Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens Recipe
If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that brings together big flavor, nutrition, and a little taste of Cantonese nostalgia, you’re going to love Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens. This classic Chinese comfort dish pairs the rich, savory punch of canned fried dace with black beans with vibrant, crisp-tender greens and fragrant aromatics. It’s a one-wok wonder that’s ready in twenty minutes, loading your plate with umami-packed fish, a silky sauce and plenty of tender veggies. Trust me: you might just find yourself craving this dish as often as I do!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This streamlined list keeps things wonderfully simple, but every ingredient is handpicked for its crucial role. Each brings out essential colors, flavors, or textures in this Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens, and together, they create a meal that feels both nourishing and special.
- Fried dace with salted black beans: The star ingredient—this canned fish brings an umami depth and those irresistible pops of salty black bean flavor.
- Vegetable oil: A neutral oil helps the aromatics bloom and keeps everything glistening and delicious.
- Garlic: Freshly minced, it adds warmth and savory aroma to the greens.
- Ginger: Thinly sliced ginger brings gentle heat and classic Cantonese fragrance to the stir-fry.
- Chinese broccoli (gai lan) or bok choy: These greens cook up silky yet tender, and hold up beautifully with the robust fish—feel free to sub in your favorite Asian greens!
- Soy sauce: Just a splash gives that savory backbone every good stir-fry needs.
- Oyster sauce: Adds a glossy, sweet-savory depth that ties the dish together.
- Sugar: Balances the salty and savory elements for a perfectly rounded bite.
- Water: A little water helps the sauces meld and gives the vegetables a perfect tender-crisp texture.
- White pepper: For a subtle kick and aromatic finish—so classic in Cantonese home cooking!
- Jasmine rice: Fluffy, steamy rice is the ideal foundation to enjoy every morsel of Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens.
How to Make Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before you even turn on the stove, get everything ready: mince the garlic, slice the ginger, wash and chop your greens, and drain the fried dace, reserving some black beans from the can. Having all your ingredients at your fingertips means the cooking will go lightning-fast and stress-free.
Step 2: Sizzle the Aromatics
Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, toss in the garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for 30 seconds until everything is incredibly fragrant—you want the kitchen to smell appetizing, not burned, so keep things moving!
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Greens
Add the Chinese broccoli (or your chosen greens) and toss everything vigorously. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until the greens are just tender but still brilliantly green. This quick cook keeps them vibrant and stops them from losing their bite.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Now, pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, water, and white pepper. Give everything a quick toss so the flavors coat the greens evenly and a little glossy sauce starts forming at the bottom of the wok.
Step 5: Add the Fried Dace
Gently add the fried dace straight from the can, along with a generous spoonful of the black beans. Use your spatula to break the fish into chunky pieces and toss lightly, just until the fish is warmed through—about 1 to 2 minutes. The fish should stay intact in satisfying bites, with plenty of black beans throughout.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon generous helpings of Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens over a mound of fluffy jasmine rice. Grab your chopsticks and dig in while it’s hot!
How to Serve Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens
Garnishes
A shower of chopped scallions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds lovely color and crunch to Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens. For an extra touch, a drizzle of toasted sesame oil right before serving is pure heaven!
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with other simple plates—think a light egg drop soup, some crunchy pickled vegetables, or maybe a platter of sliced oranges for a refreshing finish. The bold savoriness of Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens really shines alongside understated, fresh flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens in a shallow serving bowl, or arrange it family-style in the center of the table for everyone to help themselves. For a fun twist, spoon it into lettuce cups for a lighter, hand-held approach at gatherings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pack any leftover Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens into a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The flavors only deepen over time, making for a lovely second meal—just be sure to separate the rice to keep it from getting soggy.
Freezing
While you technically can freeze Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens, I find the texture of the greens changes quite a bit. If you choose to freeze, portion it into airtight containers and use within a month for the best results.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. A quick zap in the microwave also works in a pinch, just be careful not to overcook the greens.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While canned fried dace with black beans has a signature taste, you can substitute with other canned fish like mackerel or even fresh pan-fried fish fillets—just add a spoonful of fermented black beans to capture that classic flavor.
What other greens work for Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens?
Go with what’s fresh and easy: choy sum, baby bok choy, spinach, or even water spinach all work beautifully. Just adjust your stir-fry time—tender greens will cook up even faster.
Is this dish spicy?
Nope! Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens is all about savory, aromatic comfort. If you love some heat, try adding a little sliced chili or a sprinkle of chili oil to your portion at the table.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes—simply use a gluten-free soy sauce and check that your oyster sauce is gluten-free. Most other ingredients should already be safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
How do I serve Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens for guests?
It’s perfect as part of a bigger spread. Plate it up on a large platter and serve alongside other Cantonese favorites like steamed dumplings or a simple chicken and corn soup. Guests can help themselves family-style—a surefire hit!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens enough for a fast, homey dinner that’s bursting with tradition and flavor. Once you taste how these simple pantry staples come together, don’t be surprised if this becomes one of your most reliable and rewarding go-to dishes. Give it a try—you might just make it your new favorite comfort meal!
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Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious Cantonese dish featuring fried dace with savory black beans served alongside stir-fried greens. This flavorful and quick recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Fried Dace with Salted Black Beans:
- 1 can (8 oz) fried dace with salted black beans
Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, thinly sliced
- 1 bunch Chinese broccoli (gai lan) or bok choy, trimmed and chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- Cooked jasmine rice for serving
Instructions
- Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger, stir-fry for 30 seconds.
- Stir-Fry Greens: Add greens, stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until just tender. Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, water, and white pepper.
- Add Dace: Add fried dace with black beans, breaking fish into chunks. Cook for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
- Serve: Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice.
Notes
- Fried dace with black beans adds a savory umami punch.
- Adjust seasoning with more soy sauce or rice wine if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese, Cantonese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion with rice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
