Loach from Yakou

Loach from Yakou

　　Loach from Yakou is a traditional delicacy of Hengyang. Ingredients: 1000g live loach, 100g shallot greens, 50g cooked lard, 50g Hujiu (a type of Chinese liquor), 1g pepper powder, 1g sesame oil, 50g garlic cloves, 100g tea oil, 3g ginger, 4g soy sauce, a dash of MSG, 3g fine salt, 2g red chili powder. Preparation method: Wash the loach with water. Place the wok over high heat, put the loach in the wok and cover until it dies. Add 100g of tea oil and stir-fry until the loach curls into tight balls; then transfer to a bowl. Mash the shallot greens and cut them into 0.5-inch lengths. Peel and slice the garlic, mince the ginger. Heat 50g of cooked lard in the wok until it reaches about 50% heat, add the mashed shallot greens and stir-fry briefly. Then add the curled loach balls, followed by the minced garlic, Hujiu, soy sauce, fine salt, and minced ginger. Stir-fry everything together for a few minutes, then add MSG, red chili powder, and stir again. Transfer to a plate, drizzle with sesame oil, and serve. Characteristics: Bright reddish color with a delicious and fragrant taste.