Sweet Sour Fish Recipe

Sweet and Sour Fish Recipe

History:
The Sweet and Sour Fish recipe is a classic dish that has been enjoyed by many cultures for centuries. It is believed to have originated in China, where the combination of sweet and sour flavors is common in their cuisine. Over time, this delicious recipe spread to other parts of Asia, and eventually made its way to Western countries.

Fun Facts:
1. Sweet and Sour Fish is known for its balance of flavors, combining the sweetness of sugar with the tanginess of vinegar.
2. The use of fruits like lemon and raisins in the recipe adds a unique twist to the traditional flavors.
3. Various types of fish can be used for this recipe, but shad, trout, or carp are especially favored due to their firm texture and mild taste.

Ingredients:
- 2 lbs fish fillets (shad, trout, or carp)
- Salt, to taste
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 cup vinegar
- 1 onion, sliced into round slices
- 1 dozen raisins
- 1 lemon, sliced into round slices
- 2 bay leaves
- 6 cloves
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons flour

Instructions:
1. Begin by cutting the fish into serving-sized pieces. Sprinkle salt over the fish, ensuring that both sides are coated evenly. Set it aside for a few minutes to allow the salt to be absorbed.
2. In a fish kettle or large pot, combine the water, vinegar, onion slices, raisins, lemon slices, bay leaves, and cloves. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
3. Once the mixture is boiling, carefully place the fish into the kettle. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the fish for about 10-15 minutes or until it is thoroughly cooked. To check if the fish is done, insert a fork into the thickest part of the fillet. If it easily flakes, the fish is cooked.
4. Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked fish from the kettle and transfer it to a serving platter. Set it aside while preparing the sauce.
5. Return the kettle with the cooking liquid to the stove and increase the heat to medium-high. Add the melted and browned sugar to the liquid, stirring until it dissolves completely.
6. In a separate small bowl, mix the flour with a little water to create a smooth paste. Add this flour paste to the kettle, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens. Allow the sauce to boil for a few minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
7. Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness according to your preference by adding more sugar if desired.
8. Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency and taste, remove it from the heat and pour it over the cooked fish on the serving platter.
9. Allow the Sweet and Sour Fish to cool to room temperature before refrigerating. It is best served chilled.

Similar Recipe Dishes:
- Sweet and Sour Chicken: This dish follows a similar concept, replacing fish with chicken. The chicken is typically battered and fried before being coated with a sweet and sour sauce.
- Sweet and Sour Shrimp: Another variation is Sweet and Sour Shrimp, where shrimp is cooked in a tangy sauce made with vinegar, sugar, and various vegetables or fruits.
- Sweet and Sour Pork: This popular Chinese dish features chunks of pork cooked in a sweet and sour sauce, often paired with colorful bell peppers and pineapple.

These variations provide a wide range of options for those who enjoy the delicious combination of sweet and sour flavors. Whether you prefer fish, chicken, shrimp, or pork, the Sweet and Sour recipe is a versatile and satisfying choice for any occasion.