Chinese Whole Fish with Black Bean Sauce Recipe

Name: Chinese Whole Fish with Black Bean Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: Peanut oil or vegetable oil, for frying; 2 (1 1/2 to 2-pound) Petrole soles, scaled and eviscerated, head off; 2 tablespoons Chinese fermented black beans, rinsed well and drained; 4 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic; 1 tablespoon mirin; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 teaspoons minced ginger; 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; Red Pepper Dipping Sauce, recipe follows, accompaniment; Steamed white rice, accompaniment; 1/4 cup green onions sliced on the bias, garnish; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce; 1 tablespoon dried red chile flakes; 4 1/2 teaspoons peanut oil; 2 tablespoons chopped green onions; 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger

Servings: persons

Peanut oil or vegetable oil, for frying
2 (1 1/2 to 2-pound) Petrole soles, scaled and eviscerated, head off
2 tablespoons Chinese fermented black beans, rinsed well and drained
4 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon mirin
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 teaspoons minced ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Red Pepper Dipping Sauce, recipe follows, accompaniment
Steamed white rice, accompaniment
1/4 cup green onions sliced on the bias, garnish
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
1 tablespoon dried red chile flakes
4 1/2 teaspoons peanut oil
2 tablespoons chopped green onions
2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger

1
In a large wok or pot, heat the vegetable oil to 400 degrees F.
2
Make 2 or 3 slashes diagonally across the flesh of each side of the fish.
3
In a small bowl, mash the black beans and garlic.
4
Add the rice wine, oil, ginger, sugar, pepper flakes, and salt, and whisk to combine.
5
Rub the mixture over the outside of the fish, rubbing onto the slashes.
6
In a shallow bowl, combine the cornstarch and flour.
7
Dredge the fish in the mixture and shake to remove any excess.
8
Carefully slide the flour-coated fish into the hot oil.
9
Fry until golden brown, about 5 to 8 minutes, turning as necessary with tongs.
10
Remove and drain on paper towels.
11
To serve, arrange the fried fish on a platter with the red pepper sauce and rice.
12
Garnish with the chopped green onions and serve immediately.
13
Combine all the ingredients in a decorative bowl and mix.
14
Set aside at room temperature until ready to serve.

167

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 21 ingredients. The key ingredients include: Peanut oil or vegetable oil, for frying, 2 (1 1/2 to 2-pound) Petrole soles, scaled and eviscerated, head off, 2 tablespoons Chinese fermented black beans, rinsed well and drained, 4 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic, and more.

Yes, Chinese Whole Fish with Black Bean Sauce falls under the Seafood category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Chinese Whole Fish with Black Bean Sauce

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions