16 Best Recipe For Szechuan Chinese Fish Dishes You Must Try Them!
Published on: Mar 22, 2024
When it comes to Chinese cuisine, one of the most popular and beloved dishes is Szechuan fish. Originating from the Szechuan province in China, this dish is known for its bold and spicy flavors. While there are many variations and interpretations of this dish, there are certain key ingredients and techniques that make for the best Szechuan Chinese fish dishes. In this article, we will explore the essential elements of a perfect Szechuan fish dish and share a tried and tested recipe for you to recreate at home. Get ready to elevate your cooking game with this mouth-watering and authentic Chinese dish.
Main Ingredients: Fish, Cooking Oil, Pepper, Salt, Herbs, Lemons, Fresh
One of the best ways to prepare a whole fish is by grilling it. This recipe for grilled whole fish with chili soy dipping sauce is sure to impress your friends and family at your next barbecue. The marinade is a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors, making it a crowd favorite.
Chinese fish soup is a staple in many Chinese households. It's a simple and comforting dish that is perfect for cold days or when you're feeling under the weather. The broth is made with a combination of fish, vegetables, and herbs, resulting in a flavorful and nourishing soup.
魚頭爐 or fish head hot pot is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine. It's a communal dish where a large pot of broth is simmered on the table and different ingredients are added to cook and eat together. The fish head is the star of the dish, adding a rich and savory flavor to the broth.
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Homemade Chinese Fish Balls…The Way They Should Be Made
Main Ingredients: Fish, Fillets, Salt, Ground White Pepper, Cornstarch
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Restaurant-style Chinese Steamed Fish
Main Ingredients: Fish, Ginger, Scallion, Cilantro Leaves, Cooking Oil
Steamed fish is a classic dish in Chinese restaurants, and for a good reason. It's simple, healthy, and delicious. The key to making a perfect steamed fish at home is using fresh ingredients and taking the time to properly prepare and steam the fish. This recipe will show you how to achieve restaurant-style steamed fish in the comfort of your own home.
Hot pot is a popular Chinese dining experience where various ingredients are cooked in a shared pot of simmering broth. It's perfect for large gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. This recipe will show you how to make a flavorful and spicy hot pot broth that pairs well with a variety of meats, seafood, and vegetables.
Roasting a whole fish is a simple and delicious way to enjoy fresh seafood. This Asian-style roasted whole fish is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, adding a punch of flavor to the delicate fish. The fish is then roasted until it's flaky and tender, making it a perfect main dish for any occasion.
Steamed fish is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine, and there are many variations of it. This recipe for Chinese steamed fish uses a simple and flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. The fish is steamed until it's perfectly cooked and then topped with a generous amount of scallions and cilantro.
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Easy Chinese Fish Congee (Bubur Ikan)
Main Ingredients: Long Grain Rice, Chicken Broth, Bouillon, Sole
Congee, also known as rice porridge, is a comforting and nourishing dish in Chinese cuisine. This recipe for easy Chinese fish congee is made with fish fillets, rice, and various herbs and spices. It's a great option for a light and healthy meal, and you can customize it with your favorite toppings.
Salt and pepper dishes are popular in Chinese cuisine, and this recipe for Chinese salt and pepper fish is no exception. The fish is coated in a crispy and flavorful batter made of flour, salt, and pepper before being deep-fried to perfection. It's a great dish to serve as an appetizer or main course.
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Chinese Steamed Bass Fish
Main Ingredients: Soy Sauce, Cooking Wine, Fish, Ginger, Green Onions
Bass fish is a popular and affordable option in Chinese markets and is often used in steamed fish dishes. This recipe for Chinese steamed bass fish is packed with umami flavors from the combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and black bean sauce. The result is a tender and flavorful fish that will please your taste buds.
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Ginger Soy Chinese Noodles
Main Ingredients: Fish, Rice Noodles, Crimini Mushrooms, Broccoli, Yellow
Noodles are a staple in Chinese cuisine, and this recipe for ginger soy Chinese noodles is a must-try. The noodles are cooked in a fragrant and savory sauce made with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce, resulting in a hearty and satisfying dish. Feel free to add your favorite protein or vegetables to make it a complete meal.
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Chinese Steamed Fish with Ginger and Shallots
Main Ingredients: Fish, Ginger, Shallots, Light Soy Sauce, Sugar, Water
Ginger and shallots are commonly used in Chinese cooking, and they pair perfectly with seafood. This recipe for Chinese steamed fish with ginger and shallots is simple yet flavorful. The key to this dish is using fresh and quality ingredients, as they will shine through in the final product.
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Chinese Rice Porridge (Sampan Congee)
Main Ingredients: Rice, Water, Char Siu, Pork, Fish, Squid, Shrimp
Rice porridge, also known as congee, is a popular breakfast option in China. It's a simple dish made with rice and water, and can be customized with various toppings and seasonings. This recipe for Chinese rice porridge, also known as sampan congee, is a flavorful and comforting dish that will warm your soul.
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Chinese Steamed Fish With Ginger Paste
Main Ingredients: Fish, Spring Onions, Red Chili, Young Ginger, Shaoxing
If you love ginger, this recipe for Chinese steamed fish with ginger paste is a must-try. The fish is marinated in a mixture of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce, and then steamed until it's perfectly tender. The result is a burst of ginger flavor in every bite.
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Chinese Spicy Roast Fish (重庆烤鱼)
Main Ingredients: Sea Bass, Olive Oil, Fish, Chili Pepper Flakes, Cumin
重庆烤鱼, also known as Chongqing spicy roast fish, is a popular dish in Sichuan cuisine. The fish is marinated in a spicy and fragrant sauce made with chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, and other spices. It's then roasted until it's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, resulting in a mouth-watering and addictive dish.
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Chinese Steamed Whole Fish with Black Bean Sauce
Main Ingredients: Fish, Fermented Black Beans, Minced Garlic, Minced
Black bean sauce is a staple in many Chinese dishes, and it's often paired with seafood. This recipe for Chinese steamed whole fish with black bean sauce is a perfect example of this pairing. The fish is steamed until it's perfectly cooked and then topped with a flavorful and savory black bean sauce.
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Chinese-Style Steamed Whole Fish with Ginger and...
Main Ingredients: Sesame Oil, Soy Sauce, Sugar, Hot Chili, Fish, Kosher
This recipe for Chinese-style steamed whole fish with ginger and scallions is a classic and simple dish that is commonly served in Chinese households. The fish is steamed with a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and scallions, resulting in a delicate and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion.
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Chinese Steamed Whole Fish with Preserved Radish and...
Main Ingredients: Fish, Preserved Radish, Dried Shiitake Mushrooms, Small
Preserved radish, also known as pickled radish, is a popular ingredient in Chinese cuisine. It adds a salty and tangy flavor to dishes, and it pairs well with seafood. This recipe for Chinese steamed whole fish with preserved radish and mushrooms is a perfect example of how these ingredients come together to create a flavorful and satisfying dish.
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Sister Song’s Soup (宋嫂鱼羹, Chinese Fish Soup)
Main Ingredients: White Fish, Shaoxing Wine, Salt, Green Onions, Ginger
Sister Song's Soup, also known as 宋嫂鱼羹 in Chinese, is a popular fish soup dish in Sichuan cuisine. It's made with a variety of fish, including carp, catfish, and snakehead, and is simmered in a rich and flavorful broth. This soup is often served at weddings and other special occasions, making it a dish with a lot of cultural significance.
Key Ingredients for Szechuan Fish Dishes
When it comes to Szechuan fish dishes, the main ingredient is, of course, the fish. While there are many types of fish that can be used, the most commonly used fish is tilapia or catfish. These types of fish have a mild flavor that pairs well with the bold and spicy Szechuan sauce.
In addition to the fish, the key ingredients for a Szechuan fish dish include Szechuan peppercorns, dried chili peppers, and Szechuan chili bean paste. These ingredients are what give the dish its signature spicy and numbing taste. Other common ingredients include garlic, ginger, green onions, and soy sauce.
The Importance of Szechuan Peppercorns
One of the most essential ingredients in Szechuan fish dishes is Szechuan peppercorns. These small, reddish-brown peppers are known for their unique flavor and numbing sensation. They are a staple in Szechuan cuisine and are what give the dish its distinct taste.
To use Szechuan peppercorns in your dish, you will need to toast them in a dry pan for a few minutes before grinding them. This will enhance their flavor and release their oils. Be sure not to grind them too finely as they can become bitter.
The Technique: Dry-Frying the Fish
Another key element of a perfect Szechuan fish dish is the cooking technique. Unlike other fish dishes, Szechuan fish is traditionally dry-fried, which means the fish is fried with little to no oil. This technique allows the fish to retain its moisture while developing a crispy and flavorful exterior.
To dry-fry the fish, heat a small amount of oil in a pan and add the fish. Cook for a few minutes on each side until it is lightly browned and crispy. This will create a delicious contrast of textures in the dish.
Don't forget to add a generous amount of Szechuan peppercorns and chili peppers to the fish while cooking to infuse it with spicy and numbing flavors.
Our Tried and Tested Szechuan Fish Recipe
Now that you know the key ingredients and techniques for a perfect Szechuan fish dish, it's time to put them into practice with our delicious recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb tilapia or catfish fillets
- 1 tbsp Szechuan peppercorns
- 5-6 dried chili peppers
- 2 tbsp Szechuan chili bean paste
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. In a dry pan, toast the Szechuan peppercorns and chili peppers for a few minutes until fragrant. Grind them into a coarse powder and set aside.
2. Heat the oil in a pan and add the fish fillets. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until lightly browned and crispy. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the garlic, ginger, and green onions. Cook for a minute until fragrant.
4. Add the Szechuan chili bean paste and cook for another minute.
5. Add the ground Szechuan peppercorn and chili mixture, along with the soy sauce. Stir to combine.
6. Add the fish back into the pan and coat it with the sauce.
7. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the fish is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.
8. Serve hot with steamed rice and enjoy your homemade Szechuan fish dish.
In conclusion, Szechuan fish dishes are all about bold and spicy flavors, key ingredients like Szechuan peppercorns, and cooking techniques like dry-frying. With our recipe and tips, you can now create an authentic and delicious Szechuan fish dish in the comfort of your own home. Don't be afraid to adjust the spice level to your liking and experiment with different types of fish. Happy cooking!
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