Fried flounder is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine, and it's no surprise why. The crispy, golden exterior of the fish paired with its tender, flaky flesh makes for a delicious and satisfying meal. If you're looking to try your hand at making this classic dish at home, then look no further. In this article, we'll be sharing a traditional Chinese fried flounder recipe that is sure to impress your taste buds and guests alike.
Preparing the Flounder
Choosing the Right Flounder
When it comes to frying fish, it's important to start with the freshest ingredients. When selecting your flounder, look for
fresh, whole flounder with clear eyes and a mild smell. This ensures that your fish is of good quality and will result in a tasty dish. If whole flounder is not available, you can also use fillets for this recipe.
Cleaning and Deboning
To prepare the flounder for frying, you'll need to clean and debone it. Rinse the fish under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Next, use a sharp knife to
remove the scales and any remaining innards. Then, carefully remove the bones using a pair of tweezers. If you're using fillets, make sure to check for any remaining bones before proceeding.
The Batter
Gather Your Ingredients
The key to a crispy and flavorful batter is using the right ingredients. For this Chinese fried flounder recipe, you'll need
all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, and water. The combination of flour and cornstarch creates a light and crispy texture, while the baking powder helps the batter to rise and adds a touch of fluffiness.
Mixing the Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Slowly add in
ice-cold water while whisking the mixture until it becomes a smooth and thick batter. The cold water helps to create a light and airy batter, resulting in a crispy and delicate coating for the flounder.
Frying the Flounder
Preparing the Pan
To fry the flounder, you'll need a deep frying pan or a wok. Heat enough oil in the pan to fully submerge the fish. Once the oil is hot enough (around 375°F), carefully place the flounder into the oil.
Frying Time
The flounder will take about 8-10 minutes to fully cook, depending on its size. Make sure to flip the fish halfway through to ensure even cooking. Once the flounder turns a beautiful golden brown, remove it from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Serving the Fried Flounder
Garnish and Enjoy!
To complete your Chinese fried flounder, garnish it with some
sliced scallions and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. This adds a touch of freshness and brightness to the dish. Serve the flounder with some steamed white rice and your favorite dipping sauce, such as soy sauce or sweet and sour sauce. Now, it's time to dig in and savor the delicious flavors of this classic Chinese dish.
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Fried flounder is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine, and it's no surprise why. The crispy, golden exterior of the fish paired with its tender, flaky flesh makes for a delicious and satisfying meal. If you're looking to try your hand at making this classic dish at home, then look no further. In this article, we'll be sharing a traditional Chinese fried flounder recipe that is sure to impress your taste buds and guests alike.
Preparing the Flounder
Choosing the Right Flounder
When it comes to frying fish, it's important to start with the freshest ingredients. When selecting your flounder, look for fresh, whole flounder with clear eyes and a mild smell. This ensures that your fish is of good quality and will result in a tasty dish. If whole flounder is not available, you can also use fillets for this recipe.
Cleaning and Deboning
To prepare the flounder for frying, you'll need to clean and debone it. Rinse the fish under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Next, use a sharp knife to remove the scales and any remaining innards. Then, carefully remove the bones using a pair of tweezers. If you're using fillets, make sure to check for any remaining bones before proceeding.
The Batter
Gather Your Ingredients
The key to a crispy and flavorful batter is using the right ingredients. For this Chinese fried flounder recipe, you'll need all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, and water. The combination of flour and cornstarch creates a light and crispy texture, while the baking powder helps the batter to rise and adds a touch of fluffiness.
Mixing the Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Slowly add in ice-cold water while whisking the mixture until it becomes a smooth and thick batter. The cold water helps to create a light and airy batter, resulting in a crispy and delicate coating for the flounder.
Frying the Flounder
Preparing the Pan
To fry the flounder, you'll need a deep frying pan or a wok. Heat enough oil in the pan to fully submerge the fish. Once the oil is hot enough (around 375°F), carefully place the flounder into the oil.
Frying Time
The flounder will take about 8-10 minutes to fully cook, depending on its size. Make sure to flip the fish halfway through to ensure even cooking. Once the flounder turns a beautiful golden brown, remove it from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Serving the Fried Flounder
Garnish and Enjoy!
To complete your Chinese fried flounder, garnish it with some sliced scallions and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. This adds a touch of freshness and brightness to the dish. Serve the flounder with some steamed white rice and your favorite dipping sauce, such as soy sauce or sweet and sour sauce. Now, it's time to dig in and savor the delicious flavors of this classic Chinese dish.
