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Forkin
Main Course

Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish

This classic Chinese dish features a whole fish scored and deep-fried to resemble a squirrel, then topped with a vibrant sweet and sour sauce. It's known for its crispy exterior, tender interior, and a delightful balance of flavors. Perfect for a special occasion.

O rețetă originală de Forkin

Durată totală
50 min.
Porții
4
Dificultate
Dificilă

Informații despre alergeni: poate conține pește, gluten, soia și boabe de soia. Verifică întotdeauna ambalajele ingredientelor dacă ai o alergie.

Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish

Pregătirea ingredientelor

Ingrediente

Ingrediente

  • 1 buc.mandarin fish, whole, cleaned, scaled, head and tail intact
  • 750 mlvegetable oil, for frying

fish seasoning

  • 5 gginger, sliced
  • 10 gspring onion, chopped
  • 15 mlrice wine
  • 2 gsalt

for frying

  • 50 gcornstarch

sauce

  • 60 mltomato ketchup
  • 30 gsugar
  • 30 mlwhite vinegar
  • 15 mlsoy sauce
  • 120 mlchicken broth
  • 10 gcornstarch, mixed with 15ml water

garnish

  • 50 gpeas, fresh or frozen
  • 30 gcarrot, diced

Ustensile

wok · small saucepan · cutting board · knife · thermometer

Mod de preparare

Pas cu pas

  1. 1

    Lay the mandarin fish flat and make deep diagonal cuts into the flesh, stopping just before the bones, creating a crosshatch pattern. Repeat on the other side.

    Aproximativ 5 min.

    Nota bucătarului: Ensure the cuts are deep enough to help the fish curl when fried but don't cut through the bone.

  2. 2

    Season the fish with ginger, spring onion, rice wine, and salt, rubbing it into the cuts. Let it marinate for 15 minutes.

    Aproximativ 15 min.

  3. 3

    Evenly coat the marinated fish with cornstarch, making sure it gets into all the cuts. Shake off any excess.

    Aproximativ 2 min.

    Nota bucătarului: A good coating of cornstarch will ensure a crispy exterior.

  4. 4

    Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or deep pot to 180°C (350°F).

    Aproximativ 5 min.

    Nota bucătarului: Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches the correct temperature for even cooking.

  5. 5

    Carefully lower the fish into the hot oil, holding it by the tail to allow the head and body to curl. Fry for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

    Aproximativ 7 min.

    Nota bucătarului: Fry in batches if your pot isn't large enough to avoid overcrowding and dropping the oil temperature.

  6. 6

    Remove the fried fish and place it on a serving platter, allowing any excess oil to drain.

    Aproximativ 1 min.

  7. 7

    In a small saucepan, combine tomato ketchup, sugar, white vinegar, soy sauce, and chicken broth for the sauce. Bring to a simmer.

    Aproximativ 3 min.

  8. 8

    Add the peas and carrot to the simmering sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.

    Aproximativ 3 min.

  9. 9

    Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce, cooking until it reaches your desired consistency.

    Aproximativ 1 min.

    Nota bucătarului: Add the slurry gradually to control the thickness of the sauce.

  10. 10

    Pour the hot sweet and sour sauce evenly over the fried fish and serve immediately.

    Aproximativ 1 min.

Păstrează gustul bun

Păstrare

This dish is best enjoyed fresh immediately after preparation to maintain crispiness.