If you’re craving something fast, savory, and packed with the comforting flavors of Cantonese home cooking, look no further than Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens. This classic dish is a staple for good reason: it blends the umami-rich punch of canned fried dace with black beans and the vibrant crunch of Asian greens. The result is a wonderfully satisfying bowl, ready in 20 minutes, that manages to feel both nostalgic and fresh. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens is sure to become a beloved quick dinner in your household.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity—a handful of basic ingredients come together to deliver bold, memorable flavors and textures. Each element plays a starring role, from the aromatic base to the savory sauce and that irresistible fried dace.
- 1 can (5.5 oz) fried dace with black beans: The star! This canned fish is savory, rich, and shot through with umami from fermented black beans.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Use a neutral oil for stir-frying; it helps the flavors meld and gives the greens their glossy finish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings a fragrant, punchy start to the dish—don’t skimp!
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced: Adds warmth and complexity to the stir-fry.
- 6 cups Asian greens (such as choy sum, gai lan, or bok choy), trimmed and chopped: Choose your favorite; their freshness and crunch are essential here.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: The touch of saltiness that ties everything together.
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce: For that sweet-savory depth that can’t be duplicated.
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar: Just a hint to round out all the savory notes.
- 1 tablespoon water: Helps create a light, silky sauce that coats the greens beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper: Adds a gentle kick and a classic finish to each bite.
How to Make Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before you even heat your pan, get everything chopped and ready to go. Mince the garlic and ginger, and trim and chop your chosen greens. Having everything within reach means you can move quickly once the cooking starts, which is key to a perfect stir-fry.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Stir quickly and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds, just until they release their fragrance—it should smell incredible right away!
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Greens
Add the chopped Asian greens to the pan. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes, moving them constantly so they wilt evenly but maintain a vibrant color and crispness. Watch as they shrink and their deep green color intensifies.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and water. Pour this savory mixture over your greens. Stir and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, coating every leaf until the greens are tender yet still slightly crisp.
Step 5: Add the Fried Dace
Now, the pièce de résistance: gently flake the fried dace from the can into large chunks and add them to the wok along with the black beans. Stir carefully so the pieces stay mostly whole. Let everything heat through for about a minute, absorbing those aromatic flavors without breaking apart.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
To bring it all together, sprinkle white pepper over the dish for a little extra warmth and aroma. Take the pan off the heat and serve your Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens hot, ideally with a generous scoop of steamed rice.
How to Serve Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens
Garnishes
A finishing sprinkle of fresh chopped scallions or cilantro lifts the flavors and adds an appealing pop of green. A drizzle of sesame oil as you bring it to the table offers a lovely nutty aroma that complements the greens wonderfully.
Side Dishes
Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens absolutely shines with a bowl of fluffy jasmine or short-grain rice, which soaks up the savory sauce. For a bigger spread, add a simple egg drop soup or pickled cucumber salad to contrast the richness of the fish.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining or a weeknight twist, serve this dish over rice noodles, or top a bowl of ramen with the greens and dace for a quick noodle soup. Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens is also great tucked into a fresh bao bun for a punchy Asian-fusion sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The greens may lose a bit of their crunch, but the flavors deepen and meld overnight, making for an even cozier lunch the next day.
Freezing
While it’s technically possible to freeze Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens, I don’t really recommend it—the greens tend to become mushy after thawing. If you must, cool completely and freeze the mixture in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Let it thaw fully in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply sauté gently in a skillet over medium heat until hot, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works in a pinch, but be careful not to overheat, as this can dry out the fish and mush the greens.
FAQs
Can I use fresh dace instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you can source fresh dace, simply fry it up before adding it to the greens. The canned version is wonderfully convenient and delicious, but fresh fish offers a cleaner flavor and firmer texture.
Are there substitutes for Asian greens?
Definitely. While choy sum, gai lan, or bok choy are traditional, you can swap in any leafy green such as spinach, napa cabbage, or even Swiss chard. Just adjust the cooking time so they stay vibrant and tender-crisp.
Is Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens very salty?
The canned dace can be quite flavorful and salty, so always taste before adding more soy sauce. Feel free to adjust the seasonings in the sauce to suit your taste, and rinse the fish briefly if you want to cut down the salt.
What type Main Course
Short-grain white rice or jasmine rice are classic companions, thanks to their fluffy, slightly sticky texture. Brown rice or even quinoa makes a hearty, wholesome pairing if you’re looking for a fiber boost.
Can I make Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens vegan?
You sure can! Substitute the fried dace with pan-fried tofu, and use a vegan oyster sauce (often mushroom based). The result is still deeply savory and packed with umami, but completely plant-based.
Final Thoughts
There’s something endlessly comforting about a sizzling wok and the savory aroma of Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens wafting through your kitchen. If you’re after a meal that’s quick, nourishing, and brimming with classic flavor, this is it. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how such a simple recipe can become a family favorite in no time!
Print
Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and quick Chinese recipe for Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens. Tender Asian greens stir-fried with flavorful fried dace in a savory sauce, perfect served over steamed rice.
Ingredients
Fried Dace with Black Beans:
- 1 can (5.5 oz) fried dace with black beans
Stir-Fried Greens:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 6 cups Asian greens (such as choy sum, gai lan, or bok choy), trimmed and chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
Instructions
- Heat Oil and Aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a wok or skillet, add minced garlic and ginger, stir-fry for 30 seconds.
- Stir-Fry Greens: Add greens, stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they begin to wilt.
- Prepare Sauce: Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and water in a bowl, pour over greens.
- Combine with Dace: Flake fried dace into chunks, add to the wok, stir to combine and warm through.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with white pepper, serve hot with rice.
Notes
- You can use fresh dace instead of canned, adjust seasoning if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
