Authentic Sichuan Shui Zhu Yu: A Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

Ingredients

  • 2 medium-sized white fish fillets
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup dried red chili peppers
  • 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 1 cup bean sprouts
  • 1 cup Napa cabbage, chopped
  • 5 green onions, sliced
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Chinese cooking wine

Steps and instructions

  1. Clean the fish fillets and pat them dry. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt, then dust with cornstarch. Set aside.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok over medium heat. Add the dried chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns, stir-fry until fragrant.
  3. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the wok, continue to stir-fry for a few more minutes.
  4. Add the fish fillets to the wok and fry on each side for about 3 minutes, until golden. Remove the fish from the wok and set aside.
  5. In the same wok, add the chicken broth, soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, and remaining salt. Bring to a boil.
  6. Add the bean sprouts and Napa cabbage to the broth. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
  7. Return the fish to the wok, along with the green onions. Simmer for about 10 minutes, until the fish is cooked through.
  8. Serve the Shui Zhu Yu hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Tools for making

  • Wok - A large, deep, round-bottomed cooking pan used for stir-frying and deep-frying.
  • Tongs - Used for flipping and handling the fish fillets while frying.
  • Knife - For mincing garlic and ginger.
  • Cutting Board - To provide a stable surface for chopping vegetables and herbs.
  • Measuring Spoons - To accurately measure salt, cornstarch, and other ingredients.
  • Spatula - Used for stirring and tossing the ingredients in the wok.
  • Soup Ladle - For transferring the broth and vegetables to bowls.
  • Soup Bowls - To serve the Shui Zhu Yu.

Recipe variations

  • Use a different type of fish such as tilapia or salmon instead of white fish fillets.
  • Replace cornstarch with potato starch or rice flour for a gluten-free option.
  • Add vegetables of your choice like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms.
  • For a vegetarian or vegan version, substitute tofu for the fish fillets.
  • Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or fewer dried chili peppers.
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices like star anise or cinnamon for added flavor.
  • Add a tablespoon of black bean paste or doubanjiang for a deeper umami taste.
  • Garnish with chopped peanuts or sesame seeds for extra texture and nuttiness.
  • For a healthier option, lightly steam the fish instead of frying it.
  • Try using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make it vegetarian.

Recipe overview

Shui Zhu Yu, or Sichuan Boiled Fish, is a popular dish from the Sichuan province of China. Known for its spicy, numbing, and aromatic flavor profile, this recipe is sure to excite your taste buds. This dish is characterized by tender fish fillets and crunchy vegetables poached in a flavorful and spicy broth. The key ingredients include white fish fillets, dried red chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, and an array of other seasonings and vegetables. The preparation involves frying the fish and then simmering it in a richly flavored broth. The result is an incredibly tasty and satisfying dish that is both healthy and comforting. This recipe serves as a great introduction to Sichuan cuisine and is perfect for those who love a bit of heat in their meals. Enjoy the process of making this dish and the wonderful flavors that follow!

Common questions

  1. What type of fish fillets can I use for Shui Zhu Yu?
    You can use any white fish fillets for this recipe, such as tilapia, cod, or halibut.
  2. Can I adjust the spiciness of Shui Zhu Yu?
    Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less dried chili peppers according to your taste preferences.
  3. Can I substitute Sichuan peppercorns with any other spice?
    Sichuan peppercorns have a unique flavor, but if you can't find them, you can substitute with crushed red pepper flakes or black peppercorns.
  4. What can I serve with Shui Zhu Yu?
    Shui Zhu Yu is commonly served with steamed rice or noodles as a main dish. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables as a lighter option.
  5. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
    Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth if you prefer a vegetarian version of the dish.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Wok - A large, round-bottomed cooking pan traditionally used in Chinese cuisine.
  • Tongs - Useful for flipping and handling the fish fillets while frying.
  • Slotted spoon - Helps in removing the fish from the wok and serving it without excess liquid.
  • Chopping board - For preparing and chopping the vegetables.
  • Chef's knife - A sharp knife used for cutting and mincing ingredients.
  • Saucepan - Required for heating the chicken broth and other liquids.
  • Soup ladle - Used to scoop and serve the hot broth.
  • Soup bowls - Ideal for serving the Shui Zhu Yu with its flavorful broth.
  • Chopsticks - Traditional utensils for eating the fish and vegetables.

Origin stories

Shui Zhu Yu, meaning "water-boiled fish", is a signature dish of Sichuan cuisine, known for its bold flavors, particularly the pungency and spiciness resulting from liberal use of garlic, chili peppers, and the unique Sichuan peppercorns. Sichuan province, where this dish originates, is often called "the heavenly country" due to its abundance of food and natural resources. In the era of the Tang Dynasty, around the 7th century, poets even wrote about the Sichuan peppercorns, which are a defining ingredient in this dish. The cooking method of boiling in water, which gives this dish its name, allows for the preservation of the original flavors of the ingredients, a testament to the rich natural resources of Sichuan. Thus, every bite of Shui Zhu Yu brings with it a taste of Sichuan's rich history and bountiful landscape.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.