Northeastern red braised fish

Recipe from 老东北美食's Youtube Channel

This is a dish famous throughout China. Perfectly seasoned with tender fish meat. It is perfect to bring out and amaze everyone at gatherings.

Cut slices on double sides of the fish. Then marinate the fish with 1 tablespoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce for 15 minutes. Dry the fish with a clean towel or a paper towel
Cut 1 stalk of scallion into medium chunks and cut 1 tiny piece of ginger into slices.
Heat 5-6 tablespoons of oil inside a large frying pan or a wok. If not using a non-stick pan, add a pinch of salt to the pan to avoid stickiness. Fry both sides of the fish until golden brown.
Add 1-2 star anises, one tablespoon of Sichuan peppercorn, previously chopped scallion, and ginger inside. Optionally add 1 tablespoon of pork lard.
When you smell the fragrance, add 2 tablespoons of Chinese cooking wine, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix everything up and then add water until half of the fish is immersed in the liquid.
Boil the mixture up and then add 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Put on the lid and simmer the fish for 12-15 minutes.
Take off the lid and take out all the spices. Take out the fish into a large plate. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar inside the sauce and start to reduce the sauce. Optionally add some starch water inside for extra stickiness.
Pour the sauce on the fish and serve.