If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort meal that’s fuss-free and full of character, Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens is the answer. This clever Chinese classic uses humble pantry staples to deliver huge flavor in mere minutes—salty, savory fried dace pairs beautifully with vibrant, garlicky greens, all brought together in one sizzling pan. Whether you grew up savoring canned fish or you’re diving into it for the first time, this dish offers a perfectly balanced, soul-satisfying combination that’s sure to land in your regular dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens is how every ingredient has a starring role. Each element—whether bold, subtle, or aromatic—contributes something unique to the final dish, making it far more than the sum of its parts.
- Fried dace with black beans (1 can, about 6 oz): This canned delight delivers deep umami and a touch of pleasant saltiness thanks to fermented black beans.
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Neutral oil helps all the flavors sizzle and shine without overpowering the greens or fish.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): A little fresh garlic wakes everything up with its mellow bite.
- Chinese greens (1 bunch, chopped; choy sum or bok choy): These leafy greens offer color and crunch—feel free to swap for spinach or water spinach if you like.
- Soy sauce (1 teaspoon): Adds that iconic savory note and rounds out the flavors.
- Oyster sauce (1/2 teaspoon): Just a dash brings a sweet-salty depth that makes the greens irresistible.
- White pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Brings a gentle heat and classic aroma that’s right at home in Chinese stir-fries.
- Splash of water: Necessary for steaming the greens so they turn out tender and bright.
How to Make Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens
Step 1: Sizzle the Aromatics
Start by heating your vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once you see a shimmer, add the minced garlic. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic releases its aromatic punch and turns golden—be careful not to overcook it, as burnt garlic can overpower the dish.
Step 2: Add and Steam the Greens
Toss in your chopped Chinese greens. Give everything a quick but thorough stir so the garlic hugs the leaves. Add a generous splash of water, then immediately cover the pan. Let the greens steam for 1 to 2 minutes, which both softens and brightens them while keeping a delightful crunch.
Step 3: Season and Stir-Fry
Remove the lid and pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and white pepper. Stir everything together with quick, confident motions. The sauce will cling lightly to the veggies, creating a glossy glaze and building incredible flavor. Continue stir-frying for another 1 to 2 minutes, just until the greens are tender but still vibrant.
Step 4: Incorporate Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens
Carefully spoon chunks of the fried dace with black beans on top of the greens. Use a gentle touch, as the fish is beautifully delicate. Let it heat through for 1 to 2 minutes. This step allows the warm fish to mingle with the greens and sauces, letting the signature taste of Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens come alive.
Step 5: Plate and Savor
Give the whole dish one last, careful mix, then serve everything piping hot. Pair with fluffy steamed rice, and you’ve got dinner in 15 minutes!
How to Serve Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens
Garnishes
Finish your Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens with a scattering of finely sliced scallions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. If you like a bit of heat, add thin slivers of fresh chili or a dash of chili oil—these touches enhance both the look and the flavor, making the dish extra inviting.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a steaming bowl of jasmine or short-grain rice, which soaks up all those savory juices. For a complete spread, round things out with a simple egg drop soup or a light cucumber salad. The meal becomes a comforting, balanced table of textures and tastes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens family-style on a large platter, letting everyone help themselves. Layer the greens first, then nestle the dace pieces on top for a visually stunning effect. Or try spooning the greens into small rice bowls and topping each with a chunk of dace for an easy-to-share party bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container as soon as they cool. The greens and dace will keep well in the fridge for up to two days. The flavors intensify a bit overnight, making the next day’s lunch just as tasty.
Freezing
Because this recipe uses canned fish and tender greens, it’s not ideal for freezing—the greens can turn watery and the fish may lose its delicate texture. It’s best to enjoy Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens freshly cooked whenever possible.
Reheating
Gently reheat the dish in a pan over low-medium heat, adding a splash of water or a touch more soy sauce to revive the sauciness. Microwaving works in a pinch, but take care not to over-cook, as the greens can get mushy if reheated too long.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens works with almost any leafy vegetable—spinach, water spinach, even tender mustard greens all soak up the delicious sauce and pair well with the savory dace.
Is fried dace healthy?
Fried dace with black beans offers a decent amount of protein and heart-healthy fats while being low in carbohydrates. Paired with a heap of greens, it makes for a well-balanced pescatarian meal. Just watch the sodium if you’re sensitive, as canned dace is quite flavorful.
Can I make Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply swap the fried dace for pan-fried tofu or mushrooms, and use vegetarian oyster sauce. You’ll still experience a wonderful mix of textures and robust flavors!
What is the best rice to serve with this?
Steamed jasmine or short-grain white rice is traditional and perfect for catching all the savory sauce, but brown rice or even quinoa adds a nutty touch if you prefer a whole grain option.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Many kids love the mild greens and the gentle flavors here. For extra kid appeal, flake the fried dace finely and mix well with the rice, or serve with a drizzle of sweet soy sauce to mellow things out.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens enough—it’s fast, nourishing, and packed with nostalgic flavors that truly deliver comfort in a bowl. Give it a go; you might just discover your new weeknight staple or a taste of home you never knew you were missing!
Print
Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and flavorful Chinese dish featuring fried dace with black beans served over stir-fried greens. This dish is savory and satisfying, perfect for a simple and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Fried Dace with Black Beans:
1 can fried dace with black beans (about 6 oz)
Stir-Fried Greens:
1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 2 garlic cloves (minced), 1 bunch Chinese greens (like choy sum or bok choy, chopped), 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon oyster sauce, 1/4 teaspoon white pepper, a splash of water for steaming
Instructions
- Heat oil and garlic: Heat vegetable oil in a wok, add minced garlic, and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add greens: Toss in the chopped greens, steam with water, and cover briefly.
- Season and stir-fry: Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and white pepper, stir-fry until tender.
- Combine with dace: Spoon dace with black beans over greens, heat through, and serve with rice.
Notes
- Fried dace is salty and rich, so use it sparingly for flavor.
- You can substitute choy sum with spinach, water spinach, or mustard greens.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
