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The Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish

Name: The Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Chinese-Huaiyang
Ingredients: 2 lb. Striped Bass; 1 tsp. Salt; 1 count Egg; 1 lb. Cornstarch; 5 cup Cooking Oil; 2 oz. Onion, Diced; 0.5 oz. Scallion, Sliced; 1 tbsp. Cooking Wine; 1 cup Ketchup; 1 tbsp. Honey; 0.25 cup Strawberry Jelly; 3 oz. Sugar; 1 cup Water; 0.25 cup White Vinegar; 0.5 oz. Green Pea; 2 tbsp. Cornstarch Water (2 Tbsp Cornstarch Mixed With 1 Tbsp Water)

Chef John Zhang

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Known for its distinctive shape, Squirrel Fish combines vibrant color and bold flavor with a beautiful presentation, and even sounds delicious as it cooks.

Recipe

PRE TIME: 45 min

COOKING TIME: 15 min

TOTAL TIME: 1 hr

4 SERVING

Ingredients:

2 lb. Striped Bass
1 tsp. Salt
1 count Egg
1 lb. Cornstarch
5 cup Cooking Oil
2 oz. Onion, Diced
0.5 oz. Scallion, Sliced
1 tbsp. Cooking Wine
1 cup Ketchup
1 tbsp. Honey
0.25 cup Strawberry Jelly
3 oz. Sugar
1 cup Water
0.25 cup White Vinegar
0.5 oz. Green Pea
2 tbsp. Cornstarch Water (2 Tbsp Cornstarch Mixed With 1 Tbsp Water)

Directions:

Step 1

Clean the striped bass and cut off the head. Do not discard the head. Slice on both sides. Remove the bone. Do not cut off the tail. Reverse the fish so that the flesh is facing outside and make cuts with 1 cm spaces in between to create a diamond-shaped pattern. Do not cut through the skin. This will create a quill-like pattern.

Step 2

Rinse the fish in iced water.

Step 3

Season the fish with salt and egg. Set aside for about 15 minutes. Bat with cornstarch thoroughly.

Step 4

Heat the wok, add oil until there is enough to submerge the fish, and deep-fry the fish when the oil is at a low temperature. Hold the head and tail in U-shape when frying. Take the fish out when it’s half cooked. Wait until the temperature goes higher and then put the fish back into the wok. Check the fish; it should be golden and crispy. Set aside.

Step 5

For the sauce: Leave some of the oil in the wok. Add onion, scallion, cooking wine, ketchup, honey, strawberry jelly, sugar, and water. Mix briefly. Use a colander to remove the ingredients in the sauce.

Step 6

Add white vinegar, green peas and cornstarch mixture. Mix briefly.

Step 7

Pour the sauce on the fish.

Step 8

Enjoy!