper, minced shallots, minced garlic, and a little fish sauce for about 30 minutes for the fish to absorb the flavors.
• Wash the pork belly, cut into small pieces.
• Mince shallots and garlic. Slice chili.

Steps:

1. First Braise: Put the pork belly in a clay pot, stir-fry until the meat is firm and releases fat. Remove the meat and set aside.
2. Arrange the Fish in the Pot: Arrange the marinated fish in the clay pot, pour the braising liquid (caramelized sugar with water) on top to create a beautiful color.
3. Add Spices: Add fresh coconut water, fish sauce, palm sugar, minced shallots, minced garlic, and chili to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the fish is cooked through and tender, absorbing the flavors.
4. Second Braise: When the braising liquid has reduced, add the fried pork belly to braise together. Continue braising until the liquid thickens and the fish turns a beautiful caramel brown.
5. Presentation and Enjoyment: Sprinkle with ground pepper and sliced chili on top. Serve the braised fish on a plate, eat hot with white rice and boiled vegetables.

Delicious Cooking Secrets - Experience in Cooking 'Standard' Western Braised Fish

• Choose a Clay Pot for Braising Fish: Clay pots retain heat well, helping the fish cook evenly, become tender and delicious, and retain the traditional flavor.
• Simmer on Low Heat: Braising the fish on low heat helps it cook slowly, absorb the flavors evenly, and prevent burning.
• Avoid Stirring the Fish Too Much: Stirring the fish too much will cause it to break apart and lose its aesthetic appeal.
• Season to Taste: You can adjust the amount of seasoning to suit your taste.
• Enjoy While Hot: Braised fish is best when eaten hot, dipped in the rich braising liquid.

Western Braised Fish - A Dish Rich in Hometown Affection

Braised fish is not just a delicious dish, but also contains the affection and characteristic culinary culture of the Western people. The rich, unforgettable flavor of this dish will always be etched in the minds of those who have ever enjoyed it.

Try your hand at cooking a standard Western braised fish dish according to the recipe above to treat your family and friends. Surely you will receive countless compliments and become a master chef in everyone's eyes!