Best Easy Smoked Fish Shanghai Style Recipe

Shanghai-style smoked fish with crispy, sweet-savory marinated slices is a classic cold appetizer. A high protein, fresh family celebration dish.

Cook 45 min Difficulty NORMAL 210 kcal
#high protein #diabetic friendly #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • white fish fillets 1 lb
  • scallions 2 pieces
  • ginger 5 slices
  • cornstarch 1 cup
  • vegetable oil 1.5 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • soy sauce 3 tbsp
  • Shaoxing wine 1.5 tbsp
  • sugar 2 tbsp
  • rice vinegar 1 tbsp
  • five-spice powder 0.5 tsp
  • white pepper 0.25 tsp
  • salt 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 12 g 23%
Protein 25 g 48%
Fat 7 g 29%
Serving size 110g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Slice white fish fillets into thick strips (about 1 inch wide). Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels for crispier texture.

  2. 2

    In a bowl, toss fish strips with Shaoxing wine, salt, and white pepper. Let marinate for 20 minutes in the refrigerator.

  3. 3

    Drain excess marinade and dredge the marinated fish evenly with cornstarch, shaking off excess.

  4. 4

    Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat (350°F/175°C). Carefully fry fish in batches for 2-3 minutes until pale golden and crispy. Drain on a wire rack.

  5. 5

    In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, five-spice powder, scallions, ginger, and a splash of water. Simmer over low heat for 3 minutes to blend flavors.

  6. 6

    Immediately after frying, submerge hot fish pieces in the warm marinade and let soak for 5 minutes, turning once to coat both sides evenly.

  7. 7

    Remove the fish from marinade, drain well, and chill completely in the refrigerator before serving for best flavor and texture.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The core ingredient is white fish fillets, which provide the signature flaky texture and delicate taste in Shanghai-style smoked fish. Quality fish is essential for authentic flavor.
Q. Which seasoning imparts the special Shanghai aroma?
Five-spice powder, combined with soy sauce, sugar, and Shaoxing wine, gives this dish its distinctive sweet-savory profile that defines classic Shanghai appetizers.
Q. What cooking techniques help maintain the fish's crispiness?
Patting the fish fillets dry, coating them evenly with cornstarch, and frying in hot oil (about 350°F/175°C) in small batches ensure a light, crispy surface. Chilling after marinating also preserves texture.
Q. How many calories and how much protein are in each serving?
Each serving provides approximately 210 kcal, with 25g of protein. Protein accounts for 48% of total calories, making this a high-protein option suitable for those monitoring macronutrients.
Q. How can I avoid overcooking the fish?
Fry the fish strips for just 2–3 minutes until pale golden and crisp. Overcooking can make fish tough, so work in batches to maintain oil temperature and monitor each piece closely.
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