Beijing cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors and unique dishes, and one of its hidden treasures is the traditional Old Beijing Mendun Fish. This dish, steeped in history, combines the essence of the bustling city with culinary techniques that have been perfected over centuries. In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through the steps to prepare this delicious and aromatic fish dish that captures the spirit of Old Beijing.
Ingredients:
1 whole fish (carp or tilapia is recommended)
2 tablespoons of soy sauce
1 tablespoon of rice wine
1 tablespoon of sesame oil
1 tablespoon of ginger (sliced)
34 green onions (chopped)
2 cloves of garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon of sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Vegetable oil for frying
Equipment:
A large frying pan or wok
A steamer or steaming rack
A sharp knife for preparation
A spatula for flipping
Instructions:
1. Preparation of the Fish:
Clean the fish thoroughly, removing scales and innards. Rinse under cold water and pat dry.
Make three diagonal cuts on each side of the fish to help it cook evenly and absorb flavors.
Season the fish inside and out with salt and pepper, and let it marinate in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and sugar for about 20 minutes.
2. Aromatics:
While the fish is marinating, heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium heat.
Add ginger, garlic, and half of the chopped green onions to the pan. Stirfry until fragrant (about 12 minutes).
3. Steaming the Fish:
After marinating, place the fish on a steaming rack. Top it generously with the aromatics you just stirfried.
Drizzle sesame oil over the fish for added flavor.
Fill the pan with water, bring it to a boil, and then carefully place the steaming rack over the pan. Cover and steam the fish for about 1520 minutes, or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
4. Finishing Touches:
Once steamed, carefully remove the fish from the rack. Transfer it to a serving platter.
Garnish with the remaining chopped green onions and fresh cilantro. Drizzle additional soy sauce over the top if desired.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Old Beijing Mendun Fish hot, accompanied by steamed rice and your favorite vegetables. Enjoy the flavors of history in every bite.
Conclusion
Old Beijing Mendun Fish is not just a meal; it’s a culinary voyage through time, showcasing the exquisite tastes of Beijing’s rich culture. With this tutorial, you can bring a piece of that culture into your home kitchen. Challenge yourself and delight your family and friends with a dish that embodies the heart and soul of Chinese cuisine! Happy cooking!