## Why Tea Leaves Make Fish Taste Better
How Do Tea Leaves Enhance the Flavor of Braised Fish?
Dry or fresh tea leaves are highly effective in removing the fishy odor, thanks to their natural tannin content. Additionally, tea leaves enhance the aroma and contribute to a more appealing presentation of the dish.
Braising Fish with Tea Leaves: A Delicious Recipe
Ingredients:
-
1kg of fish (such as carp, snakehead, mackerel, or catfish)
-
A handful of dry or fresh tea leaves
-
1 teaspoon of salt
-
1 teaspoon of sugar
-
2 teaspoons of fish sauce
-
1 teaspoon of chopped shallots
-
1 teaspoon of chopped garlic
-
1 teaspoon of ground pepper
-
1 teaspoon of sweet soy sauce
-
1 teaspoon of cooking oil
-
2 teaspoons of coconut palm sugar or caramelized sugar
-
1 cup of fresh coconut milk (optional)

Preparation Steps:
-
Clean the fish and rub it with salt or rice wine to eliminate any fishy smell.
-
Prepare the tea leaves: If using fresh tea leaves, wash them thoroughly. If using dry tea leaves, soak them in cold water for about 10 minutes and then drain.
-
Marinate the fish: Place the fish in a bowl and season it with salt, sugar, fish sauce, shallots, garlic, ground pepper, and sweet soy sauce. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to absorb.
-
Braise the fish: Sauté the shallots and garlic in cooking oil until fragrant. Then, arrange the fish in a pot. Add the tea leaves on top, along with the fish sauce, coconut palm sugar or caramelized sugar, and fresh coconut milk (if using).
-
Simmer over low heat: Braise the fish for about 40-60 minutes on low heat until the liquid reduces and the fish is tender and fully cooked. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
-
Final touches: Remove the tea leaves and transfer the fish to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped shallots and chilies, and it’s ready to be enjoyed!

Benefits of Using Tea Leaves for Braising Fish
-
Effective odor removal: Tea leaves eliminate the fishy odor, resulting in a more pleasant-smelling and tasting dish.
-
Tenderizes the fish: Tea leaves help keep the fish intact and make it easier to remove the bones.
-
Enhances color: The natural properties of tea leaves intensify the color of the braised fish, making it more visually appealing.
Incorporating tea leaves when braising fish is not only a clever trick but also enhances the nutritional value of the dish. Give it a try and experience the delicious results for yourself!
The Ultimate Guide to a Mouth-watering, Flavourful Fish Stew: A Secret Ingredient that will Make Everyone Beg for More!
“Unleash the secret weapon for your culinary creations – a handful of fresh herbs! With this simple addition, your humble fish stew will be transformed into a masterpiece that will have your guests raving. It’s an easy yet powerful trick that will elevate your dish to new heights of flavor and aroma.”