Braised Fish Belly with Fried Tofu Sticks

Cooking StepsHow to cook Braised Fish Belly with Fried Tofu Sticks step by step

Cooking Process

1. 
   Step 1 Detail

   Prepare the ingredients: fish belly, dried tofu sticks, ginger, scallions, and chili peppers.

2. 
   Step 2 Detail

   Cut the fish belly into pieces. Add salt, light soy sauce, white pepper, and cornstarch. Mix well and marinate for about 15 minutes.

3. 
   Step 3 Detail

   Prep the aromatics: slice the ginger, cut the scallions into segments, and slice the chili peppers into strips.

4. 
   Step 4 Detail

   Mix the sauce ingredients according to the proportions shown.

5. 
   Step 5 Detail

   Heat oil in a wok and deep-fry the dried tofu sticks over high heat until they puff up with large bubbles.

6. 
   Step 6 Detail

   Fry the tofu sticks for about 2 minutes. This step ensures they hold their shape during braising and absorb the sauce well.

7. 
   Step 7 Detail

   Remove and set aside.

8. 
   Step 8 Detail

   Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat and pan-fry the marinated fish belly until golden brown on both sides.

9. 
   Step 9 Detail

   Remove and set aside.

10. 
    Step 10 Detail

    Using the remaining oil in the pan, sauté the ginger, scallion whites, and chili peppers until fragrant.

11. 
    Step 11 Detail

    Add the fried tofu sticks and pan-seared fish belly to the pan.

12. 
    Step 12 Detail

    Pour in the sauce, cover, and bring to a boil over high heat. Then reduce to medium heat and braise for 3–5 minutes, allowing the tofu sticks to soak up the sauce.

13. 
    Step 13 Detail

    Add the scallion greens and turn the heat up to reduce the sauce.

14. 
    Step 14 Detail

    Taste before serving and adjust with salt or sugar if needed.