I fondly remember my childhood days when the river near our village would recede, and I, along with my friends, would go to the riverbank to catch loaches with a large bucket. I’m sure many of you from the countryside must have had similar experiences. We would take our catch home, and my mother would clean, coat them in flour, and then fry them.
The fish tasted delicious and had a unique crispness to them. Loaches are known for their soft flesh and sweet flavor, and they are an excellent source of protein and low in fat. In fact, 100g of loach contains 22.6g of protein, making it a highly nutritious food, often referred to as “ginseng of the water.”
Summer is the perfect time to indulge in loach, especially as they are at their tastiest and most nutritious during this season. Loaches are not only rich in protein but also packed with vitamins A, B, and C, amino acids, niacin, and essential trace elements such as calcium, phosphorus, and iron.
In traditional medicine, loaches are considered a tonic and are believed to boost energy and enhance overall health. Regular consumption of loach can help improve children’s immunity and promote their physical development. For men, loach is a nourishing dish that aids in rapid recovery, making it an ideal food to replenish energy levels.
Additionally, loaches are an excellent source of iron, which helps boost hemoglobin production and nourishes the skin, making it an ideal food for those suffering from anemia. There are numerous ways to cook loach, and today, I will share a delicious fried loach recipe with you.
So, why should men not miss out on this delicacy? Loaches are believed to “tonify the center and benefit qi,” making them an extremely nourishing dish that boosts energy and enhances long-term health. They also strengthen the immune system and aid in blood production, especially beneficial for those suffering from anemia. Now that you know the amazing benefits of loach, go ahead and give this recipe a try!
Loaches are readily available in the market, and you can easily prepare a delicious stir-fried loach dish. It’s a simple and tasty way to enjoy this nutritious fish.
Fried Loach with Betel Leaves:
Ingredients:
Loach: 500g
Onion: 1
Bell Pepper: 1
Lemon: 1
Betel Leaves: 50g
Salt: to taste
Fish Sauce: 1/2 tbsp
Annatto Oil: 1/2 tbsp
Vegetable Oil: 100ml
All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 tbsp
Common Spices: salt, seasoning powder, MSG, pepper
Preparation:
Clean the loaches: Place the fresh loaches in a large pot and pour in hot water. Cover the pot for 2-3 minutes. The loaches will wriggle and shed some of their slime. Add some salt and lemon juice, and scrub the loaches for 5-10 minutes to remove the slime. Rinse the loaches and set them aside to drain.
Tip: This preparation helps maintain the loaches’ shape and makes the dish more presentable.
Marinate the loaches: Mix 1/2 tsp of seasoning powder, 1/2 tsp of salt, 1 tsp of fish sauce, 1/2 tsp of MSG, 1/2 tsp of pepper, and 1/2 tbsp of annatto oil. You can substitute annatto oil with grated fresh turmeric if you prefer. Add the juice of one grated onion and mix well. Finally, add 1/2 tbsp of flour and mix again. Let the loaches marinate for about 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Tip: Use just enough flour to give the loaches a nice color. You can substitute all-purpose flour with tapioca or potato starch if desired.
Fry the loaches and betel leaves: Heat 100ml of vegetable oil in a pan. Once the oil is hot, fry the loaches until they turn golden. Remove them from the oil and set them aside. Reheat the oil and fry the loaches a second time to make them extra crispy. When the loaches are golden and crispy, add the chopped betel leaves and bell pepper strips. Fry for an additional 2-3 minutes and then remove from the heat.
Final Product: The fried loach with betel leaves is a delicious dish with a unique crispness. The fish retains its fresh flavor, and the soft, fatty flesh absorbs the spices beautifully. This dish is perfect for a weekend family meal!
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