Hebei province, known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse culinary traditions, offers a plethora of delicious dishes that celebrate the local ingredients and flavors. Among the standout recipes from this region is Fried Fish with Celery, a simple yet delightful dish that embodies the essence of Hebei cuisine. Not only is it popular among locals, but it’s also easy to prepare at home, making it the perfect addition to your dining table.
Ingredient Requirements
To create a fragrant and appetizing Fried Fish with Celery, you will need the following ingredients:
Fish: 500 grams of freshwater fish (tilapia, carp, or any firm white fish)
Celery: 200 grams, cleaned and chopped into bitesized pieces
Garlic: 23 cloves, minced
Ginger: 1inch piece, minced
Egg: 1, beaten
Allpurpose flour: 1 cup, for coating
Cornstarch: 1/2 cup, for added crispiness
Cooking Oil: Vegetable or peanut oil, for frying
Salt: To taste
Black Pepper: To taste
Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons
Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (optional for tanginess)
Red Chili Flakes: Optional, for heat
StepbyStep Preparation
1. Prepare the Fish: Clean and cut the fish into fillets or bitesized pieces, depending on your preference. Rinse them under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Season with salt and black pepper, and let them marinate for about 1015 minutes.
2. Coat the Fish: In a shallow bowl, combine the allpurpose flour and cornstarch. Dip each piece of fish into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat it in the flour and cornstarch mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
3. Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan or wok, pour enough cooking oil to cover the bottom (about 1/2 inch). Heat the oil over mediumhigh heat until it shimmers.
4. Fry the Fish: Carefully place the coated fish pieces into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 34 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the fish and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
5. Stirfry the Celery: In the same pan, add a little more oil if necessary. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté until fragrant. Add the chopped celery and stirfry for about 23 minutes, keeping the celery crisp. Drizzle soy sauce and rice vinegar over the stirfry for added flavor, and mix well.
6. Combine and Serve: Add the fried fish back into the pan with the celery, gently tossing to combine flavors without breaking the fish apart. If desired, sprinkle some red chili flakes for a hint of spiciness. Serve hot with a bowl of steamed rice or as part of a larger meal.
Conclusion
Fried Fish with Celery is a savory expression of Hebei cuisine that captures the simplicity of the region’s culinary philosophy. Its balance of flavors—from the crispy, golden fish to the fresh crispness of celery—creates a delightful harmony on your plate. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, this dish stands as a testament to the beautiful culinary traditions of Hebei, inviting everyone to indulge in its deliciousness. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner option or a dish to impress guests, Fried Fish with Celery is sure to be a hit!