Garlic Eel Cutlets

In Hebei, garlic is used generously in dishes and is particularly suited to fish with strong flavours, such as mackerel and tuna steaks. In northern China the favoured fish is carp or eels. The latter are used in this dish because the aromatics enhance without overpowering the flavour of the fish. Always buy eels absolutely fresh and ask the fishmonger to gut and fillet them for you.