SICHUAN HOT BEAN SAUCE RECIPES

Steps:

• Place the fish on its side, and using a sharp knife, make three deep parallel cuts about 2 inches apart. Flip the fish and repeat.
• Bring the stock to a boil in a wok. Leave the heat at high and add the fish. When the liquid returns to a boil, lower the heat to simmer. Cook about 6 minutes or until the fish is barely cooked through. Gently remove the fish to a strainer, discarding the stock but reserving any liquids that drip through the strainer.
• Place a clean wok over high heat. When it is hot, add the vegetable oil. When the oil is hot, add the ginger and the scallions. Cook, stirring, for 10 seconds, then add the chili sauce, hot bean paste and sweet rice wine. Cook, stirring, for 20 seconds, then add any reserved poaching liquid, along with the sugar and salt. Bring the sauce to a boil.
• Place the fish in the boiling sauce and spoon some sauce over it. Continue cooking and spooning the sauce over the fish for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat.
• Carefully transfer the fish to a platter. Check the sauce for seasoning, pour over the fish and serve.

Steps:

• Rinse the fermented black beans, drain and finely chop 2/3 of the beans, leaving 1/3 of the beans as whole ones (you will love their decoration function).
• Heat oil in a deep pot until warm. Add shallot, garlic and ginger in and fry until soften. Keep slow fire and watch the ingredients carefully. Do not burn the garlic, burnt garlic release bitter taste.
• Add fermented black beans and fry for 2-3 minutes over slow fire. Pour light soy sauce, cooking wine and sugar. Simmer until the sauce is well thickened and there are floating oil on the surface. Add five spice powder and chili pepper flakes if you are using.
• Cool off completely and transfer to an air-tight container. At least wait for 6 hours until flavors from different ingredients are well combined.