Sliced Fish in Fermented Glutinous Rice Sauce (Zao Liu Yu Pian)

Hello, food lovers! Today, I’m excited to introduce you to a classic Chinese dish from Shandong cuisine: Sliced Fish in Fermented Glutinous Rice Sauce (Zao Liu Yu Pian). This dish is known for its delicate fish slices and a unique, slightly sweet and savory sauce made from fermented glutinous rice. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make this delicious dish at home!

Ingredients

• Fish Fillets (e.g., cod or sea bass): 300 grams
• Fermented Glutinous Rice (available in Asian grocery stores): 2 tablespoons
• Ginger: 2 slices
• Garlic: 2 cloves (minced)
• Scallions: 2 (cut into 2-inch sections)
• Light Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon
• Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon
• Cooking Wine (Shaoxing wine): 1 tablespoon
• White Sugar: 1 teaspoon
• Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon (mixed with 2 tablespoons water)
• Vegetable Oil: For frying

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

1. Slice the Fish: Cut the fish fillets into thin slices about 1/4 inch thick. Rinse the slices under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels[^36^].
2. Marinate the Fish: In a bowl, combine the fish slices with a pinch of salt, a few drops of cooking wine, and a small amount of cornstarch. Mix well and let it marinate for 10-15 minutes[^36^].

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. Mix the Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the fermented glutinous rice, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, cooking wine, and sugar. Mix well[^36^].

Step 3: Cook the Fish

1. Fry the Fish Slices: Heat enough vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the fish slices until they are golden brown on both sides. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels[^36^].

Step 4: Make the Sauce

1. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the ginger slices, minced garlic, and scallion sections until fragrant[^36^].
2. Add the Sauce Mixture: Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and bring it to a boil[^36^].
3. Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Adjust the consistency as needed[^36^].

Step 5: Combine and Serve

1. Combine Fish and Sauce: Add the fried fish slices back to the pan and gently toss them in the sauce until evenly coated[^36^].
2. Serve: Transfer the dish to a serving plate and garnish with additional scallion sections for a pop of color[^36^].

Cultural Significance

Zao Liu Yu Pian is a classic dish from Jinan, Shandong Province, known for its delicate fish slices and a unique sauce made from fermented glutinous rice[^36^]. This dish showcases the harmony of flavors and textures, with the tender fish slices perfectly complemented by the rich, slightly sweet sauce. It is a perfect example of the culinary artistry in Shandong cuisine, which is one of the Four Great Traditions of Chinese cuisine[^36^].

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