Twisted Cruller Mandarin Fish

Twisted Cruller Mandarin Fish

　　Twisted Cruller Mandarin Fish has long been a traditional delicacy at celebratory banquets in Yingcheng. The area is abundant in mandarin fish, and twisted crullers are a local snack. It was common during weddings for families to give away fresh mandarin fish and snacks like twisted crullers when their daughters married. There is also an interesting story behind how this dish gained its fame.

　　Legend has it that during the Xianfeng era of the Qing Dynasty, a provincial governor often visited villages with his entourage to learn about local conditions. One day, they happened upon a wedding celebration. The sound of festive folk music grew louder as the procession approached, catching the governor’s attention. He spontaneously recited: “Toot-toot, who’s getting hitched? Whose daughter’s marrying whom? If you ask about the wedding night…” Just as he was about to continue, he felt it was inappropriate and turned to his attendant to finish the verse. The attendant chimed in: “Guests feast on fish and crullers.” The governor praised the line, and their laughter caught the attention of the wedding party. Upon realizing it was the governor himself, they presented him with mandarin fish and twisted crullers, insistently inviting him for a grand banquet. After enjoying the feast, the governor asked the official chefs to prepare a dish using the gifted mandarin fish and twisted crullers as a return gesture. The host and guests dined together, eating the crullers alongside the fish — a unique and delightful flavor. Since then, Twisted Cruller Mandarin Fish has spread far and wide across the Jianghan Plain.

　　This dish offers certain health benefits. Rich in protein, fat, calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamins, and other nutrients, it is an excellent choice for those suffering from anemia, liver disease, tuberculosis, oral diseases, osteomalacia, dermatitis, memory decline, as well as for pregnant women, nursing mothers, and the elderly.

　　The ingredients for making Twisted Cruller Mandarin Fish include: one mandarin fish weighing about 1.5 pounds, 0.2 pounds of fried twisted crullers, along with ham, shrimp, shiitake mushrooms, and bamboo shoots prepared separately. The cooking method is quite particular: first, after initial preparation, make crisscross cuts on both sides of the fish, briefly blanch it in boiling water, then soak it in clean water to curl it into a tube shape. Place the fish (head included) in a pot, marinate with cooking wine, ginger juice, and salt for one minute. Separately, slice the ham, shiitake mushrooms, and bamboo shoots, mix with salt, and evenly spread them over the fish. Steam in a basket over high heat for 12 minutes, then arrange the twisted crullers around the fish. Finally, heat lard in a wok over high heat, add cooking wine, ginger juice, salt, chicken broth, and MSG. Bring to a boil, thicken with a cornstarch slurry, stir in pepper and chopped scallions, then pour the sauce over the entire fish to finish.