Crispy Fried Flatfish Braised in Savory Sauce
How to Make Crispy Fried Flatfish Braised: A Delicious Flatfish Recipe
This recipe features thinly dried flatfish, fried until golden brown and then simmered in a savory sauce. The result is a delightful dish where you can enjoy eating the bones, savoring the salty and nutty flavors. It’s a unique way to enjoy braised flatfish! You can also choose to remove the central thick bone and enjoy the tender, chewy flesh. The paper-thin dried flatfish becomes incredibly flavorful and satisfying when prepared this way.
Main Ingredients- 300g prepared dried flatfish
- Generous amount of cooking oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing approximately 7 pieces of dried flatfish, weighing about 300g in total. These are flatfish that have had their heads and innards removed and have been thinly dried, easily found at local markets.
Step 2
Using kitchen scissors, carefully trim off the fins from the flatfish. This step makes the fish easier to handle during cooking and more pleasant to eat.
Step 3
Cut the flatfish into pieces about 2-3 cm thick. The 7 pieces, which are as thin as paper and about palm-sized, amount to 300g. Their thinness allows them to absorb the sauce beautifully and fry up nicely.
Step 4
Pour a generous amount of cooking oil into a deep frying pan and heat it over medium heat. Once the oil is sufficiently hot, carefully add the prepared flatfish pieces.
Step 5
Fry the flatfish in the oil until they are golden brown and crispy. Flipping them occasionally ensures they are evenly cooked and develop a delightful crisp texture.
Step 6
Once fried to a golden crisp, remove the flatfish from the pan and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain off excess oil. This prevents the dish from being too greasy and allows the sauce to coat the fish beautifully.
Step 7
After draining most of the oil from the pan, add all the braising sauce ingredients: 3 Tbsp soy sauce, 3 Tbsp cooking wine, 1 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp plum syrup, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 Tbsp sesame oil. Stir everything together thoroughly, then place the pan over the stove on medium heat and bring to a simmer.
Step 8
Once the sauce begins to bubble and simmer all over, carefully add the fried flatfish pieces back into the pan. Gently place them in to avoid breaking them.
Step 9
Gently toss or stir the flatfish with the sauce using both hands or a spatula to ensure the sauce coats every piece evenly. It’s best to simmer over medium-low heat to prevent the sauce from burning and allow it to penetrate the fish thoroughly.
Step 10
Finally, just before the dish is finished cooking, sprinkle 1 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds over the top. This adds a wonderful nutty aroma and an appealing visual finish. Enjoy your delicious braised flatfish!
