Traditional Vietnamese Pepper-Braised Fish Recipe

Whether it’s a chilly day or a cozy weekend family gathering, a pot of delicious pepper-braised fish will surely be the highlight of your meal. Let’s explore the traditional recipe for this flavorful dish with our detailed guide.

Selecting Fresh Ingredients

To achieve the perfect pepper-braised fish, choosing the right ingredients is crucial:

• Fresh Fish: Opt for live fish with clear eyes and bright red gills.
• Green/Black Peppercorns: Choose plump, evenly colored peppercorns.
• Seasonings: Use high-quality fish sauce and sugar.

Flavorful pepper-braised fish with a distinctive taste

Steps to Follow

Preparing the Fish

1. Clean the fish, remove scales, and gut it.
2. Rinse the fish with salt and vinegar to remove any fishy smell.
3. Cut into manageable pieces and let them drain.

Marinating the Fish

Mix the fish thoroughly with:

• 2 tablespoons of fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground pepper
• Minced garlic and shallots
• Let it marinate for 20-30 minutes.

Braising the Fish

1. Sauté garlic and shallots until fragrant.
2. Add the fish and gently stir.
3. Pour in coconut milk or broth.
4. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
5. Simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Pepper-braised fish in the cooking process

Secrets to Success

• Choose fresh, firm-fleshed fish.
• Allow enough time for the fish to marinate and absorb the flavors.
• Braise on low heat to ensure the fish is tender and not mushy.
• Season to taste, balancing the flavors.

Final Product and Enjoyment

The finished pepper-braised fish should have an attractive brown color, with firm, flavorful meat. The aroma of pepper combined with the natural sweetness of the fish creates an unforgettable dish.

Appealing finished pepper-braised fish

Serve hot with white rice, accompanied by fresh herbs or pickled vegetables to enhance the flavor. Good luck with this traditional pepper-braised fish recipe!