Chewy Fish Cakes and Tender Potatoes in a Sweet and Savory Braise
Super Simple No-Water Braised Potatoes and Fish Cakes with 3 Sauces (Easy Side Dish)
This braised side dish is packed with flavor and nutrients, made by coating the ingredients in rice syrup and then braising without adding water. The braising sauce consists of rice syrup first, followed by soy sauce, and finally sesame oil. These three ingredients are all you need for a delicious result.
Ingredients- 2 potatoes
- 1/2 carrot
- 2 sheets of square fish cakes
- 5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 3 Tbsp rice syrup
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash and peel the potatoes and carrot, then slice them into flat, approximately 1cm thick pieces. Cut the blanched fish cakes into similar bite-sized pieces. Place all the prepared potatoes, carrots, and fish cakes into a wide wok or pot. Add the rice syrup and gently toss everything to coat the ingredients evenly with the syrup. This initial coating with rice syrup adds a depth of flavor.
Step 2
Spread the syrup-coated ingredients evenly in the wok. Place it over medium-low heat and cover with a lid to cook. Cooking slowly over medium-low heat initially helps to ensure the ingredients cook through until tender without burning. Covering the pot allows the ingredients to release their natural moisture, creating a ‘no-water’ braising effect.
Step 3
Periodically open the lid to check on the ingredients. Once you notice moisture starting to form from the ingredients, remove the lid and pour the soy sauce evenly over everything. The soy sauce will add umami and color to the braise. Continue to cook for a short while longer to allow the soy sauce to penetrate the ingredients.
Step 4
Check if the potatoes are tender by piercing them with a fork. Once the potatoes are fully cooked, add the thinly sliced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes to infuse their aroma. Finally, add some roughly chopped green onions and stir-fry briefly for an even richer flavor.
Step 5
When the sauce has reduced to a glossy glaze and all ingredients are well coated, turn off the heat. Drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle generously with sesame seeds for a final touch of nutty aroma. This dish is delicious served hot, but the flavors meld beautifully and become even more intense if allowed to cool slightly before serving.
