Deep-Fried Whiting Recipe

Instructions

1. Wash the fish and dry well.
2. Using a cleaver or sharp heavy knife, cut the fish crosswise into approximately 1 1/2-inch pieces and place in a wide bowl.
3. Add the chile paste and 1 teaspoon of the salt and mix well to distribute the flavorings.
4. Sprinkle on the cornstarch and again mix.
5. The fish will not be coated but just smeared with flavoring.
6. Set aside.
7. Place a large wok or deep pot on your stovetop; make sure the wok or pot is stable.
8. (Or use a deep-fryer.)
9. Pour 2 inches of oil into the wok or pot and heat the oil over high heat.
10. Put out a slotted spoon or a mesh skimmer.
11. To test the temperature of the oil, hold a wooden chopstick vertically in the oil, with the end touching the bottom of the pot.
12. If the oil bubbles up around it, it has reached temperature.
13. The oil should not be smoking; if it is, lower the heat slightly and wait for it to cool.
14. Then test again.
15. (A deep-fry thermometer should read 325 degrees to 350 degrees F.)
16. Carefully slide in one piece of fish.
17. The oil will bubble around it, but it should not brown immediately, just start changing color.
18. A little of the chile paste will come off in the oil; dont worry.
19. Add 3 or 4 or 5 more pieces of fish (if you have a large pot or deep-fryer, you will probably have room for more).
20. Use the slotted spoon or mesh skimmer to move the fish around in the oil and turn it occasionally, handling it gently so it stays intact.
21. The fish will be cooked in about 2 minutes, perhaps 3, depending on how much you cook at one time; when done, the flesh will be firm and opaque and will slide easily off the bone.
22. Use the spoon or skimmer to lift out the pieces, pausing to let excess oil drain off them, and transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate.
23. Repeat with the remaining fish (see Note).
24. Serve hot.