Juhua looked at their rapt expressions, as if they were receiving a profound lesson. She almost laughed but held it back.
After a moment, she slid her spatula under the fish and flipped it over. The newly exposed side was a light golden-brown, and the skin was perfectly intact, not sticking to the pan in the slightest. She let the other side fry briefly before pouring in some soy sauce. She turned the pieces of fish over and over, patting them gently until they took on a glossy, reddish-gold hue. Only then did she add water, chili paste, and garlic cloves. Finally, she poured the finely chopped pickled vegetables over the top, completely covering the fish.
Meizi asked, her eyes shining, "Is that all? Is it ready?"
Juhua smiled. "Almost. Now, just keep spooning the hot broth over the fish with the spatula. And don't put the lid on—that's the secret to keeping the fish meat tender."
