How to Make Traditional Chinese Sweet and Sour Carp

Hello, food lovers! Today, I’m excited to introduce you to a classic Chinese dish that’s both visually stunning and incredibly delicious: Sweet and Sour Carp. This dish is a perfect blend of crispy texture, tangy sauce, and rich flavors. Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to making this iconic dish at home!

Ingredients

For the Carp

• Fresh Carp: 1 (about 1.5 kg)
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• White Pepper: A pinch
• Flour: 200 grams
• Egg: 1
• Vegetable Oil: For frying

For the Sauce

• Tomato Ketchup: 4 tablespoons
• White Vinegar: 3 tablespoons
• Sugar: 3 tablespoons
• Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon
• Ginger: 1 tablespoon (minced)
• Garlic: 1 clove (minced)
• Green Onions: 2 (chopped)
• Water: 100 ml
• Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon (mixed with 2 tablespoons water)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Carp

1. Clean the Carp: Clean the carp thoroughly, removing scales, gills, and guts. Make diagonal cuts on both sides of the fish, about 1 cm deep.
2. Season the Fish: Rub the fish with salt and white pepper inside and out. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Coat the Fish

1. Prepare the Batter: In a bowl, mix flour and egg until you get a thick batter.
2. Coat the Fish: Dip the marinated carp into the batter, ensuring it is evenly coated.

Step 3: Fry the Fish

1. Heat the Oil: Pour enough vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or wok. Heat the oil to about 180°C (350°F).
2. Fry the Fish: Carefully place the coated carp into the hot oil. Fry until the batter is golden brown and crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes on each side. Remove the fish from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

1. Heat the Sauce Pan: In a saucepan, heat a little vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Add Aromatics: Add minced ginger and garlic to the pan. Stir-fry until fragrant.
3. Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the tomato ketchup, white vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and water. Stir well to combine.
4. Thicken the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.

Step 5: Serve the Dish

1. Plate the Fish: Place the fried carp on a serving plate.
2. Pour the Sauce: Pour the thickened sweet and sour sauce over the fish. Garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of color.
3. Enjoy: Serve the Sweet and Sour Carp hot. The combination of crispy batter, tender fish, and tangy sauce is truly delightful!

Cultural Significance

Sweet and Sour Carp is a traditional Chinese dish that symbolizes abundance and prosperity. It is often served during festivals and special occasions, especially during the Chinese New Year. The dish represents a wish for a prosperous and fulfilling life.

I hope you enjoy making and sharing this delicious dish with your loved ones. It’s a wonderful way to experience the rich flavors and traditions of Chinese cuisine. Happy cooking!