This gloriously easy and distinctive Sichuan 四川 dish has swept the world and leapt to fame in the past decade or so. You cannot go anywhere in the world these days where Chinese food is served and not find some version of this addictive dish which features the 'mala' 麻辣 kind of spicy with fish or beef.
'Mala' spiciness is a very unique flavor, featuring the heat of chilies married with the mouth numbing tingle of sichuan peppercorns. Once you've tried 'mala' it's hard to forget, it's so unique.
My 老公 loves, loves, loves 'mala' spicy dishes but we seldom get to eat it as my little girl has still not gotten the hang of spicy food yet. It's hilarious really, he gets the saddest look of longing on his face when he mentions this dish every once in a while.
So to stop that sad face, I suggested that we make it at home as one dish of our three dish plus rice family style Chinese dinner. Yay, finally, he can have his beloved Sichuan Spicy Fish Stew 水煮魚, a tender fish and veggies stew finished with a fiery and tongue numbing aromatic 'mala' spiced oil. Oh. Wow. What a spectacular dish this is!!
