There are many kinds of fish, some of which are well-known, attracting a large number of foodies and even dying out. Nowadays, they can only rely on artificial breeding to maintain the market supply, and the price is very expensive, which ordinary families can't afford, such as wild yellow croaker and Yangtze river swordfish. Some fish are simply worthless in most parts of China, even if they are put on the market, no one will know it, let alone buy it. Only Chaoshan people know its value and know how to eat it, and even it has transformed itself in Japan.
It is mackerel, and some places call it braided fish, oxtail fish, white turtle, etc. Observing its shape, it really looks like a braided head. In addition, its color is brown, and its ugly appearance is its characteristic. If it is hidden in deep soil, you can't tell it is a fish at all. Few people know about it, and it is very low-key, but its head is quite big and should be suitable for soup making. In the vegetable market in most parts of China, few people will buy this fish at all, and it is difficult to sell it.
Mackerel is not well-known among many kinds of fish in China, and its sales in China are not good. However, Japanese people especially like to eat mackerel, which is exported to Japan from cheap fish to high-grade fish. Only people with good economic conditions can eat it, and even they have to make an appointment in high-grade restaurants to enjoy it.
But it's different in Chaoshan. It can be said that only Chaoshan people know how to eat it best. This fish is called light turtle locally. In Chaoshan, there is a famous dish made of mackerel, which is boiled mackerel with preserved vegetables. They think that most people don't like to eat mackerel because they don't know how to cook it. The preserved vegetables used in this dish to cook mackerel are actually common ingredients in life.
Every winter, Chaoshan people will buy dozens of pounds of white radish, wash it and cut it, then marinate it and take it out to dry.
Braised with preserved vegetables and mackerel, the taste is very delicious. In addition, mackerel can also be braised and fried, and the taste is quite strong. Why is the commercial value of mackerel so high in Japan? It is because mackerel has excellent nutrition, firm and plump meat, and contains a lot of protein and fat. It is a high-protein and low-fat food, which is suitable for people who lose weight. Eating more can also enhance immunity and be easily digested and absorbed by the human body.
Mackerel has a earthy smell, but it doesn't have a strong smell of sea fish, so it's not suitable for steaming. Have you ever eaten mackerel?