Qingling Live Fish

Qingling Live Fish

　　Qingling is the name of a small mountain valley village under Jiaohe City, Jilin Province, in China’s Jilin Municipality. It has gained widespread fame due to its proximity to scenic areas such as Songhua Lake, Qingling Forest Park, and Red Leaf Valley, as well as the presence of a sizable Qingling Live Fish Food Street. Nowadays, “Qingling Live Fish” has made its way to the land of fish and rice in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai, as well as to Guangdong and Beijing, proudly standing out among delicacies.

　　The cooking method of Qingling Live Fish is uniquely distinctive. During preparation, lively golden carp are freshly caught from the fishpond, then swiftly filleted. The seasonings used are nothing out of the ordinary—just oil, salt, ginger, and scallions—but one key ingredient sets it apart: “Baohao,” a wild herb that grows in the local mountains. Its leaves resemble those of plants in the daisy family, and its color and scent are similar to southern mugwort, with a faint medicinal aroma. As the pot of water gradually reduces, the flavor of Baohao deeply permeates the fish. The resulting dish features tender, delicious fish that is incredibly mouthwatering.