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If you’re on the lookout for a simple yet soul-satisfying dish, this Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s a beautiful harmony of tender, flavorful fried dace enriched by the umami-packed salted black beans, perfectly paired with vibrant and crisp Chinese greens. This recipe captures the essence of quick home cooking that feels both comforting and a touch special, making it ideal for busy weeknights or anytime you want a wholesome, tasty meal that comes together in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, bringing balance through texture, depth of flavor, and freshness to the plate. Let’s take a look at the essentials that make this dish sing.
- 1 can fried dace with salted black beans (about 184g): This is the star of the dish, offering rich, savory flavor and that distinctive texture you can’t replicate.
- 2 cups Chinese greens (choy sum, gai lan, or spinach), washed and chopped: Fresh greens add vibrant color and a pleasant slight bitterness that contrasts beautifully with the fish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic provides a fragrant base that lifts the entire dish.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Perfect for stir-frying and ensuring the garlic and greens get that nice sizzle.
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce: Adds savory depth and umami, enhancing the overall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional): For extra richness, but feel free to leave it out if you prefer a lighter finish.
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar: A little sweetness balances the saltiness of the beans and soy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons water: Helps the greens cook evenly while keeping them tender-crisp.
- Salt and white pepper to taste: Season carefully at the end to avoid overpowering the dish.
How to Make Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fried Dace
Start by opening your can of fried dace with salted black beans. Gently lift out the fish pieces—you want to keep them intact as much as possible—and set them aside. Don’t forget to reserve some of the flavorful black bean sauce from the can, as this sauce will add extra punch to the final dish.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Heat your vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and stir-fry quickly for about 30 seconds. The key is to cook it just until it becomes fragrant, infusing the oil without browning or burning the garlic, which can add bitterness.
Step 3: Cook the Greens
Add your washed and chopped Chinese greens to the garlic-infused oil. Stir-fry for approximately 1 to 2 minutes, allowing them to start wilting but still hold their bright color and refreshing crunch. This quick cooking preserves their nutrients and vibrant appearance.
Step 4: Flavor the Veggies
Pour in the soy sauce, optional oyster sauce, sugar, and water. Stir everything together, letting the sauce coat the greens evenly. Cook the mixture for another 2 to 3 minutes until the greens turn tender but maintain a pleasant snap. This step creates a luscious bed of flavors for your fish to rest on.
Step 5: Add the Fried Dace
Carefully nestle the fried dace pieces into the wok, along with a spoonful of that reserved black bean sauce. Gently fold the fish into the greens to avoid breaking the pieces apart. Let everything heat through for 1 to 2 minutes so the flavors marry beautifully and the dish is piping hot.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve
Adjust the seasoning with salt and a touch of white pepper to your liking. Taste before adding more salt, as the black beans and soy sauce are already quite salty. Once satisfied, serve the dish hot with steamed rice for an effortlessly satisfying meal.
How to Serve Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens Recipe
Garnishes
Lightly sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or freshly chopped scallions on top to add a fresh crunch and visual appeal. A drizzle of chili oil or sliced fresh chilies can also add a delightful kick for those who love a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
This Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens Recipe pairs beautifully with plain steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice to soak up the savory sauce. For a more substantial meal, consider serving alongside simple egg drop soup or a light cucumber salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a bit of flair, serve the dish in a shallow ceramic bowl with the fish pieces artfully arranged on top of the greens. Alternatively, try plating the greens first and delicately placing the fried dace fillets over them like a crown to impress guests at a casual yet elegant dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The fish and greens will keep well for up to two days, maintaining their flavor and texture nicely if properly covered.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but not ideal since the greens can become mushy after thawing. If you must freeze, pop the dish in a freezer-safe container and consume within one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water to freshen the greens if necessary. Avoid using a microwave if possible, to maintain the delicate texture of the dace and prevent the greens from becoming too soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh dace instead of canned for this recipe?
While fresh dace can certainly be used, it requires more preparation time. The unique salty, fermented flavor of the canned fried dace with salted black beans is central to this recipe’s charm, so fresh dace won’t provide quite the same experience.
What can I substitute if I don’t have oyster sauce?
If you’re out of oyster sauce or prefer vegetarian options, a splash of mushroom soy sauce or an extra teaspoon of regular soy sauce can work well to maintain the savory depth.
Which types of greens work best?
Chinese greens like choy sum, gai lan, or baby bok choy work fantastic here because they cook quickly and have a mild, refreshing flavor. Spinach is also a good substitute but wilts more rapidly, so adjust cooking time accordingly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be, but you need to use gluten-free soy sauce, as most traditional soy sauces contain wheat. Also, check that the canned fried dace and oyster sauce (if used) do not contain gluten or opt for gluten-free versions.
Can I add more protein to this dish?
Absolutely! Adding scrambled eggs or tofu cubes gives extra heft and variety. Just make sure to adjust seasonings so everything tastes balanced, and add those ingredients after cooking the greens but before folding in the fish.
Final Thoughts
This Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens Recipe is truly a delightful way to enjoy a quick, comforting meal packed with bold flavors and wholesome greens. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate and comes together effortlessly. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how such simple ingredients create something uniquely delicious and satisfying every single time.
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Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
A quick and flavorful recipe combining canned fried dace with salted black beans and fresh Chinese greens, stir-fried with garlic and savory sauces for a comforting and nutritious meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Fried Dace
- 1 can fried dace with salted black beans (about 184g)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 cups Chinese greens (e.g., choy sum, gai lan, or spinach), washed and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- Salt and white pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Fish: Open the can of fried dace and gently remove the fish pieces, setting aside some of the black bean sauce for later use.
- Heat Oil and Garlic: Warm the vegetable oil in a wok or skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, carefully avoiding burning.
- Cook the Greens: Add the chopped Chinese greens to the wok and stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes, just until they begin to wilt and soften.
- Add Sauces and Simmer: Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce if using, sugar, and water; combine thoroughly and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the greens are tender but retain a bright color.
- Combine with Fried Dace: Gently add the fried dace pieces along with a spoonful of the reserved black bean sauce into the wok. Carefully fold the fish into the greens and let everything heat through together for 1 to 2 minutes without breaking the fish apart.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and white pepper to taste. Serve the dish hot, ideally paired with steamed rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Be gentle when adding the fried dace to keep the fish pieces intact.
- Oyster sauce is optional but adds a subtle umami depth to the dish.
- You can substitute Chinese greens with spinach if preferred.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper gradually, as the fried dace with salted black beans is already quite salty.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and freshness.
