Zhejiang Cuisine · fresh, bright, gently sweet, seafood-rich
Braised River Fish Recipe
红烧河鱼
Braised River Fish is a regional Chinese dish added to Jiating Kitchen’s cuisine library for readers who want to explore beyond the familiar takeout menu. This version is written for Western home kitchens with practical grocery notes and a clear cooking flow.
Shopping notes
Core pantry for this cuisine: Shaoxing wine, light soy sauce, ginger, scallions, rice vinegar, freshwater fish, bamboo shoots. Use dry sherry for Shaoxing wine and firm white fish for West Lake fish dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 to 1 1/2 lb main protein, tofu, seafood, noodles, rice, or vegetables depending on the dish
- 2 tbsp neutral high-heat oil such as avocado, canola, peanut, or grapeseed oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced or sliced
- 2 scallions, sliced
- 1 to 2 tbsp light soy sauce, adjusted to taste
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
- Salt, white pepper, sugar, vinegar, chilies, or aromatics to match the dish style
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Prep the ingredients
Cut the main ingredients into even pieces, rinse or pat dry as needed, and measure the sauces before turning on the stove.
Step 2
Build the aromatic base
Heat oil in a wok, skillet, or heavy pot. Add garlic, ginger, scallions, chilies, or fermented sauces and cook briefly until fragrant.
Step 3
Cook the main ingredient
Add the protein, tofu, vegetables, noodles, or rice. Stir-fry, braise, steam, or simmer according to the dish style until just cooked through.
Step 4
Season and finish
Add soy sauce, wine, vinegar, sugar, stock, or chili oil in small amounts. Reduce until glossy, taste, and adjust salt, acidity, sweetness, and heat.
Step 5
Serve hot
Finish with scallions, herbs, sesame oil, or a final splash of vinegar. Serve with steamed rice, noodles, or a crisp vegetable side.
Cook’s notes
This entry is part of the Zhejiang Cuisine collection. Use it as a practical starting point, then refine salt, heat, sweetness, and aromatics to match your preferred regional flavor.
What category is this recipe?
Braised River Fish is listed under Zhejiang Cuisine and Seafood so readers can browse by both region and cooking style.