Delicious Lemon Fish in Chinese Style: A Must-try Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Seafood enthusiasts will adore the taste of a delicious lemon fish prepared in Chinese style. This recipe promises a delectable dish with a unique blend of textures and flavours, sure to impress your guests.

To start, you'll need to select the right type of fish for your recipe. White fish fillets are a popular choice, but you could also use other types of seafood such as salmon or cod if you prefer. Once you have your fish, you'll need to prepare it by cutting it into bite-sized pieces and marinating it in a mixture of soy sauce, Chinese Shaoxing wine, and egg white.

Next, you'll need to make the batter for your fish. This usually involves mixing together flour, salt, and water until you have a smooth and thick consistency. You'll then need to dip your marinated fish pieces into the batter and fry them until they are golden brown and crispy. Finally, you'll need to make a tangy lemon sauce to drizzle over your fish before serving.

Key Takeaways

• Lemon fish recipe Chinese-style is a delicious and easy-to-prepare main course or snack.
• You can use different types of seafood such as salmon or cod for this dish.
• To make this dish, you'll need to prepare the fish, make the batter, fry the fish, and create the lemon sauce.

Selecting the Right Fish

When it comes to making Chinese lemon fish, selecting the right type of fish is crucial. You want a fish that is firm and meaty, but not too oily. Here are some tips on selecting the right fish for your recipe.

Types of Fish Suitable for Lemon Fish

There are several types of fish that are suitable for making Chinese lemon fish. Snapper, cod, and barramundi are all great choices. These fish are firm and meaty, and they have a mild flavour that pairs well with the lemon sauce.

If you are using white fish fillets, make sure they are boneless. Fish with bones can be difficult to work with and can ruin the texture of your dish.

If you prefer to use seafood, prawns or scallops are great options. They are firm and meaty, and they have a delicate flavour that pairs well with the lemon sauce.

Freshness and Quality Check

When selecting your fish, freshness is key. Look for fish that is firm and has a bright, clear eye. The flesh should be shiny and free of any discolouration or bruises.

If you are buying whole fish, check the gills. They should be bright red and free of slime. The fish should also have a fresh, ocean smell.

If you are buying fillets, check for any signs of discolouration or dryness. The flesh should be firm and springy to the touch, and it should have a fresh, clean smell.

Remember, the quality of your fish will directly affect the quality of your dish. So, take the time to select the best possible fish for your Chinese lemon fish recipe.

Preparing the Fish

When it comes to preparing the fish for your Chinese Lemon Fish recipe, there are a few key steps you need to follow to ensure the best possible outcome. In this section, we'll cover the basics of cleaning and filleting your fish, as well as some marinating tips to help bring out the lemon flavour.

Cleaning and Filleting

Before you can begin marinating your fish, you'll need to clean and fillet it. If you're using a whole fish, start by scaling it and removing the head and tail. Then, use a sharp knife to make a cut along the belly of the fish, and remove the guts. Rinse the fish thoroughly under cold running water, and pat it dry with a paper towel.

Next, it's time to fillet the fish. To do this, use a sharp knife to make a cut behind the gills and along the spine of the fish. Then, use the knife to separate the flesh from the bones, working your way down the length of the fish. Once you've removed the fillets, use a pair of tweezers to remove any remaining bones.

Marinating Basics

Once you've filleted your fish, it's time to start marinating it. To begin, mix together soy sauce, Chinese Shaoxing wine, egg white, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. This will form the base of your marinade.

Next, add your fish fillets to the marinade, making sure they're fully coated. Cover the bowl with cling film, and leave it in the fridge to marinate for at least 15 minutes. If you have more time, you can leave it for up to an hour to allow the flavours to fully develop.

To add a lemony flavour to your Chinese Lemon Fish, you can also add some lemon zest to the marinade. This will give your fish a fresh, zingy taste that pairs perfectly with the other flavours in the dish.

If you're looking to mix things up, you can also try using different types of seafood in your Chinese Lemon Fish recipe. Prawns, scallops, and squid are all great options that will work well with the lemon flavour. Just make sure to adjust your cooking times accordingly to ensure that your seafood is cooked through and tender.

Making the Batter

When it comes to making Chinese Lemon Fish, the batter is a crucial component that can make or break the dish. Achieving the perfect consistency is key to ensuring that the fish is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Here are some tips to help you make the perfect batter for your Chinese Lemon Fish.

Mixing the Ingredients

To make the batter, you will need a mixture of starch, egg, and cornflour. You can use either potato starch or corn starch, depending on your preference. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the starch, egg, and cornflour until well combined. You can also add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Next, gradually add water to the mixture, stirring constantly until you achieve a smooth and thick batter. Be careful not to add too much water, as this can make the batter too thin and runny. The batter should be thick enough to coat the fish evenly without dripping off.

Achieving the Perfect Consistency

To achieve the perfect consistency for your batter, it's important to pay attention to the texture. The batter should be smooth and free of lumps, with a thick and creamy consistency. You can adjust the thickness of the batter by adding more or less water as needed.

When it comes to coating the fish, it's important to ensure that each piece is coated evenly with the batter. You can use a fork or tongs to dip the fish into the batter and coat it thoroughly. Once the fish is coated, you can deep-fry it in hot oil until it is crispy and golden brown.

If you're looking to switch things up, you can also use other types of seafood such as prawns or calamari in place of fish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure that the seafood is cooked through and crispy.

Overall, making the perfect batter for your Chinese Lemon Fish is all about achieving the right texture and consistency. With these tips, you'll be able to create a delicious and crispy dish that's sure to impress your guests.

Frying Techniques

Wok Frying

When it comes to frying fish, using a wok is a popular method in Chinese cuisine. The wok's unique shape allows for even heating and efficient use of oil. To wok fry your lemon fish, start by heating up vegetable oil in your wok until it reaches the desired temperature.

Next, carefully place your fish into the hot oil. Be sure not to overcrowd the wok, as this can cause the oil temperature to drop and result in greasy, soggy fish. Cook the fish until it is golden brown and crispy, flipping it over halfway through cooking.

Once the fish is cooked, remove it from the wok and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Testing Oil Temperature

Testing the oil temperature is crucial when frying fish. If the oil is not hot enough, the fish will absorb too much oil and become greasy. On the other hand, if the oil is too hot, the fish will burn on the outside while remaining raw on the inside.

To test the oil temperature, you can use a wooden chopstick or a thermometer. If using a chopstick, dip the end into the hot oil. If bubbles start to form around the chopstick, the oil is hot enough. If using a thermometer, the oil should be heated to around 180°C.

Remember to always be careful when working with hot oil, and never leave it unattended.

As a suggestion, you can also try using other types of seafood such as prawns or squid in this recipe. They can be fried using the same techniques as the lemon fish.

Creating the Lemon Sauce

Making a delicious lemon sauce is key to any Chinese-style lemon fish recipe. Here are the steps to create a homemade lemon sauce that will add a tangy and sweet flavour to your dish.

Combining Flavourful Ingredients

To start, mix together 1/2 cup of lemon juice, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, and 1/4 cup of Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine) in a small bowl. Add 1/4 cup of white sugar and stir until the sugar is dissolved. For a thicker sauce, you can add 1 teaspoon of grated ginger and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic to the mixture.

Thickening the Sauce

To thicken the sauce, transfer the mixture to a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Then, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes until it thickens. You can also add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water to help thicken the sauce.

Once the sauce has thickened, you can pour it over your cooked fish fillets and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. If you want to add some variety to your recipe, you can also try using other types of seafood such as shrimp or scallops.

By following these simple steps, you can create a delicious and flavourful homemade lemon sauce that will elevate your Chinese-style lemon fish recipe.

Serving and Presentation

When it comes to serving and presenting your Chinese lemon fish dish, there are a few things to keep in mind that will help elevate your meal to the next level. In this section, we'll cover some tips for garnishing your dish and pairing it with sides.

Garnishing

Garnishing your Chinese lemon fish dish is a great way to add some extra flavor and visual appeal to your meal. One classic garnish for this dish is sliced spring onions, also known as scallions or green onions. These add a fresh, slightly spicy taste that complements the lemon sauce perfectly. Simply slice them thinly and sprinkle them over the top of your dish before serving.

Another great garnish for your Chinese lemon fish is a sprinkle of sesame seeds. These add a nutty, toasty flavor that pairs well with the lemon sauce. Toast them lightly in a dry pan before sprinkling them over your dish to bring out their full flavor.

Pairing with Sides

When it comes to pairing your Chinese lemon fish with sides, there are a few options that work particularly well. One classic choice is steamed rice, which helps to soak up the delicious lemon sauce and provides a neutral base for the flavors of the dish to shine through. You can also try pairing your dish with some stir-fried vegetables, such as bok choy or broccoli, to add some extra texture and nutrition to your meal.

If you're looking to add some seafood to your dish, consider adding some shrimp or scallops to the mix. These can be cooked in the same pan as your fish, and their sweet, delicate flavor pairs perfectly with the tangy lemon sauce. Just be sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly to ensure that everything cooks evenly.

Overall, serving and presenting your Chinese lemon fish dish is all about adding some extra flavor and texture to your meal. By garnishing your dish with spring onions and sesame seeds and pairing it with some steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables, you can create a delicious, well-rounded meal that's sure to impress.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the simplest way to make a Chinese-style lemon fish?

The simplest way to make Chinese-style lemon fish is to coat fish fillets in flour and then fry them until they are golden brown. Once the fish is cooked, you can then add a lemon sauce made from lemon juice, soy sauce, sugar, and cornstarch. It's a quick and easy way to make a tasty Chinese-style lemon fish dish.

Can you recommend a top-notch Chinese lemon fish recipe?

One of the best Chinese lemon fish recipes is to use a beer batter to fry the fish until it's crispy. Then, you can add a lemon sauce made with lemon juice, honey, soy sauce, and ginger. This recipe is perfect for those who love a crispy texture with a sweet and sour flavour.

How do I bake a lemon fish with a Chinese twist?

To bake a lemon fish with a Chinese twist, you can marinate the fish in a mixture of lemon juice, soy sauce, and garlic for 30 minutes. Then, you can bake the fish in the oven at 180°C for 20-25 minutes until it's cooked through. You can then add a lemon sauce made with lemon juice, sugar, and cornstarch to give the dish a Chinese twist.

What's the secret to a delicious fried lemon fish, Chinese style?

The secret to a delicious fried lemon fish, Chinese style, is to use a beer batter to fry the fish until it's crispy. You can also add a lemon sauce made with lemon juice, honey, soy sauce, and ginger to give the dish a sweet and sour flavour. It's important not to overcook the fish, as this can make it tough and dry.

What's the ideal time to marinate fish in lemon juice for a Chinese recipe?

The ideal time to marinate fish in lemon juice for a Chinese recipe is 30 minutes. This gives the fish enough time to absorb the lemon flavour without making it too sour. You can also add other ingredients to the marinade, such as soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, to give the fish a more complex flavour.

What should I expect in terms of flavour when trying Chinese lemon fish?

When trying Chinese lemon fish, you can expect a sweet and sour flavour with a hint of lemon. The fish should be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The lemon sauce should be thick and glossy, coating the fish with a tangy flavour. If you use seafood like cod or tilapia, you can expect a mild flavour that pairs well with the lemon sauce.