The main ingredient in Hong Shao Da Ma Ha Fish (红烧大马哈鱼) is the salmon, a freshwater fish known for its delicate texture and nutritional value. When selecting salmon, it is important to ensure its freshness and quality to guarantee the best flavor and texture for the dish. In addition to the fish, you will need ingredients such as spring onions, ginger, garlic, Sichuan peppercorns, dried chili peppers, cooking wine, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, vegetable oil, water, steamed fish soy sauce, and rock sugar.
Cooking Steps
- Prepare the ingredients: Clean the salmon by removing the scales and internal organs, then cut the fish into small pieces. If using salted or preserved salmon, soak it in clean water for about 13 hours to remove excess salt. After soaking, drain the fish and pat it dry with kitchen towels.
- Fry the fish: Heat oil in a pan to medium heat. Place the fish pieces in the pan and fry them on both sides until golden brown. This step helps the fish hold together during the simmering process and enhances the flavor and texture.
- Sauté the seasonings: Add chopped spring onions, ginger, garlic, Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, and dried chili peppers to the pan. Stir-fry the seasonings until fragrant.
- Simmer the fish: Add hot water to the pan, enough to cover the fish pieces. Season with light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, cooking wine, steamed fish soy sauce, and other spices. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer. During this simmering process, be careful with the heat to avoid burning the broth or overcooking the fish.
- Reduce the sauce: When the broth has reduced by about two-thirds, add rock sugar. Increase the heat to high and let the sauce reduce further. The addition of rock sugar not only enhances the freshness of the dish but also balances the saltiness of the fish, giving the sauce a beautiful glossy finish.
Taste and Flavor
Hong Shao Da Ma Ha Fish is known for its delicious flavor, with the fish absorbing the rich braised sauce. The fish is tender and full of flavor, complemented by the savory, slightly sweet sauce. The bright red color of the dish is visually appealing and stimulates the appetite. Moreover, salmon is rich in protein, unsaturated fatty acids, and other nutrients, making it not only a tasty dish but also beneficial to health.
