Jun'an Fish Patties

Jun'an Fish Patties

　　Jun'an is a well-known region for pond fish production, with a history of several hundred years in making various flavorful fish-based foods. Jun'an Fish Patties can be considered a representative dish of this category. During the Tongzhi reign of the Qing Dynasty, Ouyang Lizhi from Cangmen in Jun'an further developed the culinary skills of his father, Ouyang Huachang, and created the fried fish patty. Ouyang Lizhi initially set up a stall on Zhongxin Street in the Jun'an market (now Hu'an Straight Street), and later his son Shouzhao inherited the family business and put up a sign reading “Shouzhao Fish Patties.” Thanks to their enticing aroma, smooth texture, and sweet taste, these fish patties became very popular, gradually earning fame as a renowned delicacy far and wide, and spreading to places such as Haizhou in Zhongshan and Xinhui.

　　Jun'an Fish Patties are a dish primarily made from the flesh of mud carp, prepared using the traditional cooking techniques of Jun'an in Shunde. The mud carp meat is turned into a fish paste, which is then stirred by hand or machine until it becomes elastic before being pressed into patty shapes and pan-fried until golden brown on both sides. This method of preparation retains the original freshness and tenderness of the mud carp, resulting in a texture that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a deliciously savory and fragrant taste.

　　Source: Jun'an Town Government Website