Wenzhou Fish Cakes

Wenzhou Fish Cakes

　　Wenzhou fish cakes are a traditional local specialty of Wenzhou. They are primarily made from fresh marine fish such as miǎn fish and mackerel caught in the East China Sea, combined with unique seasonings, and crafted using traditional recipes and advanced techniques. They contain no artificial colors or preservatives, boast tender meat that is flavorful without being fishy, are low in fat, and are highly nutritious—containing amino acids, calcium, vitamins A, E, and C, as well as potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, molybdenum, iodine, selenium, and abundant protein. They are a natural fish-based food suitable for families, hotels, tourism, and as gifts for family and friends.

　　 It is said that the making of Wenzhou fish cakes was recorded as early as the Han Dynasty, and by the 10th year of the Republic of China (1921), they had become quite famous. At that time, Zhou Ashi from Shacun in Yongqiang specialized in selling fish cakes. The main ingredients were tofu, sweet potato starch, and fish, which were mashed into strips, steamed in a steamer, and then fried in oil. People called him "Fish Cake Shi." Now, the method of making fish cakes has been further improved. The process involves scraping flesh from less-bony, meaty fish such as yellow croaker and hairtail, mincing it into a paste, mixing it with wine, tofu, vegetable paste, scallions, ginger, and sweet potato starch to form a dough, then shaping it into cakes. These can be steamed, or deep-fried until golden brown and then stewed. They can be eaten as-is, sliced and boiled, or shredded and stir-fried with seasonings. They are delicious, offering the taste of fish without the hassle of removing bones, making them especially suitable for the elderly and children. Today, while preserving tradition, we have introduced fresh techniques and equipment, using technology that simultaneously mechanically removes meat, washes, and dehydrates the fish. This produces modern fish cakes that are more nutritious, delicate, elastic, and glossy. This has greatly increased their value, extended shelf life, and with the maturation of all conditions, Wenzhou's fish cakes have completely shed the image of being “hidden treasures unknown to the world,” stepping boldly onto the international stage.

　　 Currently, there are fish cake processing enterprises across various counties and cities in Wenzhou, with a concentration of larger-scale operations in Ruian and Cangnan. Among them, the "Tangji Wharf" brand fish cakes produced by Cangnan Bangfeng Aquatic Products Processing Factory won the Gold Award at the 2004 Zhejiang Provincial Agricultural Expo.