「Braised Bream with Tofu」

Ingredients and amounts

• Bream: 550 g
• Firm tofu: 400 g
• Ginger: 5 slices
• Scallion: 1/2 stalk (50 g)
• Garlic: 4 cloves
• Dark soy sauce: 2 ml (optional, omit if you prefer lighter color)
• Cinnamon stick: 1 piece
• Rock sugar: 5 pieces
• Dried chili peppers: 4-6 (adjust to taste)
• Cooking wine: 5 ml
• Light soy sauce: 4 ml
• Salt: 5-8 g (adjust to taste)
• Star anise: 1 piece
• Bay leaves: 1-3 leaves
• Cooking oil: 10 ml
• Hot water: 400 g

Step-by-step method

1. 1

   Step 1

   Score the bream on both sides, place ginger slices on top, and marinate with cooking wine for 5-10 minutes.

2. 2

   Step 2

   Cut the firm tofu into pieces and set aside in water.

3. 3

   Step 3

   Heat oil in a pan; add a pinch of salt to prevent sticking. Pat the marinated fish dry with paper towels, place it in the pan, and fry both sides until golden.

4. 4

   Step 4

   Once both sides are fried, push the fish to the side of the pan. Add scallion, ginger, garlic, dried chili peppers, bay leaves, and star anise; stir-fry until fragrant.

5. 5

   Step 5

   After the aromatics are fragrant, add cooking wine, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rock sugar, and cinnamon stick. Pour in hot water until it reaches the level of the fish or slightly less.

6. 6

   Step 6

   Bring to a boil over high heat, then add the firm tofu, placing it along the edge of the pan. Add salt, then reduce the heat to low.

7. 7

   Step 7

   Simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes, then increase the heat to reduce the sauce slightly. Serve.