Introduction to Chongqing Spicy Grilled Fish
Chongqing spicy grilled fish, known for its bold flavors and aromatic spices, is a popular dish from the Chinese city of Chongqing. This recipe features grass carp, but you can substitute it with other types of fish such as carp. The dish is loaded with spices and accompanied by a variety of vegetables that can be customized to suit your preferences.
Ingredients for Chongqing Spicy Grilled Fish
To prepare this flavorful dish, you will need the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 grass carp (or any other fish) weighing around 1.5 kg
- 50g celery
- 1 green bamboo shoot
- 1 loofah
- Optional: lotus root, dried tofu, cucumber, potato
- 20g ginger
- 100g garlic
- 100g dried chili peppers
- 20g pickled peppers
- 15g Sichuan peppercorns
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) Pixian bean paste
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) fermented black bean paste
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) soy sauce
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon (5g) sugar
- A pinch of chicken essence
- 250ml fresh broth
- Cooking oil
Marinade for Fish:
- Green onion segments
- Ginger slices
- Salt
- Cooking wine
- Chili powder
- Sichuan pepper powder
- Cumin powder
- Soy sauce
- Oil
Steps to Prepare Chongqing Spicy Grilled Fish
1. Clean the freshly slaughtered grass carp thoroughly, trim off the fins, and make diagonal cuts on both sides of the fish. Next, cut along the fishbone to partially separate the fish into two halves connected at the back. Rub the fish with green onion segments, ginger slices, 1 tablespoon (5ml) of cooking wine, and 1 teaspoon (5g) of salt. Marinate for 10 minutes.
Grilling and Serving
2. Place the marinated fish on a baking tray lined with aluminum foil. Lay ginger slices and green onion segments underneath the fish, then brush the fish surface with oil and soy sauce. Sprinkle chili powder, Sichuan pepper powder, and cumin powder generously. Preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius. Grill the fish for 20 minutes using both the upper and lower heating elements. You can take the fish out halfway to brush it with more oil and soy sauce.
This recipe offers a way to experience the distinct and delightful taste of Chongqing cuisine right at home. Enjoy your spicy grilled fish with a bowl of steamed rice or your favorite side dishes!
