Extra Fish Tofu

It seems that there might be a slight confusion in the name of the dish you are referring to. Based on your description, I believe you might be asking for help in understanding a dish known as "Fish Tofu" or "Fish Fragrant Tofu," which is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine and can be found in many Chinese restaurants in the USA.

Fish Tofu, or Fish Fragrant Tofu, is not a dish that features extra fish but rather a tofu-based dish that incorporates the flavors of a fish-based sauce. The primary ingredients of this dish include:

1. Tofu: Usually, the dish features soft or silken tofu but can occasionally be made with firm tofu. It is essential to use high-quality tofu for the best texture.

2. Fish Fragrant Sauce: The sauce is the key to the dish's flavor, and it typically consists of the following ingredients:

a. Minced pork or ground beef

b. Finely chopped garlic

c. Finely chopped ginger

d. Minced scallions or spring onions

e. Dried red chili flakes (optional, for a spicy touch)

f. Crushed Szechuan peppercorns (optional, for a mild numbing sensation)

g. Fermented soybean paste (Doubanjiang)

h. Shaoxing wine

i. Light soy sauce

j. Chicken stock or water

k. White sugar

l. Salt, if needed, for balancing the flavors

The cooking process involves first frying the tofu until golden brown. Then, the sauce is prepared in a separate pan, where the aromatics are sautéed, the meat is browned, and the remaining sauce ingredients are added. Finally, the fried tofu cubes are gently incorporated into the sauce and cooked together until the flavors meld.

This dish is commonly served with steamed rice and is known for its rich, savory, and aromatic gravy, which can be slightly spicy depending on the cook's preference.

Please note that the name Fish Fragrant Tofu is due to the sauce's fish-like flavors derived from the fermented soybean paste (Doubanjiang) and the other seasonings used, not from any fish actually being present in the dish.