Savory Home-Style Braised Spanish Mackerel

Name: Savory Home-Style Braised Spanish Mackerel
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 whole fish Spanish Mackerel; 1/2 cup All-purpose flour; 3 tbsp Cooking oil; 2 pieces Star anise; 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns; 2 tbsp Soy sauce; 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine; 1 tsp Sugar; 2 stalks Green onions; 4 pieces Ginger slices; 3 cloves Garlic cloves

A classic Northern Chinese dish featuring tender mackerel braised in a rich, aromatic soy-based sauce.

40 min

Medium

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Savory Home-Style Braised Spanish Mackerel

Story

This dish transforms fresh mackerel into a comforting meal. The fish is lightly dusted in flour and seared to lock in juices before being simmered with warming spices like star anise and Sichuan peppercorns.

Ingredients

Spanish Mackerel 2 whole fish

All-purpose flour 1/2 cup

Cooking oil 3 tbsp

Star anise 2 pieces

Sichuan peppercorns 1 tsp

Soy sauce 2 tbsp

Shaoxing wine 1 tbsp

Sugar 1 tsp

Green onions 2 stalks

Ginger slices 4 pieces

Garlic cloves 3 cloves

Instructions

Prepare the Fish

Clean the mackerel thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels. Cut the fish into segments about 5cm wide. Lightly dredge each piece in flour, shaking off any excess powder.

Sear the Mackerel

Heat oil in a wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the fish pieces until both sides are firm and golden brown. Remove the fish from the pan and set aside on a plate.

Build the Aromatics

Wipe the pan if needed and add fresh oil. Gently fry the star anise and Sichuan peppercorns until fragrant, taking care not to burn them. Add the ginger, garlic, and white parts of the green onions, and stir-fry briefly.

Braise

Return the seared fish to the pan. Pour in the soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, and enough water to partially submerge the fish. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.