Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens Recipe
Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens is my ultimate answer to a speedy, flavor-packed meal that feels both nostalgic and nourishing. This Cantonese home-cooking staple pairs the savory punch of canned fried dace with black beans and the vibrant crunch of Chinese greens, all tied together in under 20 minutes. It’s the kind of dish that somehow feels both comforting and exciting, whether you’re reviving a childhood favorite or discovering the magic of these classic flavors for the first time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how straightforward this recipe is—each ingredient is carefully chosen to bring out the best in Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens. From the umami-rich fish to the fresh greens, every item adds its own delightful note to the melody of flavors and textures.
- Fried dace with salted black beans (1 can, about 5.5 oz): This canned fish is the savory soul of the dish, bringing bold, briny flavors and tender chunks.
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Helps everything sizzle and infuses the greens with a subtle richness.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds a fragrant kick that wakes up the whole dish.
- Chinese greens (1 bunch, such as choy sum, gai lan, or bok choy, washed and chopped): Choose your favorite for a crisp, juicy bite and a splash of color.
- Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Delivers that salty, umami base every good stir-fry needs.
- Oyster sauce (1 teaspoon, optional): Rounds out the flavors with a hint of sweetness and depth—skip it if you like, but it’s a lovely touch.
- Sugar (¼ teaspoon): Just a pinch to balance out the savoriness.
- Water (1 tablespoon): Helps steam the greens so they cook up perfectly tender.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): The final flourish for personalized seasoning.
How to Make Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, toss in the minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds. You’re looking for that irresistible aroma that signals it’s time to move on—don’t let the garlic brown!
Step 2: Add the Greens
Next, add your chopped Chinese greens straight into the garlicky oil. Give them a quick, energetic toss so they’re coated and just starting to wilt. The sizzle and pop at this stage is a hint that deliciousness is on the way.
Step 3: Season the Greens
Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sugar, and water. Stir everything well to distribute those savory flavors. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the greens are bright, tender, and still a little crisp. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 4: Prepare the Fried Dace
While the greens are cooking, open your can of fried dace. Using a fork, gently break the fish into large, satisfying chunks—don’t worry about making it too neat. Keep some of the seasoned oil and black beans from the can, as they’ll add extra flavor.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
With the heat turned off, gently fold the fried dace pieces (along with a bit of the flavorful oil and black beans) into the greens. Mix just enough to warm the fish without breaking it up too much. Your Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens is now ready to shine!
How to Serve Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens
Garnishes
A little finishing touch goes a long way. Sprinkle on sliced scallions, a few toasted sesame seeds, or even a splash of chili oil if you like a bit of heat. Fresh cilantro leaves are another lovely, aromatic option that brightens up the whole plate.
Side Dishes
Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens is a star with hot steamed jasmine or short-grain rice, which soaks up every drop of the savory sauce. For a bigger spread, try pairing it with a simple egg drop soup, or a crisp cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the greens and dace over a bed of noodles instead of rice. Or, try piling the stir-fried mixture onto a toasted baguette for a Cantonese-inspired open-faced sandwich—trust me, it’s unexpectedly delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container as soon as they’ve cooled. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making your Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens a tasty lunch the next day. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Freezing
While the greens can lose a bit of their crispness, you can freeze this dish in a pinch. Pack into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to one month. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the dish in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long, as the fish can become dry and the greens soggy—low and slow is the way to go.
FAQs
Can I use other types of canned fish?
Absolutely! While fried dace with black beans is traditional, mackerel or sardines in oil can step in if you’re feeling adventurous. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning, as they have their own unique saltiness.
What if I can’t find Chinese greens?
No worries at all—spinach, kale, or even Swiss chard work beautifully. The key is quick cooking so the greens stay bright and retain a bit of crunch.
Is oyster sauce necessary?
It’s optional, but it adds a lovely layer of depth and a hint of sweetness. If you skip it, the soy sauce alone will still deliver plenty of flavor in your Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
While the fried dace is central to this recipe, you can create a vegetarian version by substituting with pan-fried tofu and a spoonful of fermented black beans for that classic savory punch.
How do I avoid overcooking the greens?
Keep the heat high and the cooking time short—2 to 3 minutes is just enough. Stir constantly and pull the greens off the heat as soon as they turn bright green and tender-crisp.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that’s quick, comforting, and bursting with Cantonese flavor, give this Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens a try. It’s a cozy weeknight hero and a delicious way to bring something a little different to your table. Happy cooking!
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Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens recipe combines savory canned fried dace fish with fresh Chinese leafy greens in a quick and flavorful stir-fry. It is a classic Cantonese home-style dish perfect for a nutritious and comforting meal served with steamed rice.
Ingredients
Fish and Seasoning
- 1 can fried dace with salted black beans (about 5.5 oz)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Vegetables
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bunch Chinese greens (choy sum, gai lan, or bok choy), washed and chopped
Sauces and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Warm the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat, preparing it for stir-frying.
- Saute garlic: Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant, releasing its aroma.
- Cook the greens: Toss in the chopped Chinese greens and stir quickly to combine. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sugar, and water. Continue to stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until the greens are tender yet remain bright and crisp.
- Season the greens: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavor to your preference.
- Add the fried dace: While the greens cook, open the can of fried dace and gently break the fish into large chunks with a fork. Turn off the heat and carefully fold the fish pieces, along with some of the seasoned oil and black beans, into the greens. Mix lightly to warm the fish without breaking it apart.
- Serve: Transfer the stir-fried greens and fried dace to serving plates and enjoy immediately with hot steamed rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Fried dace with black beans is a classic Cantonese pantry staple, lending a distinctive umami flavor.
- If Asian greens are unavailable, you can substitute with spinach or kale.
- This dish is best eaten fresh but can be reheated gently to preserve texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup with greens
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
