How to Cook Spicy Szechuan Stir-fried Eel

If you're a fan of Chinese cuisine, you're likely no stranger to the bold and fiery flavors of Szechuan cuisine. One dish that perfectly encapsulates this style of cooking is Spicy Szechuan Stir-Fried Eel. This dish is a must-try for anyone who enjoys spicy food and is looking for a new and exciting seafood dish to add to their repertoire. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of cooking Spicy Szechuan Stir-Fried Eel, step-by-step, so you can create this mouthwatering dish at home.

Part 1: Choose Quality Eel

Before getting started with the recipe, it's essential to choose high-quality eel. Freshwater eel is the most commonly used type of eel in Chinese cooking, and it can be found at most Asian supermarkets. Look for firm, plump eels with clear eyes and shiny skin. If possible, purchase live eels for maximum freshness.

If you can't find fresh eels, frozen eels are also an option. Just make sure they have been defrosted properly before cooking. It's best to buy whole eels and fillet them yourself to ensure the quality of the meat. Eel can be challenging to fillet, so if you're not comfortable doing so, ask your fishmonger or butcher for assistance.

Part 2: Prepare the Ingredients

Now that you have your eel, it's time to gather the other ingredients for the dish. Here's what you'll need:

- 2 medium-sized eels (about 600g)

- 1 tbsp. Sichuan peppercorns

- 1/4 cup vegetable oil

- 6 cloves garlic, minced

- 3 slices ginger

- 2 tbsp. doubanjiang (fermented broad bean paste)

- 1/4 cup Shaoxing wine

- 2 tbsp. soy sauce

- 1 tbsp. dark soy sauce

- 1 tbsp. sugar

- 1/2 cup water

- 4-6 dried red chilies, depending on your spice tolerance

- 1/2 cup sliced scallions

Part 3: Clean and Prep the Eel

Eel can be a challenging ingredient to work with, but with a little patience, it's easy to clean and prepare. Here's what you need to do:

- Cut off the eel's head and tail using a sharp knife.

- Cut along the eel's belly to remove the organs.

- Rinse the eel thoroughly under cold running water, making sure to remove any remaining organs or blood.

- Pat the eel dry with paper towels and cut it into bite-sized pieces.

Part 4: Cook the Spicy Szechuan Stir-Fried Eel

Now for the fun part: cooking the Spicy Szechuan Stir-Fried Eel! Follow these steps:

1. Toast the Sichuan peppercorns in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant. Remove from heat and grind them using a mortar and pestle.

2. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until hot. Add the minced garlic, ginger slices, and ground Sichuan peppercorns, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add the doubanjiang to the wok and stir-fry for another 30 seconds.

4. Add the eel pieces to the wok and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until browned on all sides.

5. Pour the Shaoxing wine into the wok and allow it to cook for about 30 seconds.

6. Add the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and water to the wok and stir well.

7. Add the dried red chilies to the wok and stir everything together.

8. Cover the wok and let the eel simmer in the sauce for 5-7 minutes until cooked through.

9. Remove the lid and stir in the sliced scallions.

10. Serve the Spicy Szechuan Stir-Fried Eel hot with steamed white rice.

Part 5: Tips and Tricks

- Szechuan peppercorns are a vital ingredient in this dish and are responsible for the numbing sensation that Szechuan cuisine is known for. If you can't find Szechuan peppercorns, you can substitute them with black peppercorns, but the flavor will be different.

- Use a high smoke point oil like vegetable oil when cooking the eel to prevent it from sticking to the wok.

- Adjust the amount of dried red chilies to your preferred level of spiciness.

- If you're not a fan of eel, you can substitute it with other seafood like shrimp or fish.

- Be sure not to overcook the eel, as it can become tough and rubbery if cooked for too long.

Spicy Szechuan Stir-Fried Eel is a delicious and exciting dish to add to your Chinese cooking repertoire. By using high-quality ingredients and following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a spicy and flavorful dish that's sure to impress. Whether you're a fan of Szechuan cuisine or simply looking for a new seafood recipe to try, Spicy Szechuan Stir-Fried Eel is an excellent choice.