Wok-Seared Cod With Mushrooms and Peas

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Place the cod fillets on your cutting board and cut down the length where the depression in the middle is. Slice the halves crosswise into ¼-inch pieces. Place in a bowl and toss with 1 teaspoon of the cornstarch, 1½ teaspoons of the rice wine or sherry, the egg white, salt and sesame oil. Stir gently until all of the cornstarch is dissolved.

2. Step 2

   In a small bowl, stir together the broth, remaining rice wine or sherry, soy sauce, remaining cornstarch and sugar. Stir well to dissolve the cornstarch. Set aside near your wok.

3. Step 3

   Heat a 14-inch flat-bottomed wok or 12-inch steel skillet over high heat until a drop of water evaporates within a second or two when added to the pan. Swirl in 1 tablespoon of the oil by adding it to the sides of the pan and swirling the pan, then add the garlic and ginger and stir-fry for no more than 10 seconds. Add the mushrooms and white and light green parts of the scallions and stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes, until the mushrooms begin to soften.

4. Step 4

   Push everything to the sides of the wok and add the remaining oil. Spread the fish in the bottom of the wok in an even layer and do not move it for 1 minute. Sprinkle the fish and vegetables with salt to taste. Gently slide the spatula underneath the fish pieces and turn them over. Sear for another minute. The fish should be cooked through.

5. Step 5

   Add the broth mixture and the peas to the wok and gently stir-fry for 45 seconds to a minute, until some of the liquid has evaporated and the rest has thickened and glazed the fish and vegetables. Stir in the cilantro and the dark green parts of the scallions and serve with noodles.