Teresa's Recipes
Sweet and Sour Mandarin Fish
Embark on a culinary journey to China with this delightful Sweet and Sour Mandarin Fish. This recipe features a beautifully prepared whole Mandarin fish, known for its tender, succulent flesh. The fish is fried to a perfect golden brown, creating a satisfyingly crispy exterior. The pièce de résistance is the vibrant sweet and sour sauce, a traditional Chinese blend that enhances the delicate flavors of the fish, making this dish a feast for both the eyes and the palate. The finishing touch of fragrant green onions adds a refreshing contrast.
Ingredients
- 2, sliced into thin rings Green onions
- 1/4 cup Water
- 2 tablespoons Sugar
- 1/4 cup Vinegar
- 1/4 cup Soy sauce
- 1 inch piece, finely chopped Ginger
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 cup, for frying Vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup, for dusting Cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 whole (about 1 to 1.5 kg), cleaned and pat dried Mandarin fish
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 480
- Fat: 30g
- Carbs: 20g
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Sugar: 12g
Instructions
- Clean the Mandarin fish thoroughly and pat it dry. Season it evenly with salt and pepper.
- Dust the entire fish with cornstarch, ensuring it's well-coated.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the fish and fry until it turns golden brown on both sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes per side. Carefully remove the fish from the pan and set it aside.
- Using the same pan, reduce the heat to low and sauté the minced garlic and chopped ginger until aromatic, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and water, and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Gently place the fried fish back into the pan, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Let it simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes, carefully turning once halfway through.
- Transfer the fish to a serving dish and generously pour the remaining sweet and sour sauce over it. Garnish with sliced green onions.
- Serve the Sweet and Sour Mandarin Fish hot with steamed rice for a complete meal.
Tips
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a finely chopped red chili pepper to the sauce. You can also add a splash of sesame oil for an additional layer of flavor.