Assam fish Chinese style recipe is a classic Malaysian dish that is sour, fiery hot, and tastes extraordinarily satisfying. This dish is known for its bold flavours, which come from a mix of spices and tamarind paste. The dish is traditionally made with fish, but you can also use other seafood like prawns or squid.
To make this dish, you will need some essential ingredients like tamarind paste, sugar, salt, onions, garlic, chilli powder, belachan or shrimp paste, and lemon grass. You will also need some batang fish, which you can rub with some salt and sugar all over and set aside in the fridge for 30 minutes before use. You can also use other types of fish like Spanish Mackerel, Stingray, or Pomfret.
The preparation techniques involve making a spice mix by blending together onions, garlic, chilli powder, belachan or shrimp paste, and lemon grass. You will also need to extract the juices from the tamarind paste by mixing it with water. The cooking process involves sautéing the spice mix, adding the tamarind juice and all the seasonings, and then carefully tossing in the fish or seafood. This dish is best served hot with steamed rice.
Key Takeaways
- Assam fish Chinese style recipe is a classic Malaysian dish that is sour, fiery hot, and tastes extraordinarily satisfying.
- The dish is traditionally made with fish, but you can also use other seafood like prawns or squid.
- This dish is best served hot with steamed rice.
Essential Ingredients
When it comes to making Assam Fish Chinese Style, there are a few essential ingredients that you will need to make the dish taste authentic and delicious. In this section, we will discuss the key ingredients that you should have on hand when making this dish.
Selecting the Fish
First and foremost, you will need to select the right type of fish for your Assam Fish Chinese Style recipe. The most commonly used fish for this dish is the batang fish, but you can also use other types of seafood such as Spanish Mackerel, Stingray, or Pomfret. Make sure that the fish you choose is fresh and of high quality to ensure the best taste.
Herbs and Spices
Assam Fish Chinese Style is known for its bold and complex flavours, which come from a variety of herbs and spices. Some of the key ingredients include garlic, turmeric, lemongrass, shallot, dried chillies, and belacan. These ingredients are typically used to make a spice mix that is added to the dish to create a rich and aromatic flavour. You can also use tamarind paste, tamarind pulp, or tamarind juice to add a sour and tangy taste to the dish.
Souring Agents
One of the key elements of Assam Fish Chinese Style is the souring agent that is used to give the dish its signature tangy taste. Tamarind is the most commonly used souring agent, but you can also use other ingredients such as vinegar or lime juice. Tamarind is available in many forms, including tamarind paste, tamarind pulp, and tamarind juice. When using tamarind, make sure to remove any seeds or fibres before adding it to the dish.
If you are looking to add some seafood to your diet, then Assam Fish Chinese Style is a great dish to try. You can use a variety of seafood such as batang fish, Spanish Mackerel, Stingray, or Pomfret to create a delicious and healthy meal. Just make sure to select fresh and high-quality seafood to ensure the best taste.
Preparation Techniques
Creating the Spice Paste
To create the spice paste for your Assam fish recipe, you will need a food processor. Begin by grinding together the following ingredients: two small onions, five cloves of garlic, one tablespoon of chilli powder (or three to four fresh chillies), one tablespoon of belachan or shrimp paste, one stalk of lemongrass, and two small turmeric roots (or one tablespoon of turmeric powder). If you prefer, you can add two small tomatoes to the mix for a slightly different flavour.
Once the ingredients are ground together, you will have a fragrant and spicy paste that will give your Assam fish its signature flavour. You can store any leftover paste in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Marinating the Fish
When it comes to marinating the fish for your Assam fish recipe, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you can use a variety of seafood for this recipe, such as batang fish, Spanish mackerel, stingray, or pomfret. Second, you will want to rub the fish with salt and sugar and let it sit in the fridge for 30 minutes before use.
To marinate the fish, you will need to coat it in the spice paste you created earlier. Make sure to rub the paste all over the fish, including the inside if you are using a whole fish. Cover the fish and let it marinate in the fridge for at least an hour, or overnight for maximum flavour.
By marinating the fish in the spice paste, you will ensure that it is packed with flavour and perfectly seasoned. When it comes time to cook the fish, you can either grill it, bake it, or fry it in a pan. No matter which method you choose, your Assam fish will be a delicious and flavourful dish that is sure to impress.
Cooking Process
Using the Wok
To cook your Assam Fish Chinese Style, you will need to use a wok. Heat up some cooking oil in the wok on low heat. Once the oil is hot, add in your fish, which can be any type of seafood such as Spanish Mackerel, Stingray, or Pomfret. Pan fry the fish until it is golden brown.
Simmering to Perfection
Next, you will need to add in the Assam paste that you have prepared earlier. Be sure to stir well so that the paste is evenly distributed in the wok. Once the paste is well mixed, add in some water to the wok and let it simmer on low heat. This will allow the fish to cook through and absorb all the flavours of the Assam paste.
You can also add in some vegetables such as okra, tomatoes, and eggplants to the wok to add some texture and colour to the dish. Once the fish is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, your Assam Fish Chinese Style is ready to be served.
Seafood such as prawns or squid can also be used instead of fish for this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the type of seafood you use.
Cooking Assam Fish Chinese Style is a simple and delicious way to enjoy seafood with a tangy and spicy twist.
Serving Suggestions
Accompaniments
Assam fish Chinese style is best served with steamed rice. The plain flavour of the rice complements the tangy and spicy flavour of the dish. You can also serve it with white rice if you prefer. Ensure that the rice is cooked and ready to be served immediately once the fish is done.
Seafood lovers can add prawns or squid to the dish to enhance its flavour. You can also serve this dish with a side of stir-fried vegetables, such as bok choy or Chinese broccoli.
Garnishing
Garnishing the dish with a squeeze of lime juice adds a refreshing touch to the dish and balances the tangy and spicy flavours. You can also sprinkle some chopped coriander leaves on top to add a pop of colour and freshness to the dish.
When dishing up the fish, ensure that you scoop up some of the gravy as well. The gravy is flavourful and goes well with the rice.
Overall, assam fish Chinese style is a delicious and flavourful dish that is easy to prepare. It is perfect for seafood lovers who enjoy a tangy and spicy flavour.
Nutritional Information
When it comes to Assam Fish Chinese Style, it's a dish that is not only delicious but also healthy. It is a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for maintaining a healthy body.
Here is a table that shows the approximate nutritional value of Assam Fish Chinese Style recipe per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Carbs | 6g |
| Fibre | 1g |
As you can see, this recipe is relatively low in carbohydrates and high in protein, making it a great option for those who are looking to maintain a healthy weight or build muscle.
If you're looking to add more seafood to your diet, this is an excellent recipe to try. You can use a variety of fish, such as batang fish, Spanish Mackerel, Stingray, or Pomfret, to make this dish. Seafood is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining heart health.
Overall, Assam Fish Chinese Style is a great dish to add to your meal rotation. It's not only delicious but also healthy and easy to make.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the simplest way to prepare a Nyonya assam fish dish?
The simplest way to prepare a Nyonya assam fish dish is to marinate the fish with tamarind paste, salt and sugar before frying it. Then, sauté some onions, garlic, and ginger in oil, add in some curry leaves, and pour in the tamarind juice. Add in the fried fish and simmer until the sauce thickens. Serve with steamed rice.
Could you list the essential ingredients for making assam fish curry?
The essential ingredients for making assam fish curry include tamarind paste, chilli paste, garlic, ginger, shallots, lemongrass, turmeric, belachan or shrimp paste, and fish. Lady's fingers and tomatoes are optional.
What type of fish is typically used for an authentic assam fish recipe?
The type of fish typically used for an authentic assam fish recipe is stingray or pomfret. However, you can also use other types of fish such as mackerel, snapper or seabass.
How do you make a traditional assam paste for fish dishes?
To make a traditional assam paste for fish dishes, you need to soak dried tamarind pulp in water for a few hours. Then, remove the seeds and fibers and mash the pulp into a paste. Next, blend together chilli paste, garlic, ginger, shallots, lemongrass, and belachan or shrimp paste. Mix the two pastes together and fry in oil until fragrant.
What exactly does 'asam pedas' translate to in English?
'Asam pedas' translates to sour and spicy in English. It refers to the combination of tamarind and chilli in the dish.
Can you describe the flavour profile of assam sauce in fish recipes?
Assam sauce in fish recipes has a tangy, sour and spicy flavour. The tamarind provides the sourness while the chilli provides the spiciness. The sauce is usually thick and coats the fish well, giving it a rich and flavourful taste.
If you want to use seafood in the recipe, you can use prawns or squid instead of fish. Prawns or squid will cook faster than fish, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.