Chinese Barbecue Sauce For Fish

Prep: 30 min Serves: 2 Cuisine: Chinese

A rich and flavorful Chinese-style barbecue sauce perfect for fish. Combining honey, soy, sherry, garlic, and ginger, it offers a savory-sweet profile with aromatic notes. Ideal for grilling or broiling, this sauce imparts a glossy glaze and deep umami taste, elevating seafood dishes for casual and special occasions.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2/3 cup honey
  • 2/3 cup soy sauce
  • 2/3 cup dry sherry
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 small onion
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
  2. Marinate the fish in the sauce for 30 minutes to 2 hours or longer.
  3. Broil the fish, basting with the marinade until cooked through and glazed.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of sesame oil or a teaspoon of chili paste for heat. If you don't have dry sherry, you can substitute with sake or white wine. Ensure the fish is fully coated in the marinade for optimal flavor absorption. This sauce also works well with chicken or tofu, making it versatile for various Chinese recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the glazed fish over a bed of steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Cabbage Crunch(Chinese Salad) for a refreshing side. You can also garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover marinade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you've marinated fish, it's best to consume it within two days. To reheat, broil or grill the fish on medium heat until warmed through, ensuring it remains juicy and doesn't dry out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Chinese Barbecue Sauce For Fish contains roughly 755 calories, with 13g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (73% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

755 kcal 38% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 12.7g 25% DV
Total Fat 54.6g 70% DV
Carbs 59.8g 22% DV
Fiber 4g 14% DV
Sugar 6.2g 12% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 712.3mg 15% DV
Cholesterol 43.2mg 14% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 655.2mcg 73% DV
Vitamin C 26.3mg 29% DV
Calcium 186.4mg 14% DV
Iron 2.9mg 16% DV
Contains Soy

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this sauce for other types of meat?

Absolutely! This barbecue sauce is versatile and can be used with chicken, pork, or even tofu. Just adjust the marinating time according to the protein's thickness—chicken may require a bit longer, while tofu can marinate for 30 minutes.

What type of fish works best with this sauce?

Firm fish like salmon, swordfish, or tilapia hold up well when broiled and absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully. Avoid delicate fish like flounder, as they may break apart during cooking.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time! Store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste when you marinate the fish.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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