Gong Bao Yu Ding

Gong Bao Yu Ding Recipe from Hong Kong: Ingredients & Instructions

Region / culture: Hong Kong | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Gong Bao Yu Ding is a traditional Chinese dish that features tender fish cubes stir-fried with peanuts, ginger, garlic, and a flavorful sauce. This dish is known for its bold flavors and satisfying textures, making it a popular choice for seafood lovers.

History

Gong Bao Yu Ding, also known as Kung Pao Fish Cubes, originated in the Sichuan province of China. This dish is a variation of the famous Gong Bao Chicken, which is a stir-fried dish made with chicken, peanuts, and chili peppers. Gong Bao Yu Ding has since become a beloved seafood version of this classic dish, offering a unique and delicious twist on a traditional recipe.

Ingredients

250 g fish meat (grouper or sole)
50 g cooked shell-off peanuts
1 tbsp minced ginger
2 tbsp minced garlic
4 – 6 dry red peppers
10 cayenne pepper
2 stalks spring onion

Seasoning

0.33 tbsp salt
1 tbsp rice wine
1 tbsp oil
some pepper

Sauce

3 tbsp light soy sauce
2 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp vinegar
2 tbsp cornflour
3 tbsp chicken stock
0.5 tbsp salt

How to prepare

Wash the fish meat and cut it into small cubes.
Marinate the fish cubes with seasoning for 30 minutes.
Chop the spring onion into short stalks.
Remove the coat of boiled peanuts.
Heat a wok with 2 tbsp of oil, then add the dry red pepper and cayenne.
Add the fish cubes and stir fry until cooked.
Add ginger, garlic, and chopped spring onion.
Pour in the sauce and stir until it boils.
Add the peanuts and stir well, then dish up and serve.

Variations

Substitute the fish with chicken or tofu for a different twist on this dish.
Add vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snow peas for added color and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the fish cubes for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

- Be careful not to overcook the fish cubes, as they can become tough and dry.

- Adjust the amount of chili peppers to suit your spice preference.

- Use a high-quality soy sauce and vinegar for the best flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Gong Bao Yu Ding can be served with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with additional chopped spring onions for a fresh and vibrant touch.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is the key cooking technique for Gong Bao Yu Ding. Make sure to cook the ingredients quickly over high heat to retain their flavors and textures.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use cashews or almonds instead of peanuts for a different nutty flavor.

- Substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free version of this dish.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the fish cubes in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Prepare the sauce ahead of time for a quick and easy meal.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Gong Bao Yu Ding in a decorative serving dish garnished with fresh cilantro or sliced red chili peppers for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Gong Bao Yu Ding with a light and refreshing cucumber salad or a side of steamed vegetables for a well-balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Gong Bao Yu Ding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Gong Bao Yu Ding contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Gong Bao Yu Ding contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Gong Bao Yu Ding contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Gong Bao Yu Ding contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Gong Bao Yu Ding is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and iron.

Alergens

Gong Bao Yu Ding contains fish, peanuts, and soy, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Gong Bao Yu Ding is a nutritious dish that is rich in proteins and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a flavorful and satisfying meal option for seafood lovers.

Summary

Gong Bao Yu Ding is a delicious and nutritious seafood dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. With its bold flavors and satisfying textures, this dish is a must-try for any seafood lover. Enjoy this traditional Chinese recipe at home for a taste of authentic Asian cuisine.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in China. My mother had always been a wonderful cook, and I had spent countless hours watching her in the kitchen, learning the secrets of her delicious dishes.

One day, a traveling merchant came to our village, selling all sorts of exotic spices and ingredients. Curious, I approached him and asked if he had anything new and exciting to try. He smiled and pulled out a small package of dried Sichuan peppercorns, along with a piece of paper that had a recipe written on it.

"This is a recipe for Gong Bao Yu Ding," he said, "a traditional dish from the Sichuan province. It's a spicy and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your family and friends."

I eagerly took the package and the recipe, thanking the merchant before rushing home to show my mother. Together, we studied the recipe and the ingredients, excited to try something new and different.

The next day, my mother and I set to work in the kitchen, chopping and slicing, measuring and mixing. The scent of the Sichuan peppercorns filled the air, making our mouths water in anticipation. Finally, after hours of diligent work, we sat down to taste our creation.

The first bite was a revelation. The dish was spicy and tangy, with a perfect balance of flavors that danced on my tongue. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special.

From that day on, Gong Bao Yu Ding became a regular fixture in our household. I would make it for special occasions, impressing guests with my newfound culinary skills. My mother and I would often experiment with the recipe, adding our own twists and variations to make it truly our own.

As the years passed, I continued to hone my skills in the kitchen, learning new recipes and techniques from friends and family members. I would always come back to Gong Bao Yu Ding, though, as it held a special place in my heart as the dish that had sparked my love for cooking.

Now, as a grandmother myself, I often make Gong Bao Yu Ding for my own family. I have passed the recipe down to my children and grandchildren, along with the story of how I first discovered it all those years ago.

I have learned that recipes are more than just a list of ingredients and instructions. They are a connection to the past, a way to preserve traditions and memories for future generations. Every time I make Gong Bao Yu Ding, I am reminded of that young girl in the village, filled with anticipation and excitement at the prospect of trying something new.

And so, I continue to cook and share my recipes, knowing that each dish carries with it a story and a legacy that will live on long after I am gone. And I hope that my grandchildren will one day feel the same sense of anticipation and joy that I did when I first discovered the recipe for Gong Bao Yu Ding.