Asians > Chinese > Stew

Chinese Quince and Fish Stew Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound of white fish fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 Chinese quinces, peeled and cut into small cubes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon of ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 4 cups of fish or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Special Equipment Needed:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board and knife
- Grater
- Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

2. Add the Chinese quince cubes and cook for another 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.

3. Pour in the fish or vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the quince is tender.

4. Add the fish fillets to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes until they are cooked through.

5. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture into the pot and stir to combine.

6. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the flavors are well combined.

7. Serve the stew hot, garnished with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro leaves.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat for sautéing and simmering
Serving size:
4 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 190
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 20g
Sodium: 900mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Any white fish fillets can be used in place of the recommended fish.
- If Chinese quinces are not available, regular quinces or apples can be substituted.

Variations:
- Add sliced shiitake mushrooms to the pot for an extra umami flavor.
- Use chicken broth instead of fish or vegetable broth for a heartier stew.
- Add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the soy sauce mixture to thicken the stew.

Tips and Tricks:
- Be sure to cut the Chinese quince into small cubes to ensure they cook evenly.
- Use a fish spatula to gently flip the fish fillets in the pot to prevent them from breaking apart.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste by adding more salt, pepper, or sugar as needed.

Storage Instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the stew in a pot over low heat until heated through.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve the stew in individual bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.

Garnishes:
Fresh cilantro leaves and sliced green onions

Pairings:
- Steamed rice or noodles
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Chinese tea

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Steamed bok choy
- Stir-fried green beans
- Fried rice

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the stew is too thin, add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the soy sauce mixture to thicken it.
- If the fish fillets break apart, gently stir the stew instead of flipping the fish.

Food Safety Advice:
- Be sure to cook the fish fillets until they are cooked through to prevent any foodborne illnesses.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.

Food History:
Chinese quince, also known as Chinese apple, is a fruit native to China and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.

Flavor Profiles:
The Chinese quince adds a slightly sweet and tart flavor to the stew, while the soy sauce and rice vinegar provide a savory and tangy taste.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve the stew as a main dish for a comforting and flavorful meal.

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Region: Chinese

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Spicy, Umami, Sweet