Gathering Ingredients for Water Boiled Fish

To prepare a delicious 水煮鱼 (water boiled fish), start by ensuring you have all the necessary ingredients. You’ll need fresh fish fillets, fish heads, and fish steaks, all washed and drained. Separate these into two bowls. For seasoning, mix salt, starch, and cooking wine, and then pour this marinade over the fish to enhance the flavor. Additionally, prepare your vegetables by washing and sorting them based on type. Finally, slice ginger and garlic, ready for cooking.

Creating the Flavorful Broth

Next, heat 10ml of oil in a pan over high heat, then reduce to medium-low. Add doubanjiang (spicy bean paste), ginger, garlic, and half of the Sichuan peppercorns, stirring until fragrant and the oil turns a vibrant red. Pour in stock or plain water, followed by the fish heads, steaks, and your vegetables. Bring this mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and carefully remove all the ingredients into a serving bowl.

Finishing Touches for a Perfect Dish

With the broth still bubbling, increase the heat again to bring it back to a boil. Gently add the fish slices, cooking them for no more than 60 seconds until they turn white. Quickly transfer everything to the previously prepared bowl of vegetables and sprinkle the remaining Sichuan peppercorns and chili flakes on top. For the finishing touch, heat an additional 40ml of oil until it’s very hot and pour it over the ingredients in the bowl, letting the oil sizzle and enhance the final dish.