Revitalize Your Health with this Chinese Herb and Fish Delight How to Make Health-Boosting Elixir of Dong Quai Fish
Introducing a culinary treat that combines the ancient wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine with the fresh flavors of fish – the Health-Boosting Elixir of Dong Quai Fish. This dish is a harmonious blend of Dong Quai, a well-known Chinese herb, and tender fish, creating a meal that is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make this nourishing dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) of fresh or frozen fish fillets (such as bass, cod, or tilapia)
- 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons of finely chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon of grated fresh turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 2 slices of fresh ginger root
- 4 slices of fresh turmeric root
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 2 cups of chicken or fish broth
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1/2 cup of shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup of shredded daikon radish
- 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro
- 4-6 pieces of dried Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) root
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Fish:
- Rinse the fish fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Season the fish with a pinch of salt and set aside.
2. Marinate the Fish:
- In a small bowl, combine the chopped ginger, green onions, turmeric, white pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Mix in the rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, and sesame oil until well blended.
- Pour the marinade over the fish fillets and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour in the refrigerator.
3. Cook the Dong Quai:
- In a separate saucepan, bring the chicken or fish broth, water, ginger slices, turmeric slices, and dried Dong Quai to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes. Strain the liquid into a bowl and set aside.
4. Cook the Fish:
- Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
- Add a little oil and once hot, add the marinated fish fillets.
- Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the fish is flaky and cooked through.
5. Prepare the Vegetable Mix:
- While the fish is cooking, combine the shredded carrots, daikon radish, and cilantro in a bowl.
- Add a pinch of salt and toss to combine.
6. Combine the Dish:
- In the same skillet used for the fish, combine the reserved Dong Quai broth, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt.
- Stir well to dissolve the cornstarch and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and let it thicken slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Serve:
- Place the cooked fish on a serving plate.
- Spoon the thickened Dong Quai broth over the fish.
- Arrange the vegetable mix around the fish.
- Garnish with additional cilantro, if desired.
Health Benefits:
- Dong Quai: This herb is renowned for its ability to balance hormones, improve blood circulation, and support the immune system.
- Fish: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation.
- Ginger: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to aid digestion.
- Turmeric: Contains curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and may help reduce the risk of certain diseases.
Enjoy this health-boosting dish that tantalizes the taste buds while nurturing the body. The Health-Boosting Elixir of Dong Quai Fish is a testament to the fusion of culinary art and traditional medicine, offering a taste of wellness in every bite.