Sweet & Sour Fish: A Culinary Delight

Ingredients

For the Fish Preparation:

• 1 carp
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cooking wine
• Green onion
• Ginger
• Cornstarch
• Oil for frying

For the Sauce Preparation:

• 3 dried mushrooms (soaked)
• 4 inches of green onion
• 2 slices of ginger
• 1 small bamboo shoot
• 1 carrot

For the Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 6 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup soup stock
• 4 tablespoons Chinese black vinegar
• Dash of monosodium glutamate (MSG)
• 2 tablespoons ketchup

Other Ingredients:

• 1 clove garlic
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon green peas

Method

1. Prepare the Fish:

   • Clean the fish, remove entrails, and scale it. Score deeply on both sides.
   • Place cut green onion and ginger inside the fish. Pour soy sauce and cooking wine over the fish. Set aside.

2. Coat and Fry:

   • Dry the fish and roll it in cornstarch, shaking off any excess.
   • Fry the fish in oil heated to 375°F until it is crisp.

3. Prepare the Sauce:

   • Shred all ingredients listed under the sauce preparation.
   • Heat oil and fry the garlic. Add the shredded ingredients and the sauce ingredients. Add green peas.
   • Thicken the sauce with a cornstarch-water mixture. Pour the sauce over the fried fish.

Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutritional Information

• Yield: 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: 467
• Protein per Serving: 34.8g

Interesting Facts and Stats

• Carp Consumption: Carp is one of the most consumed fish in China, with an annual consumption of over 2 million tons (FAO, 2020).
• Health Benefits: Fish is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health. According to the American Heart Association, eating fish at least twice a week can reduce the risk of heart disease by 36% (AHA, 2021).
• Cultural Significance: In Chinese culture, fish symbolizes abundance and prosperity. It is often served during festive occasions like the Lunar New Year.

Sources

• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
• American Heart Association (AHA)

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