Mountain Zhao Whole-Scale Fish

Whole-Scale Fish of Shanzhao

　　Whole-Scale Fish is a dish created by fishermen from Shanzhao Village in Yinxian Town. Shanzhao Village is located at the foot of Lashan Mountain, a famous scenic area by Dongping Lake, and is a typical fishing village where every household is skilled in preparing fish-based dishes. The standout feature of this dish is that the whole fish, including its scales, is used in the cooking. In the past, people would discard fish scales when eating fish, which is quite a waste. According to nutritionists, fish scales are rich in protein, fat, and various minerals, particularly high in calcium and phosphorus. They also contain collagen, multiple vitamins, and trace elements. Fish scale gelatin made from them is delicious and serves as an excellent nutritional health food.

　　The use of fish scales in diet therapy has a long history in China. As early as recorded in "Mingyi Bielu" and "Kaibao Bencao," it was noted that scales from common carp and crucian carp, when simmered over low heat into gelatin, could treat women’s uterine bleeding and leukorrhea, and were effective against purpura, gum bleeding, and nosebleeds. Placing shad scales on bleeding wounds could help stop the bleeding.

　　Fish scales contain a relatively high amount of lecithin, which can enhance memory to some extent and help control the degeneration of brain cells, offering certain anti-aging benefits. Experts have found that fish scales also contain various unsaturated fatty acids, which can assist in the transport and emulsification of fats in the blood by binding with proteins, reducing cholesterol deposits on blood vessel walls. This helps prevent arteriosclerosis and hypertension, among other conditions. Regular consumption of fish scale gelatin can also prevent rickets in children, increase calcium and collagen in human bones, and help prevent age-related fractures. It can be said that fish scales are both a delicacy and a remedy. Additionally, the gelatinous substances in fish scales have skin-nourishing and beautifying effects on people. For the best experience, wild carp is the ideal fish for making Whole-Scale Fish.

　　Preparation Process:

　　1. Clean the fish by gutting it while keeping the scales intact. 2. Heat peanut oil (preferably) in a pan until it reaches 50% heat, then add red chili, scallions, and ginger to sauté. Next, add various seasonings and stir briefly before pouring in the appropriate amount of clear broth based on the size of the fish. Once the broth boils and flavors develop, gently place the fish in the pan and simmer over medium heat for 15–20 minutes. 3. After the fish is cooked, remove it and arrange it on a plate garnished with soy sauce, scallion greens, minced ginger, cilantro, MSG, and other condiments. Pour the original broth over the fish and drizzle with prickly ash oil to finish.

　　IV. Flavor Profile: The dish offers a unique combination of tender meat and edible scales, resulting in exceptionally fresh and delicious flavors (it can also be braised and cooked with the above seasonings for a flavorful alternative).

　　Whole-Scale Fish is a signature dish unique to Yinxian Town. In recent years, it has been introduced by the dining department of Lashan National Forest Park and promoted as a featured and specialty dish, winning popularity among both domestic and international tourists. Many visitors even come specifically to Lashan to try the Whole-Scale Fish. The dish’s reputation continues to grow, with some even saying, “A visit to the lake without tasting Whole-Scale Fish is an incomplete appreciation of its scenery.”