Fried Catfish With Pepper-Wrapped Scallions

Name: Fried Catfish With Pepper-Wrapped Scallions
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: chinese
Ingredients: 48 ounces corn or peanut oil; 1 1 1/2-pound catfish (striped bass or flounder may be substituted), cleaned, head and tail left on; 1 red chili pepper, about 1/2 inch across and 4 inches long; 8 scallions, white part only, cut into 2-inch lengths; 2 bunches cilantro, stems trimmed and discarded; 4 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

Recipe from Hong Kong Flower Lounge Restaurant

Adapted by Elaine Louie

Updated Oct. 12, 2023

Total Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Rating: (0)
Notes: Read community notes

Featured in: Chinatowns Find New Venues and New Dishes

or to save this recipe.
Subscriber benefit: give recipes to anyone
As a subscriber, you have 10 gift recipes to give each month. Anyone can view them - even nonsubscribers. Learn more.
Subscribe
Share
Print Options
Include recipe photo

Ingredients

Yield:4 servings

48ounces corn or peanut oil
11½-pound catfish (striped bass or flounder may be substituted), cleaned, head and tail left on
1red chili pepper, about ½ inch across and 4 inches long
8scallions, white part only, cut into 2-inch lengths
2bunches cilantro, stems trimmed and discarded
4tablespoons soy sauce
1teaspoon sugar
½teaspoon sesame oil

Ingredient Substitution Guide

Preparation

Step 1
In a skillet or deep fryer, heat oil to 450 degrees.
Step 2
Butterfly the catfish by slicing the belly lengthwise. Slice the meat away from the tail and spread the flesh apart, making sure that it is attached to the spine.
Step 3
Prepare the garnish by slicing the chili pepper crosswise into eight circles ⅛ inch thick, discarding the seeds. Place a scallion stalk through each pepper circle, and make four ½-inch cuts into the ends of the scallions so the ends feather.
Step 4
Place the cilantro on a serving platter.
Step 5
Place the fish in the hot oil and quickly lower the flame so the oil is at 250 degrees. Cook the fish for approximately 5 to 6 minutes, or until golden.
Step 6
When the fish is done, turn up the flame so the oil is 450 degrees and continue frying the fish for one minute.
Step 7
Remove the fish from the pan, drain on paper towels and place on top of the cilantro.
Step 8
In a separate small saucepan, place a tablespoon of the oil just used for cooking the fish, and add the soy sauce, sugar and sesame oil. Heat until it begins to bubble, and pour sauce over the fish. Surround the fish with scallion bundles and serve.

Ratings

0 user ratings

Have you cooked this?

Private Notes

Leave a Private Note on this recipe and see it here.

Cooking Notes

There aren’t any notes yet. Be the first to leave one.

Marina MacNamara4 years ago

I didn’t make bundles, but essentially made this as a big stir fry using the listed ingredients (frying the catfish alone, but then combing it with sautéed green onions, the sauce and cilantro on top). It was delicious over steamed jasmine rice!

Private notes are only visible to you.