Braised snakehead fish with pepper: rich and firm, irresistibly delicious with rice

How to Cook Braised Snakehead Fish with Pepper

• 1

  Prepare the ingredients

  With 700 grams of snakehead fish after purchase, you need to clean the scales, cut off the fins, and remove the internal organs, then wash thoroughly, drain, and cut into pieces about the thickness of a finger.

  How to clean snakehead fish properly without a fishy smell:

  • Method 1: Use salt to rub both inside and outside of the fish for about 3 minutes, then rinse with water and let it drain before continuing with the next steps as usual.
  • Method 2: Soak the fish in diluted lemon juice mixed with warm water for about 5 minutes, gently massaging the body of the fish, then rinse with water to effectively eliminate the fishy smell.
  • Method 3: Soaking the fish in rice water will also help reduce the fishy smell; just soak for 20 minutes, then wash the fish thoroughly under running water!

  With 1 horn chili, wash it clean, remove the stem, and then cut it into thin slices.

  

  
• 2

  Marinate the fish

  Put the fish into a bowl along with 3 tablespoons of fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of monosodium glutamate, 1 teaspoon of salt, 2 teaspoons of ground pepper, and 1 tablespoon of cooking oil, mix well and marinate for about 30 – 40 minutes for the fish to absorb the seasoning.

  

  
• 3

  Cook fish

  First, I will make the caramel sauce myself so that the fish stew has a beautiful color and better flavor. Place a pot on the stove, add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and heat over medium until the sugar gradually dissolves.

  Then, use chopsticks to stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved, continue to cook until the sugar turns a brown color.

  Tip: Besides the method of making caramel sauce as above, you can also refer to the method of making caramel sauce shared by Tastetutorial.com to use gradually.

  See details: How to make caramel sauce for stewed dishes

  When the caramel sauce is done, add the marinated fish to the pot and stir for 3 minutes to firm up the fish.

  Next, add about 1.5 bowls of water (rice bowl) into the pot to just cover the surface of the fish, turn the heat to high, and cook until the water boils again. At this point, cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium, and stew the fish for about 20 – 30 minutes.

  After that, open the lid and adjust the seasoning to taste, continue to cook until the water is nearly reduced, then add sliced chili and ground pepper, and turn off the heat.

  

  

  

  
• 4

  Final Product

  Thus, the braised snakehead fish with pepper is complete. When eaten, you will feel the fragrant smell of the fish, the firm texture of the fish meat, and the rich flavor of the fish infused with spices, mixed with the spicy heat of pepper and chili.

  Braised snakehead fish with pepper tastes better when served hot, accompanied with white rice or porridge. When eaten with rice, you can also enjoy it with fresh vegetables, cucumbers, or boiled vegetables for added taste.