novelAbuy Chapter 53 Fried Baby Fish
Chapter 53 Fried Baby Fish
Wang Zhihuan was in no hurry to flip the fish. He simply stood quietly by the stove, occasionally using a spatula to gently push the fish, carefully controlling the heat.
The key to frying fish is controlling the heat. Too high a heat and the outside will be burnt while the inside is still raw; too low a heat and it will absorb too much oil and become greasy. But his technique was skillful, and he got it just right.
The fish meat quickly tightens and sets in the hot oil, the skin gradually turns from silver-gray to golden yellow, the edges curl up slightly, and the rich aroma of caramel instantly fills the entire kitchen.
Once the fish is fully fried, he removes it from the oil and places it on a bamboo strainer to drain off excess oil.
The fried stream fish is golden and crispy all over, even the fins are fried thin and translucent. The setting sun shines through the window and casts its light on the fish, making the whole fish look as if it is plated with a layer of warm gold. The aroma is irresistible and makes people's mouths water.
After draining the oil for a moment, he neatly arranged the fried fish on clean lotus leaves, then picked up a little fine salt from the earthenware pot on the stove, gently rubbed it between his fingertips, and sprinkled the fine salt grains evenly.
The scalding heat, carrying the aroma of salt, seeps into the crispy fish skin, creating an incredibly fresh and flavorful dish.
"You can start eating now, Sizi. Eat slowly, be careful not to burn your mouth."
"A rhinoceros isn't afraid of getting burned!" The little girl casually put down her chopsticks and reached out to grab the biggest fried fish.
Wang Zhihuan reacted quickly, intercepting her small hand in mid-air and stuffing a pair of chopsticks into her palm: "You have to use chopsticks, you're not allowed to eat with your hands, or your tummy will hurt."
Sizi obediently took the chopsticks, picked up a small fish, puffed out her cheeks and blew on it several times before taking a small bite.
With a crisp snap, the crispy fish skin cracked between your teeth, revealing tender, piping hot, and incredibly fragrant fish meat inside.
Her eyes widened suddenly, and with a mouthful of fish, she mumbled, "So good! It's a hundred times better than the fish we make at home!"
As soon as she spoke, she realized she had almost revealed her identity, so she quickly lowered her head and focused on eating her fish, saying no more.
Chang Le also picked up a fried fish, gently blew away the heat, and took a small bite.
The fish skin is crispy and fragrant, the fish meat is tender and sweet, and the saltiness enhances the flavor without masking the natural freshness of the stream fish.
The fried fish had absolutely no fishy smell. The coolness of the spring water, the aroma of the hot oil, and the saltiness of the salt blended perfectly with the original flavor of the fish, resulting in an excellent taste.
She savored the moment slowly, then looked up at Wang Zhihuan, who was busy at the stove.
When discussing philosophy by the stream, he spoke with extraordinary eloquence, analyzing the great principles of mountains and rivers, just like a learned hermit who had retreated to the mountains and forests.
Wearing a coarse cloth apron, she stood in front of the stove, flipping the oil in the wok with bamboo chopsticks in her hand. Her movements were swift and skillful, just like a master chef with superb skills in the streets of Chang'an.
They may have different appearances and temperaments, but the composure, calmness, focus, and steadiness in their bones have remained constant and have never changed.
The setting sun streamed through the window, casting a warm orange glow on his profile. He stared intently at the fried fish in the pan, fine beads of sweat glistening on his forehead, calm and focused.
Chang Le's heart suddenly skipped a beat, and she quickly lowered her head to concentrate on eating the fish, but her ears quietly turned a blush, and her mind was in turmoil.
Sizi ate with his mouth glistening with oil and fish scraps stuck to the tip of his nose, one fish after another, unable to stop.
She was unusually excited today, and her giggles were clearer than usual.
No wonder, since her grandfather passed away a few days ago, the atmosphere at home has been somber for a long time, and it's rare that her older sister brought her out today.
Playing by the stream and enjoying such delicious food, the children's happiness was simple and direct, instantly dispelling most of the pent-up frustration of the past few days.
Chang Le ate two more fried fish than usual, and finally took out a silk handkerchief to gently wipe the oil stains from the corners of her mouth, her eyes showing a rare sense of satisfaction and leisure.
"Handsome brother." Sizi swallowed the last bite of fish, tilted her shiny little face up, her eyes full of admiration, and counted earnestly on her little hands, "Your scrambled eggs with tomatoes are the best in the world, your braised pork is the best in the world, your catching fish is the best in the world, and your fried fish is the best in the world! Everything you make is the best in the world!"
"And what about you, Sizi?" Wang Zhihuan couldn't help but ask with a smile.
"Sizi is the best fish eater in the world! She's the best at everything!" The little girl puffed out her chest, her face full of pride. "I ate several by myself just now!"
"On this point, no one dares to argue with you; you truly deserve to be number one." Wang Zhihuan picked up a cloth to wipe his hands, looked at the pile of fish bones on the table, and nodded with a smile.
After the meal, Wang Zhi went to the cellar of the distillery and took out a newly sealed jar of first-pressed raw liquor.
This is the first batch of fine wine steamed this morning, with a strong and mellow alcohol content, perfect for someone like Grand Commandant Li who has always loved strong liquor.
The wine jars are all carefully selected, with thin walls and a bright glaze. The jars are sealed tightly with a mixture of mountain yellow clay and rice straw, locking in all the aroma of the wine.
Then, another jar of second-grade, low-alcohol, warm wine was taken. It was slightly sweet on the palate with a pleasant aftertaste, and even those who were not good at drinking could enjoy a small sip. It was just right for Madam Li's daily conditioning and a little drink.
The mouths of the two jars of fine wine were tied tightly with hemp rope, and then an oil paper package was picked up and prepared together.
"This jar of first-pressed liquor is a gift for Your Excellency. I have heard that Your Excellency prefers strong liquor. This jar of original liquor is rich and robust, so please allow him to savor it carefully."
Wang Zhi handed the wine jar to Chang Le, and then gestured to another jar of wine and an oil paper package, saying, "This jar of second-grade warm wine is a gift for your mother. It has a mild alcohol content and will not harm the spleen and stomach. Warm a cup before bed to warm the stomach, dispel cold, and nourish the body. It is more refreshing and nourishing than ordinary medicinal tea."
The oil-paper package contains red dates and longan. Boil them together with the ginseng and ophiopogon japonicus I sent you last time; this will nourish your qi and blood, and improve your complexion—perfect for you.
Chang Le reached out and took the two jars of fine wine and the oil paper package, gently holding them in her arms.
The wine jar was heavy, and through the jar walls, a faint, mellow aroma of wine lingered around the nose, refreshing and delightful.
She bowed her head slightly and thanked him softly, but she kept it in her heart.
This person is meticulous in their dealings with others and also knows how to give gifts with perfect tact.
He gave strong liquor to his father, warm wine to his mother, and nourishing medicinal herbs to himself. Every gesture was thoughtful, appropriate, and perfectly balanced.
As dusk deepened, the donkey cart slowly drove away from the farm, disappearing at the end of the distant official road and merging into the deep twilight.
Wang Zhi stood quietly at the courtyard gate, gazing at the direction the donkey cart had gone for a moment, his mind filled with a myriad of thoughts, including a faint reluctance to part with his beloved and a steady plan for the future.
He then turned around and went back to the courtyard, taking the bowls and plates from the stone table into the kitchen to wash them.
Ah Huang obediently lay down at his feet, gently rubbing against his ankle, gentle and affectionate.
At that moment, the familiar notification sound of the merit system rang in my mind.
[System Prompt]: The host enlightened the noble lady's mind by discussing philosophy by the stream and created a customized treatment method for Empress Zhangsun by combining exquisite brewing skills with a good prescription. Merit points +600.
Wang Zhi glanced at the prompt indifferently, then regained his composure, scooped up some well water, and began washing the dishes with a splashing sound, his expression calm and unmoved.
On this day in the ninth year of Zhenguan, from distilling wine at dawn to discussing philosophy by the stream; from catching fish in bamboo cages to frying fish in front of the stove, the simple life was full of warmth and contentment.
Little did he know that the jars of fine wine he had sent out today, coupled with the previous connection between the Cheng brothers, would soon stir up quite a storm in the bustling city of Chang'an.
The seeds of this turmoil had already been sown at the banquet at the Duke of Lu's mansion, waiting only for the right moment to explode.