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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
Remove the fried fish and place it on a serving platter, allowing any excess oil to drain.
Aproximativ 1 min.
- 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
Add the peas and carrot to the simmering sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.
Aproximativ 3 min.
- 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
Pour the hot sweet and sour sauce evenly over the fried fish and serve immediately.
Aproximativ 1 min.
Păstrează gustul bun
This dish is best enjoyed fresh immediately after preparation to maintain crispiness.