Steamed Live Fish in Demoli Style

Steamed Live Fish in Demoli Style

　　Named after its place of origin, Demoli Town, this dish uses live carp or crucian carp, along with ingredients like cellophane noodles and pork slices. It boasts a delicious flavor with tender, fatty fish that is neither fishy nor greasy. It is one of the Four Great Stews of Northeast China. This dish can be found at various restaurants across Harbin, typically priced around 35 RMB.

　　Demoli is a small town not far from Harbin. Drivers delivering coal to Harbin would often stop there for lunch when it was noon. The local restaurants would catch live fish from the nearby river and stew them with freshly made tofu and cellophane noodles. The result was a tasty and affordable meal that eventually gained fame over time.

　　The cooking method involves marinating the fish to season it well, coating it with dry starch, and frying it until golden. The tofu is also fried to a golden color before both are stewed together with cellophane noodles. The fish must be fresh to ensure good flavor, and the final dish is served in a large bowl—generous and satisfying.