How a cooking fail became a family favourite of Opera Australia’s Christian Qi

His secret to making a great braised fish is to use Chinese cooking techniques with Korean sauces.

Christian Qi cooks everything from noodle soup to braised dish for his family. Credit: The Cook Up

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Opera Australia's Christian Qi loves eating and trying food from other cultures. "The spices and types of foods from different cultures always interest me," he says.

But the fish dishes of his childhood and his family's cooking are closest to his heart.

"My mother was the head manager of a famous Cantonese seafood restaurant in my hometown. Most of my childhood was spent playing in the restaurant," Qi says.

The most fascinating part was observing the chefs cooking over the powerful flame.

"As a child, my time flew by watching all the live stocks in giant fish tanks. The most fascinating part was observing the chefs cooking over the powerful flame. The best part was that they would let me taste all their dishes before even serving."

Christian Qi loves food cooked by his family. Credit: Christian Qi

He admits that his attempt at cooking braised fish in his own kitchen evolved from a "flipping fail" to a "household favourite".

"Once, I tried making braised fish for a family dinner, but the fish broke apart when I attempted to flip it, resulting in an unappealing presentation, and making it difficult to eat."

Braised fish has become my speciality dish.

Qi says it's important to deep-fry the fish until it's firm before braising it.

"During the braising process, there's no need to flip the fish. Instead, you simply pour the simmering sauce over it using a spoon and wait for the sauce to thicken before plating. Nowadays, braised fish has become my speciality dish."

His secret to making great braised fish is to use Chinese cooking techniques with Korean sauces.

"My intention was to create a dish that both my Korean wife and I would enjoy. After several attempts and adjusting the proportions of the sauces, this fish has now become a highly popular dish in my household."

When he's not braising fish, some of Qi's other favourite foods include baozi, kimchi and hotpot.

"Baozi are soft, fluffy steamed buns filled with various ingredients such as pork, vegetables or sweet fillings like red bean paste," he says. "While dim sum and dumplings are popular in Asian cuisine, baozi often go unnoticed. These delectable buns can be found in Chinese cuisine and are incredibly versatile."

As for kimchi, he likes the bold flavours and health benefits, and encourages everyone to give it a try.

"While kimchi has gained popularity in recent years, some people may still overlook it due to its strong and spicy taste. However, kimchi's complex flavours and versatility make it a great addition to various dishes, from stews and stir-fries to sandwiches and rice bowls."

Christian Qi enjoys home cooking. Credit: Christian Qi

When it's time to eat out, Qi recommends the communal dining experience of hotpot.

"This interactive and customisable dining experience is popular in China but may be underrated in some regions. Hotpot offers a unique and enjoyable way to socialise while savouring a wide range of flavours."

 

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