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How to Make Shui Zhu Yu (Water Boiled Fish Recipe) 水煮鱼

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Recipe Information

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Video-Specific Recipe

Shui Zhu Yu

Cultural Context

Shui Zhu Yu, or 'Water Boiled Fish', hails from Sichuan Province, known for its bold flavors and spicy dishes. Traditionally enjoyed in communal settings, it showcases the region's love for fresh ingredients and vibrant seasonings. This dish has gained popularity beyond China, with many variations emerging globally, making it a beloved choice for spice lovers everywhere.

SichuanCNSichuanmain
45 min
medium
4 servings
Servings4
1 (2 to 3 lbs / 1 to 1.3 kg) whole fish
or 2 white fish fillets (branzino, sea bass, snapper, or catfish)
1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon white pepper
1 egg white
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 cup Chinese dried chili peppers
2 tablespoons Sichuan peppercorns
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons canola oil (or other neutral oil)
4 cloves garlic
1" (2.5 cm) ginger
3 green onions
5 Chinese dried chili peppers
3 tablespoons Doubanjiang
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon mushroom powder
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
2 cups bean sprouts
1 cup chopped Chinese celery
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon water

fish fillets

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: pollock

Tofu is a great plant-based alternative, while pollock is a less expensive fish option.

Sichuan peppercorns

💰Cheaper: black pepper

Black pepper can provide a different flavor profile at a lower cost.

soy sauce

🥗Healthier: low-sodium soy sauce

Low-sodium soy sauce reduces sodium intake.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

Olive oil is a healthier fat option.

1

Prepare the fish by marinating it with Shaoxing wine, salt, white pepper, egg white, and cornstarch.

2

In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add smashed garlic, sliced ginger, and chopped green onions for flavor.

3

Carefully add the marinated fish to the boiling water and cook until just opaque, about 3-5 minutes.

4

Remove the fish from the pot and place it in a serving bowl.

5

In a separate pan, heat canola oil over medium heat until shimmering.

6

Add Chinese dried chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns to the hot oil and stir-fry until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

7

Add minced garlic, ginger, and sliced dried chili peppers to the oil and stir-fry for another minute.

8

Pour the hot oil mixture over the cooked fish in the serving bowl.

9

Drizzle with soy sauce, sugar, and sprinkle with chopped green onions and bean sprouts before serving.

Cooking Techniques

marinatingboilingstir-frying

Equipment Needed

large potserving bowlpanspatula

Spice Level:

🌶️🌶️🌶️Contains Alcohol

Allergens

fishsoy

Also Known As

Sichuan Boiled FishWater Boiled Fish

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