Fishes Dipped In Six Perfumes(The Chinese Invented This One (It Says Here). Have Fun!)
A flavorful Chinese-inspired fish dish featuring delicate whitefish dipped in aromatic spices, soy sauce, and fragrant anise, perfect for those who enjoy bold, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Moisten the fish with lemon juice.
- Marinate the fish in enough water to cover along with the onion pulp for 2 hours.
- Drain the fish and reserve the marinade liquid.
- Dust the fish with a pinch of powdered anise or mace, then with cayenne pepper.
- Dip the fish into lightly beaten eggs.
- Fry the fish in butter until golden brown and remove to a hot platter.
- Add 3 tablespoons of butter to the marinade and the soy sauce in which the cornstarch has been suspended.
- Simmer the sauce until thickened.
- Put the fish into the sauce and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Remove the fish to a platter and serve the sauce separately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding a splash of rice vinegar to the marinade. If you don't have whitefish, other firm fish like cod or haddock work well. To make this dish gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari. You can also adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your heat preference. Serve alongside Chinese Fried Rice With Shrimp And Eggs for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fish hot, drizzled with the thickened sauce, alongside steamed jasmine rice or a fresh salad. This dish pairs excellently with sides like Chinese Broccoli With Oyster Sauce or Vegetable-Shrimp Stir-Fry for a balanced meal. Garnish with green onions for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover fish should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 2 days for optimal freshness. To reheat, place the fish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through, ensuring it doesn't dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fishes Dipped In Six Perfumes(The Chinese Invented This One (It Says Here). Have Fun!) contains roughly 351 calories, with 9g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (99% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (53% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2087mg per serving (91% of the Daily Value).
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 prepare the fish in advance?
Yes, you can marinate the fish up to a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator. However, it's best to fry the fish shortly before serving to maintain its crispy texture.
What can I use instead of cornstarch?
If you don't have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or all-purpose flour as a thickening agent. Just be aware that the flavor and consistency may vary slightly.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked fish for up to a month. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating, but note that the texture may change slightly after freezing.
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).