Braised Mackerel in an Iron Pot

Method

1. 01

   Step 1

   First, remove the head and internal organs from the mackerel, wash it, and cut it into sections.

   

2. 02

   Step 2

   Coat the mackerel directly with flour, then fry it in oil heated to 80% of its maximum temperature.

   

3. 03

   Step 3

   Fry until the surface is set, then flip it over.

   

4. 04

   Step 4

   Drain the fried mackerel pieces and set aside. Remember to turn the heat down when flipping them over, otherwise it will taste like you're frying your own arm – a truly awful experience!

   

5. 05

   Step 5

   Let the remaining oil in the pan cool slightly, then pour it into a bowl. It's not suitable for cooking anymore because it's too fishy, ​​but it can be used to fry fish next time. Save money and avoid waste, after all, we're not rich... Anyway, wash your pan clean, time to start preparing the ingredients!

   

6. 06

   Step 6

   Wait, the ingredients aren't ready yet. Let's start preparing them now, or rather, we should have prepared them earlier! Cut the scallions and ginger into sections; put the Sichuan peppercorn powder, dried ginger powder, fennel seeds, and cinnamon powder in a small dish;

   

7. 07

   Step 7

   In a bowl, add ketchup, oyster sauce, aged vinegar, dark soy sauce, and light soy sauce, in the amounts listed above.

   

8. 08

   Step 8

   You see sugar and salt in the sauce, and you're shocked to see 15 spoonfuls of sugar! You might think it's a soup ladle, but no, that's not right. Sugar and salt are both added with small spoons like this. See the picture.

   

9. 09

   Step 9

   Here's a group photo. The sauce on top is the beef tallow hot pot base I added; it smells amazing!

   

10. 10

    Step 10

    Start stir-frying, first place the noodles in a small dish.

    

11. 11

    Step 11

    Add scallions

    

12. 12

    Step 12

    The moment is fleeting; stir-fry until fragrant, then add the sauce and stir-fry until fragrant again.

    

13. 13

    Step 13

    Add some water, and smell it before adding the water—doesn't it make you want to take a bite right away?

    

14. 14

    Step 14

    I added mackerel and tofu, for my baby to eat.

    

15. 15

    Step 15

    Simmer over medium heat until the liquid is reduced, then turn up the heat to thicken the sauce further. Turn off the heat, cover, and let it sit for a while.

    

16. 16

    Step 16

    Let's eat!

    

17. 17

    Step 17

    Tofu