Sesame Swordfish

Sesame Swordfish

　　“Sesame Swordfish” (scientific name Pseudobagrus vachelli), an extremely rare freshwater fish, is found only in rivers within Luodian County and in a stretch of the Hongshui River that flows through Luodian for dozens of kilometers. Why it is found only in Luodian remains an unsolved mystery to this day. This fish is scaleless, shaped like a sword with sharp fins, and gets its name from the sesame-like spots on its body.

　　 Luodian is home to many well-known fish, such as the famous mandarin fish, the delicious pig-mouth fish (scientific name Coreius heterodon), the renowned Chinese hook snout carp, the flat-snout fish (scientific name Pseudobagrus nubilosus) which is rich in flesh and low in bones, the transparent glass fish whose internal organs are visible as it swims, and the cave-dwelling rock carp that lives year-round in the dark underground rivers. Although these fish are famous, none are as renowned as the Sesame Swordfish. Why? Because not only is the Sesame Swordfish tender and flavorful, rich in flesh and low in bones, but it is also highly nutritious, containing various essential trace elements needed for human health. Regular consumption can beautify the skin, strengthen the body, and promote longevity. Furthermore, its unique culinary characteristics set it apart from other fish and have won it great favor among food connoisseurs — it holds together when pan-fried, stays tender even when cooked for a long time, and releases a subtle, magical aroma upon eating, leaving diners feeling refreshed and the taste unforgettable. As the saying goes, the finest delicacies in the world are “the turtle dove in the sky, the bamboo rat on the ground, and the sesame swordfish in the water,” and this is absolutely true.

　　 The Sesame Swordfish is found only in Luodian, is scarce, and difficult to catch (it lives in deep waters), making it even more precious (its price on dining tables in Guangdong and Guangxi is jaw-dropping). It is the best dish Luodian locals serve to honored guests. “If you don’t eat Sesame Swordfish, you’ve come to Luodian in vain.” For outsiders visiting Luodian, not tasting Sesame Swordfish is truly a great regret in life.

　　 Recipe for Well Water Sesame Swordfish: 500g Sesame Swordfish, 50g tomatoes, 5g salt, 5g scallions, 5g ginger, 1500g natural well water.

　　 Method: 1. Clean and prepare the Sesame Swordfish, then cut into 3cm-long sections.

　　 2. Slice the pickled chilies into 2cm-long pieces.

　　 Feature: Tender fish, delicious broth.

　　Recipe for Acidic Soup Sesame Swordfish: 500g Sesame Swordfish, 50g tomatoes, 5g salt, 5g monosodium glutamate, 3g cooking wine, 3g lake pepper, 5g scallions, 5g ginger.

　　 Method: 1. Clean and prepare the Sesame Swordfish, then cut into 3cm-long sections.

　　 2. Slice the pickled chilies into 2cm-long pieces.

　　 Heat the acidic soup in a pot until boiling, add the Sesame Swordfish, and just before serving, sprinkle with scallions, monosodium glutamate, salt, and other seasonings.

　　 Feature: Tender fish, delicious broth.

　　 Note: Method to make acidic soup: 5kg tomatoes, 500g old ginger, 250g minced garlic, 1kg chili peppers, 500g salt, 250g rice wine, 250g sweet wine. Place them in a jar, cover with a lid, and fill the rim with water. After 15 days, it’s ready to use. When eating, chop it up with a knife.