Step 1

Generously salt fish and rinse under water to clean it. Set aside to dry.

Step 2

Add oil to a pan and saute garlic over medium heat until lightly browned.

Step 3

Layer onion on top, then the fish, evenly spaced.

Step 4

Add the seasoning & cooking liquid (& optional chiles) and turn the heat to high until boiling. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning.

Step 5

Bring it to a simmer for ~20 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6

Gently flip the filets of fish over and simmer for a final ~10 minutes with the lid partially covered.

Step 7

Stand there to watch it the final ~10 minutes to prevent it from burning! During this time you can continually spoon the sauce over the fish.

Step 8

Add green onion during last 2 minutes to wilt & top with sliced chiles, and some freshly ground black pepper.