Sweet and Sour Carp

Sweet and Sour Carp is a traditional Chinese dish known for its delightful color, aroma, and taste. It is a classic in Chinese cuisine. The main ingredient is carp, which is deep-fried and then coated with a tangy sweet and sour sauce. The dish is characterized by its vibrant red color and its deliciously balanced sweet and sour flavor, making it a beloved favorite among many.

Carp is a common type of fish with tender flesh and rich nutritional value. For this dish, fresh, live carp is selected, and deep frying enhances its flavor. The fried carp is then topped with a specially made sweet and sour sauce, accompanied by seasonings such as green onions, ginger, and garlic, resulting in an even richer taste.

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POSTED:30/05/2024

Level:Medium

Yield:2-3 servings

Total:30 min

(includes chilling time)

Active:15 min

Many people love eating Sweet and Sour Carp, but it's important to know some key tips for making it. Once you master these techniques, you'll be able to make it easily! Let's learn together!

1、How to Mix the Sweet and Sour Sauce？

Remember the ratio 1:2:3:4 for the sauce—1 tablespoon of cooking wine, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and 4 tablespoons of aged vinegar. Stick to this ratio, and your Sweet and Sour Carp will taste great and appeal to most palates. Of course, if you prefer it sweeter, add more sugar; if you like it tangier, add more vinegar.

2、How to Fry the Fish for a Good Presentation？

Frying the fish is an art. To achieve the desired look with the head and tail curved upwards, the carp should be added to the oil when it's heated to 70% of its maximum temperature. When placing the fish in the oil, hold the head and tail with your hands and make sure the back is facing down. This ensures that the cuts on the fish open up, allowing the entire fish to cook evenly.

By mastering these tips, you'll be able to quickly make an authentic Sweet and Sour Carp. You can also adjust the seasoning amounts and change up the additional ingredients based on your personal taste. Now, let's get started and make this delicious dish together!

INGREDIENTS

MAIN INGREDIENTS

1 carp

ACCESSORIES

3 tablespoons of flour
Appropriate amount of green onions, ginger, and garlic

SEASONINGS

1 tablespoon of cooking wine
1 tablespoon of salt
1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water
2 tablespoons of soy sauce
3 tablespoons of sugar
4 tablespoons of rice vinegar
Appropriate amount of cooking oil
Appropriate amount of water

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1

Prepare the Carp: Clean the carp and make several deep cuts on both sides of the fish.

Tips:

①When making the cuts, make them as deep as possible at a slight angle, cutting down to the bone.

②Remove the tendons from both sides of the carp since carp is considered a "trigger" food.

STEP 2

Marinate the Carp: Place the carp in a large bowl, add a suitable amount of shredded green onions and ginger, pour in 1 tablespoon of cooking wine, and sprinkle salt into each cut on the fish. Marinate for 10 minutes.

STEP 3

Prepare the Batter: In another bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of flour, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water, and an appropriate amount of water. Stir in some cooking oil to make the batter.

Tips:

When coating the fish with cornstarch, ensure both sides are dry. Apply the cornstarch evenly, making sure it gets into the cuts to prevent the fish meat from sticking together.

STEP 4

Prepare for Frying: First, coat the surface of the carp with a layer of dry cornstarch, then evenly coat it with the prepared batter.

STEP 5

Fry the Carp: Pour plenty of oil into a pot. When the oil is 70% hot (about 180°C/350°F), hold the fish with both hands, bend it slightly, and fry the bottom first. Then, place the entire fish in the pot and spoon hot oil over it to shape it. Fry on medium heat until the skin is golden and crispy, then remove.

STEP 6

Mix the Sweet and Sour Sauce: Combine 1 tablespoon of salt, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 3 tablespoons of sugar, 4 tablespoons of vinegar, and 5 tablespoons of water. Stir well.

Tips:

①The sauce should be neither too thin nor too thick to ensure it coats the fish evenly for better flavor.

②You can add a bit of ketchup according to your personal taste.

STEP 7

Make the Sauce: Leave a bit of oil in the pot, sauté the green onions, ginger, and garlic until fragrant, then add the sweet and sour sauce, cornstarch mixture, and cooking oil. Simmer until the sauce thickens, then turn off the heat.