Japanese-Inspired Comfort Fish Stew
What Started it all:
canned fish (tuna, sardines), Celery, vinegar (apple cider, balsamic), crockpot
This delightful Japanese-inspired stew combines the rich flavors of canned fish with the crispness of celery and the tang of apple cider and balsamic vinegar. Perfect for a cozy family meal, it’s both simple and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 cans of tuna (in water or oil, drained)
- 2 cans of sardines (in water or oil, drained)
- 4 stalks of celery (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 4 cups vegetable or fish broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup green onions (sliced, for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Drain the canned tuna and sardines.
- Chop the celery into bite-sized pieces.
- Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
- Set your crockpot to the sauté mode (or use a separate pan if your crockpot doesn’t have this function).
- Add the sesame oil and let it heat up.
- Sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger until aromatic, about 2 minutes.
- Add the chopped celery to the crockpot.
- Pour in the vegetable or fish broth.
- Stir in the apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, mirin (if using), and black pepper.
- Gently fold in the drained tuna and sardines.
- Ensure the fish is evenly distributed throughout the stew.
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
- Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the stew is ready, ladle it into bowls.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
This Japanese-inspired comfort fish stew is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, offering a delightful warmth and richness. Serve it with a side of steamed rice or a simple salad for a complete, nourishing meal. Enjoy!