5.0 from 12 votes
Simple Pan-fried Belt Fish
This simple Pan-Fried Belt Fish recipe has endured over the generations because of its simple flavor, crispiness, and buttery texture.
Prep Time
3 hrs 40 mins
Cook Time
40 mins
Total Time
4 hrs
Servings: 6
Calories: 250 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Chinese
Ingredients
- 2 pounds belt fish
- 1 1/2 - 2 teaspoons sea salt (to taste, but 2 teaspoons is ideal)
- 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
- 1 tablespoon ginger (finely julienned)
- 3 tablespoons all purpose flour (optional)
- oil (for pan-frying; use vegetable oil, canola oil, or any other neutral oil)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped scallions (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Using a dull knife or the side of a scissor blade, scrape the shiny silvery outer layer off the entire fish. This step is optional, but the silvery part of the fish skin can taste fishy. Trim away the fish gills, remove the guts, the black membrane, and scrape all hints of blood off the big center bone that runs the length of the fish.
- Thoroughly rinse the fish clean. Shake off the excess water, and cut into 2-inch sections.
- Transfer the fish to a bowl. Sprinkle salt evenly all over the fish, and add the Shaoxing wine and julienned ginger. Marinate for 3 hours or overnight, uncovered in the refrigerator. Arrange the fish pieces on a large plate or sheet pan so the surface moisture evaporates.
- Remove all the ginger pieces from the fish.
- Now you have two options. You can fry the fish as is, or you can coat the fish in flour. If you are using the flour coating, simply add the flour to a shallow bowl or plate, and coat the fish on both sides. Shake off any excess.
- Heat a flat-bottomed cast iron skillet over medium heat until it starts to smoke lightly. (If using a non-stick pan, you do not need to do this. Just heat it over medium heat).
- Add 3 tablespoon of oil, and arrange the fish with an inch or so of space between pieces. Pan-fry them until golden brown on both sides. Depending on the size of the original fish, the cooking time for each batch is about 10-15 minutes. Pan-fried fish takes patience to achieve the golden color. Don’t rush it. It’s fully cooked when the fish easily detaches from the center bone.
- Garnish with chopped scallions (if using), and serve.
Cup of Yum
Nutrition Information
Calories
250kcal
(13%)
Carbohydrates
3g
(1%)
Protein
27g
(54%)
Fat
10g
(15%)
Saturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Trans Fat
1g
Cholesterol
117mg
(39%)
Sodium
941mg
(39%)
Potassium
13mg
(0%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
1g
(2%)
Vitamin A
10IU
(0%)
Vitamin C
1mg
(1%)
Calcium
2mg
(0%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 250
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 250kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 3g | 1% |
| Protein | 27g | 54% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 117mg | 39% |
| Sodium | 941mg | 39% |
| Potassium | 13mg | 0% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 10IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 2mg | 0% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.