West Lake Vinegar Fish, an iconic dish from Hangzhou, China, represents the pinnacle of Chinese cuisine. Its unique blend of fresh fish, tangy vinegar, and sweet – savory notes has charmed food enthusiasts for centuries. As a dish deeply rooted in the culture of the West Lake region, it marries the finest local ingredients with a time – honored cooking method. Let’s explore how to create this exquisite dish in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Fish
- 1 live grass carp or mandarin fish (about 600 – 800g). Live fish ensures the freshest flavor and firm texture.
For the Sauce
- 60ml rice vinegar
- 50g granulated sugar
- 40ml light soy sauce
- 20ml Shaoxing wine
- 15g cornstarch
- 100ml water
- Some ginger, cut into fine shreds
Step – by – Step Cooking Process
Preparing the Fish
- Slaughter the live fish. Scale and gut it thoroughly, then rinse it under running water. Make a 5 – cm – long incision on each side of the fish from the gill to the tail, cutting almost to the backbone.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 20ml of Shaoxing wine. Gently place the fish into the boiling water. Reduce the heat to medium – low, cover the pot, and simmer for 7 – 8 minutes. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of the fish. Use a chopstick to pierce the thickest part of the fish (near the backbone). If the chopstick goes in easily, the fish is cooked.
- After cooking, carefully transfer the fish to a serving plate.
Making the Sauce
- In a small saucepan, combine 60ml of rice vinegar, 50g of granulated sugar, 40ml of light soy sauce, and 100ml of water. Stir well over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- In a separate small bowl, mix 15g of cornstarch with a little water to form a smooth slurry. Gradually pour the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan, stirring constantly. Cook until the sauce thickens.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat.
Serving
- Pour the thickened sauce over the cooked fish.
- Garnish the fish with fine shreds of ginger.
West Lake Vinegar Fish is now ready to serve. The dish’s balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors, combined with the tender fish, creates an unforgettable dining experience. Remember, mastering this dish takes practice, but with patience and attention to detail, you can recreate this masterpiece of Chinese cuisine at home.
