Chinese Flounder Recipe: How to Make This Delicious Dish at Home

Chinese-style flounder recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for seafood lovers. The recipe is a great way to enjoy flounder, which is a popular fish in Chinese cuisine. The dish is crispy, flavourful, and perfect for any occasion.

When selecting the perfect flounder for this recipe, it is important to choose a fish that is fresh and has a mild flavour. You can use fresh fillets from your trusted fishmonger, or flash-frozen fish from the supermarket will also work. For those of you lucky enough to live near convenient ocean fishing, this is a great recipe for a delicate fresh-caught fish like fluke or flounder, black seabass or blackfish.

Essential ingredients for the recipe include Shaoxing wine, salt, white pepper, and cornstarch. You can also add other ingredients like cilantro, mushrooms, and oyster sauce to enhance the flavour of the dish. Propose the use of seafood in the recipe as a suggestion where applicable. Be specific about the type(s) of seafood that can be used for cooking if you propose seafood to be used.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese-style flounder recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for seafood lovers.
• When selecting the perfect flounder for this recipe, it is important to choose a fish that is fresh and has a mild flavour.
• Essential ingredients for the recipe include Shaoxing wine, salt, white pepper, and cornstarch.

Selecting the Perfect Flounder

When it comes to preparing a Chinese-style flounder dish, selecting the right fish is crucial. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect flounder for your recipe.

Whole Fish vs Fillet

You can choose between a whole flounder or a fillet. A whole flounder is more visually appealing and can be presented as a centerpiece on your dining table. Fillets, on the other hand, are easier to handle and cook. If you are a beginner, a fillet may be a better choice.

Freshness Indicators

When selecting a flounder, look for clear eyes and firm flesh. The eyes should be bright and clear, and the flesh should be firm to the touch. If you are buying a whole fish, check for signs of decay, such as a foul smell or discoloured skin. If you are buying a fillet, it should be moist and shiny.

If you are unsure about how to select the perfect flounder, don't hesitate to ask your fishmonger for advice. They can offer guidance on how to choose the best fish for your recipe.

If you are unable to find fresh flounder at your local supermarket, consider visiting an Asian grocery store. They may have a wider selection of fresh seafood, including flounder.

When it comes to seafood, it's always best to use fresh ingredients. However, if fresh flounder is not available, you can still make a delicious Chinese-style fish dish using other types of seafood, such as sea bass or cod. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and seasoning accordingly.

Essential Ingredients and Substitutes

When it comes to making a Chinese flounder recipe, there are a few essential ingredients that you will need to make it taste authentic and delicious. Here are the primary seasonings, sauce components, oil and aromatics that you should have on hand:

Primary Seasonings

• Salt - This is an essential ingredient in any recipe, and it helps to bring out the flavour of the fish.
• White pepper - This adds a subtle heat to the dish and complements the other seasonings.
• Sugar - This helps to balance out the flavours and adds a touch of sweetness.

Sauce Components

• Soy sauce - This is a staple ingredient in Chinese cooking, and it adds a savoury, umami flavour to the dish.
• Shaoxing wine - This is a type of Chinese cooking wine that adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
• Sesame oil - This adds a nutty flavour to the dish and helps to bring all the flavours together.

Oil and Aromatics

• Vegetable oil - This is the most common oil used in Chinese cooking, and it has a high smoke point, making it ideal for stir-frying.
• Ginger - This adds a fresh, spicy flavour to the dish and helps to balance out the richness of the fish.
• Scallions - These add a mild onion flavour and a pop of colour to the dish.
• Garlic - This adds a pungent, slightly sweet flavour to the dish and complements the other aromatics.
• Cilantro - This adds a fresh, herbaceous flavour to the dish and helps to balance out the richness of the fish.

If you want to add some variety to your recipe, you can also include other types of seafood, such as shrimp or scallops. These can be used in combination with the flounder or as a substitute if you don't have any flounder on hand. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different types of seafood require different cooking times.

Preparing the Flounder

When it comes to preparing flounder, there are a few steps you need to take to ensure the fish is ready for cooking. Here are the three main steps you should follow:

Cleaning and Deboning

If you're using a whole fish, you'll need to clean and debone it. Start by removing the scales using a scaler or the back of a knife. Then, cut off the head and tail and remove the entrails. Rinse the fish under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.

Next, you'll need to debone the fish. Use a pair of fishbone pliers to remove the bones from the fillets. Be sure to check for any bones that may have been missed. If you're using flounder fillets, skip this step.

Marinating

Marinating the fish is an important step that will help to infuse it with flavour. In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of Shaoxing wine, and a pinch of black pepper. Rub the marinade all over the fish, making sure to coat it evenly.

If you want to add some extra flavour to your fish, you can also add some seafood to the marinade. Shrimp, scallops, and squid are all great options.

Coating with Cornstarch

To get that crispy texture, you'll need to coat the fish in cornstarch before frying it. In a shallow dish, mix together 1/2 cup of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Dredge the fish in the cornstarch mixture, making sure to coat it evenly.

Once the fish is coated, you're ready to fry it up!

Cooking Techniques

Steaming Method

Steaming is a popular way to cook flounder in Chinese cuisine. It is a gentle cooking method that preserves the delicate texture and flavour of the fish. To steam flounder, you will need a steamer and a steaming rack. You can use a large wok as a steamer by filling it with water and placing a steaming rack on top.

To steam flounder, place the fish on the steaming rack and cover it with a lid. Make sure the water is boiling before you start steaming the fish. Steam the fish for about 10-15 minutes or until it is cooked through. You can serve the steamed flounder with a simple soy sauce and ginger dressing.

If you want to add some variety, you can also steam other seafood like prawns or scallops with the flounder.

Frying Method

Frying is another popular way to cook flounder in Chinese cuisine. It is a quick and easy method that results in a crispy, golden brown exterior and a tender, juicy interior. To fry flounder, you will need a frying pan or a wok and some vegetable oil.

Heat the frying pan or wok over high heat until it starts to sizzle. Add some vegetable oil and swirl it around to coat the pan. Place the flounder in the pan and fry it for about 5-6 minutes on each side or until it is crispy and golden brown.

You can serve the fried flounder with a sweet and sour sauce or a spicy chilli sauce. If you want to add some seafood to the recipe, you can also fry prawns or squid with the flounder.

Remember to be careful when frying the flounder as hot oil can be dangerous. Use a splatter screen to prevent oil from splattering and causing burns.

Serving and Presentation

Plating the Flounder

Once your Chinese-style crispy fried flounder is cooked, it's time to plate it up! A large platter is ideal for serving this dish, as it allows you to showcase the beautiful whole fish. Place the flounder in the centre of the platter, making sure to keep it intact as much as possible.

Garnishing and Final Touches

To add some extra flavour and visual appeal to your dish, garnish the flounder with some fresh green onions and coriander. Slice the green onions thinly and sprinkle them over the fish, along with some roughly chopped coriander. This will add a pop of colour to the dish and give it a fresh, herbaceous flavour.

If you're serving this dish for a special occasion like Lunar New Year, you could also consider adding some additional elements to the presentation. For example, you could surround the flounder with some steamed rice or other traditional Chinese dishes. This will make the dish feel more complete and add to the overall experience for your guests.

As a suggestion, you could also try using other types of seafood in this recipe. For example, you could use whole sea bass or fluke instead of flounder. Seafood adds a unique flavour to this dish and will make it even more special for your guests.

With these final touches, your Chinese-style crispy fried flounder is ready to be served and enjoyed!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to steam a flounder in Chinese style?

The best way to steam a flounder in Chinese style is to use a steamer basket or a wok. First, clean the fish and make a few slits on each side. Then, season the fish with salt, white pepper, and sesame oil. Place the fish on a heatproof plate and put it in the steamer basket or wok. Steam the fish for about 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the fish. Serve the fish with some soy sauce and chopped scallions.

Could you recommend a top-notch Chinese flounder recipe?

Sure, one of the best Chinese flounder recipes is crispy fried flounder. To make this dish, you will need to coat the fish with cornstarch and fry it until it's crispy. You can also add some Chinese spices and herbs to enhance the flavour. Serve the fish with some steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables.

How do I make a Chinese flounder dish with rice?

To make a Chinese flounder dish with rice, you can try making fried rice with flounder. First, cook the rice and let it cool. Then, fry some diced vegetables and flounder in a wok with some oil. Add the rice to the wok and stir-fry everything together. Season with soy sauce, oyster sauce and salt to taste.

What's the proper technique for frying flounder as they do in Chinese cuisine?

The proper technique for frying flounder in Chinese cuisine is to coat the fish with cornstarch or flour before frying it. This will create a crispy crust on the outside while keeping the fish moist on the inside. Heat some oil in a wok or frying pan until it's hot, then carefully place the fish in the oil. Fry the fish for a few minutes on each side until it's golden brown and crispy.

What's the Cantonese name for flounder fish?

The Cantonese name for flounder fish is "Lei Yue" (鲮鱼). In Chinese cuisine, flounder is a popular fish that is often used in steamed fish dishes, stir-fries, and soups.

Is it possible to fry a whole flounder?

Yes, it is possible to fry a whole flounder. This is a traditional Chinese way of cooking fish for special occasions like Chinese New Year. To fry a whole flounder, you will need to clean the fish and make a few slits on each side. Then, season the fish with salt and pepper. Coat the fish with cornstarch or flour and fry it in hot oil until it's crispy and golden brown. Serve the fish with some soy sauce and chopped scallions. You can also stuff the fish with some vegetables or seafood for added flavour.