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

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

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2. 
   Step 2

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

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3. 
   Step 3

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

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4. 
   Step 4

   Mix the sauce ingredients according to the proportions shown.

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5. 
   Step 5

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

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6. 
   Step 6

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

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7. 
   Step 7

   Remove and set aside.

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8. 
   Step 8

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

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9. 
   Step 9

   Remove and set aside.

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10. 
    Step 10

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

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11. 
    Step 11

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

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12. 
    Step 12

    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.

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13. 
    Step 13

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

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14. 
    Step 14

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

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