Dried fish is a popular ingredient in many Vietnamese households, especially in coastal regions. With its distinct salty flavor, dried fish is commonly used in a variety of rustic and delicious dishes. One of the most beloved dried fish dishes is the sweet and salty braised dried fish.
This dish combines the salty flavor of dried fish with the gentle sweetness of sugar and a hint of chili heat, resulting in a flavorful and appetizing meal. In this article, let’s explore how to make this mouthwatering dish with an easy-to-follow recipe!
Irresistible Sweet and Salty Braised Dried Fish
Ingredients:
– 200g dried fish (such as dried anchovies, silver carp, or goby)
– 2-3 tablespoons of sugar
– 1-2 tablespoons of good quality fish sauce
– 1-2 tablespoons of cooking oil
– 1 clove of garlic, minced
– 2-3 chili peppers (adjust according to your preferred spice level)
– 1 tablespoon of water
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
– Chopped scallions for garnishing (optional)
Step 1: Prepare and Process the Dried Fish
– Select your dried fish: For this braised dish, you can use dried anchovies, silver carp, or goby. These small-sized fish are ideal for absorbing flavors and work well for braising.
– Rinse the dried fish: Dried fish tends to be quite salty, so it’s important to rinse it under clean running water to reduce the saltiness and remove any dirt. Soak the fish in warm water for about 15-20 minutes to soften it and further reduce the saltiness. After soaking, drain the fish and set it aside to air dry.
Step 2: Fry the Fish
– Frying the dried fish: To give the braised fish a crispy texture, we’ll first fry the dried fish. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat, then carefully add the dried fish and fry until both sides are golden and slightly crispy. Remove the fish from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Step 3: Prepare the Sweet and Salty Sauce
– While frying the fish, you can prepare the braising sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, fish sauce, and water until the sugar is completely dissolved. Feel free to adjust the amounts of fish sauce and sugar to suit your taste, balancing the sweet and salty flavors to your preference.
Step 4: Braise the Dried Fish
– Sauté the garlic: In a separate pan, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden. If you’d like to enhance the spice level, add some finely chopped chili peppers to the garlic. If you’re not a fan of spicy food, you can omit the chili or reduce the amount.
– Braise the fish: Once the garlic is fragrant, pour the prepared sweet and salty sauce into the pan. Simmer the sauce over low heat until it starts to thicken. When the sauce reaches the desired consistency, carefully add the fried fish to the pan. Gently toss or stir the fish to ensure it’s evenly coated in the sauce.
– Continue braising until the sauce reduces: Maintain a low heat and gently stir the fish to prevent it from breaking apart. Braise the fish until the sauce reduces and coats each piece of fish with a glossy glaze. At this point, the fish will have absorbed the sweet and salty flavors and will be fragrant with the aroma of sautéed garlic.
Step 5: Finalize the Dish
– Add ground black pepper: Once the sauce has reduced, turn off the heat and sprinkle a pinch of ground black pepper over the fish to enhance the flavor.
– Garnish and serve: You can garnish the dish with chopped scallions to make it more visually appealing and tempting. This braised dried fish pairs exceptionally well with hot steamed rice. The combination of crispy, salty fish with the sweet and slightly spicy sauce makes for a truly delectable meal.
– Soak the fish for the right amount of time: Soaking the dried fish in warm water before cooking helps reduce excess saltiness and tenderizes the fish, making it more receptive to the flavors in the sauce.
– Fry the fish to a perfect crisp: Frying the dried fish to a gentle crispness ensures it won’t fall apart during braising. Be careful not to overfry the fish, as it may become too hard and dry.
– Adjust the heat: When braising the fish, always maintain a low heat to allow the sauce to gradually infuse into the fish without burning.
This sweet and salty braised dried fish is not only easy to prepare but also delivers a robust and satisfying flavor. The harmonious blend of sweet and salty notes, enhanced by the combination of spices, will surely elevate your family meals. We hope you enjoy preparing and indulging in this delicious dish!
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