braised fish recipe

• If using whole fish, clean and gut the fish, then rinse them well under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels.
• Season the fish inside and out with a pinch of salt and pepper.

2. Sear the Fish:

• Heat the oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Once hot, carefully place the fish in the pan. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. You don’t need to cook them fully; just give them a nice color for added flavor.
• Remove the fish from the pan and set aside.

3. Prepare the Braising Liquid:

• In the same pan, add the sliced onions, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
• Add the dried shiitake mushrooms (if using) and cook for an additional minute.
• Add the soy sauce, fish sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, chicken broth (or water), and sesame oil (if using). Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.

4. Braise the Fish:

• Carefully place the browned fish back into the pan, spooning some of the braising liquid over them.
• Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let the fish braise for 10-15 minutes (if using fillets, braise for about 5-7 minutes), until the fish is cooked through and the flavors meld.
• If the fish is whole, you can occasionally spoon the braising liquid over the fish to keep it moist.

5. Finish and Serve:

• Taste the braising liquid and adjust the seasoning by adding a little extra soy sauce or sugar if needed.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced chili peppers for a pop of color and added flavor.
• Serve the braised fish with steamed rice and vegetables on the side.

Tips:

• Fish Options: You can use any firm fish that holds up well during braising, such as snapper, tilapia, or cod. Whole fish are preferable for a more traditional look, but fish fillets will work just as well.
• Flavor Variations: Feel free to add other aromatics like star anise, cinnamon stick, or lemongrass for extra flavor depth.
• Vegetable Addition: You can also add vegetables like mushrooms, bok choy, or spinach to the braising liquid to make it a more substantial dish.

Enjoy your Braised Fish — a flavorful, savory, and comforting dish that’s easy to make!