Flavorful Baked Sea Bass with Garlic Bean Paste

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon bean paste

• Scallions, ginger, and garlic (to taste)

• 1 tablespoon cooking wine

• 2 grams salt

• 2 grams sugar

• 1 sea bass (approximately 1 pound)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Sea Bass: Wash the sea bass and marinate it with cooking wine, salt, and sugar for 15 minutes. Optionally, sprinkle some bay leaves and basil for extra flavor. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius (392 degrees Fahrenheit) and bake the sea bass for 20-30 minutes. For a smaller sea bass (about 1 pound), 20 minutes should suffice.

2. Prepare the Bean Paste Sauce: Heat a pan with oil and stir-fry the garlic leaves with the bean paste (a favorite in our family is Xinhe June yellow bean paste). After a minute, add some water to the pan and bring it to a boil. Pour the sauce over the fish, then switch the oven to 220 degrees Celsius (428 degrees Fahrenheit) and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

3. Finish and Serve: Once out of the oven, grind some black pepper over the fish to eliminate any fishy smell, ensuring the meat remains firm and flavorful. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips

1. Choose Fresh Fish: For the best flavor and texture, select a fresh sea bass. Look for clear eyes, bright skin, and a clean smell.

2. Marination Time: Don’t rush the marination process; allowing the fish to soak in the cooking wine, salt, and sugar will enhance its taste.

3. Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding some chopped chili peppers to the bean paste sauce.

4. Serving Suggestions: Serve the baked sea bass with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables to complement the richness of the dish.

5. Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently to retain moisture.