Here’s how to adapt the recipe Frozen halibut with dried red dates and Shaoxing wine:
Ingredients:
- Frozen halibut fillets (thawed and patted dry)
- Dried red dates (pitted and halved)
- Shaoxing wine
- Light soy sauce
- Sugar
- Ginger (julienned)
- Garlic (minced)
- Scallions (chopped, for garnish)
- Vegetable oil
- Water (optional)
Instructions:
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Prep the fish: Thaw the frozen halibut completely in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, pat the fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help ensure the fish sears nicely.
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Marinate (optional): You can marinate the fish for 15-20 minutes in a mixture of Shaoxing wine, light soy sauce, and a pinch of sugar. This adds extra flavor, but it’s not essential.
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Heat oil: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat with enough vegetable oil to coat the bottom.
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Sear the fish: Season the halibut fillets with salt and pepper. Carefully place them in the hot oil and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, cook the fish in batches if needed.
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Flavor the sauce: Once the fish is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside. Add the ginger and garlic to the pan and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Deglaze the pan: Pour in the Shaoxing wine (scraping up any browned bits from the bottom) and let it simmer for a minute to burn off the alcohol.
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Add remaining ingredients: Add the light soy sauce, sugar, and dried red dates. The red dates will soften and release their natural sweetness as they simmer. You can add a splash of water here if you want a bit more sauce.
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Simmer and thicken: Simmer the sauce for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasonings with additional soy sauce or sugar if needed.
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Serve: Plate the cooked halibut fillets and spoon the flavorful sauce with softened red dates over the fish. Garnish with chopped scallions for a pop of color and freshness.
Tips:
- You can use other substitutes for sesame oil, like peanut oil, canola oil, or avocado oil.
- If your dried red dates are very dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before using them.
- Adjust the amount of Shaoxing wine depending on your preference for a stronger or milder flavor.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.
Enjoy your favorite fish recipe with this flavorful twist!