You know those dishes that somehow feel like a warm hug and a nostalgic memory wrapped into one? This is that dish. Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens might sound humble, but don’t let that fool you—it’s an umami-packed, flavor-loaded plate of comfort that’ll have you reaching for seconds (and thirds).
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
We’re talking about crispy, savory fried dace (yes, the beloved canned kind!) paired with bright, garlicky greens that sizzle in the pan and soak up all that salty-fishy goodness. It’s fast, budget-friendly, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or need a soulful side to go with rice, this one’s a keeper.
Trust me, you’re going to fall hard for this ridiculously simple combo.
Why You’ll Love Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens
Versatile: Great for a weeknight dinner or as part of a larger spread. Serve it with plain rice, congee, or even noodles—this dish just works.
Budget-Friendly: One can of fried dace goes a long way, and leafy greens are usually super affordable. Big flavor, low cost? Yes please.
Quick and Easy: You can have this ready in under 20 minutes, and that’s if you’re really taking your time. It’s as close to instant gratification as home-cooked food gets.
Customizable: Use whatever greens you’ve got—bok choy, choy sum, spinach, even kale if you’re feeling adventurous. You can also tweak the garlic or spice levels to your liking.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s savory, garlicky, a little crispy, and a lot comforting. Everyone at the table is going to want a taste.
Ingredients in Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens
This dish proves that pantry staples can work magic when paired just right. Here’s the flavor-packed lineup:
Fried Dace with Black Beans: The MVP of this recipe. Salty, umami-rich, and loaded with flavor straight out of the can.
Leafy Greens (like Choy Sum, Bok Choy, or Spinach): These add freshness, crunch, and a nice balance to the richness of the fish.
Garlic: Lots of it! Sautéed until golden and fragrant—it’s the flavor base that makes the greens shine.
Oil (Vegetable or Peanut Oil): Helps everything crisp and sizzle just right.
Soy Sauce: Just a splash to round out the seasoning and bring that salty-savory magic.
Oyster Sauce (optional): Adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the greens. Totally optional, but highly recommended.
Chili Flakes or Fresh Chilies (optional): For a bit of heat if you like it spicy!
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Heat a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to give a good sizzle but not burn the garlic.
Combine Ingredients: Not combining yet—this dish is all about layering flavors, so we’ll cook in stages.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Add a bit of oil to the hot pan and swirl it around. This keeps everything from sticking and gives the greens a beautiful sheen.
Assemble the Dish:
- Add garlic to the hot oil and sauté until just golden and fragrant.
- Toss in your greens and stir-fry quickly. They should wilt and brighten in color within a couple of minutes.
- Drizzle in soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Toss everything to coat evenly.
Cook to Perfection: Once the greens are tender but still vibrant, push them to one side of the pan and add the fried dace straight from the can (with some black beans, of course). Let it crisp up for a minute or two before gently breaking it into chunks and folding it into the greens.
Finishing Touches: Give everything a final toss so those delicious juices coat the greens, and the dace is mixed in beautifully.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot over steamed rice and bask in the aroma of garlic, greens, and fishy bliss. Bonus points for spooning some of that oily, garlicky sauce over the top!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2–3
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
How to Serve Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens
You’ve got options here—this dish is delicious in more ways than one:
With Steamed Rice: The classic pairing. Let the sauce soak in… it’s perfection.
With Congee: Adds depth and flavor to a plain bowl of rice porridge.
As a Side Dish: Serve it alongside other Chinese dishes as part of a full family-style meal.
With Noodles: Stir it into some hot noodles for a next-level lunch.
With a Fried Egg: Top with a runny fried egg and thank me later.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Wash and chop your greens in advance and keep the garlic ready to go. This makes dinner practically instant.
Spice It Up: Add fresh chilies or chili oil if you like heat.
Dietary Adjustments: Swap soy sauce for tamari if you’re gluten-free. Choose oil-free canned dace if you’re watching fat.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan to crisp up the fish again.
Double the Batch: Making a bigger batch? Stir-fry the greens in two batches so they don’t get soggy.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use fresh fish instead of canned fried dace?
A1: Sure! Just pan-fry your fish separately and flake it into the greens at the end. You’ll miss that black bean flavor though, so you might want to add a little fermented black bean paste.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: It’s best fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead and do a quick stir-fry right before eating.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Not recommended—the greens get mushy and the fish can dry out.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Quickly reheat in a hot pan to restore some crispness to the fish.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Absolutely! Just make sure not to overcrowd the pan when stir-frying the greens.
Q7: What other greens can I use?
A7: Kale, collard greens, mustard greens, or even shredded cabbage work great.
Q8: What if I don’t like the taste of canned fish?
A8: Try using less of it or mixing in shredded roast chicken or tofu instead.
Q9: Can I make this vegetarian?
A9: Yes! Skip the fried dace and add crispy tofu or mushrooms for a plant-based version.
Q10: Is this dish kid-friendly?
A10: It can be! Just tone down the garlic and spice, and maybe mash the fish a bit finer into the greens.
Conclusion
Simple, soulful, and absolutely bursting with flavor—Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens is one of those sleeper hits that becomes a staple before you even realize it. It’s proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients to make a meal that feels like home. So next time you see that little can of fried dace in the pantry, don’t hesitate—pull it out and let it shine. Your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you.
Print
Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Fried Dace with Stir-fried Greens is a traditional Cantonese dish that combines tender leafy vegetables with savory fried dace and fermented black beans. The dish is easy to make and offers a delicious balance of flavors from the salted dace and the freshness of the greens. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. #CantoneseCuisine #FriedDace #StirFriedGreens #ChineseFood #OnePanMeal #QuickDinner #HealthyChineseRecipes
Ingredients
- 1 pound AA Choy or other Chinese leafy greens of your choice
- 1 can fried dace with fermented black beans
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (such as canola, avocado, or vegetable oil)
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1/8 teaspoon sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
Instructions
- Separate the leaves from the main stem of the AA Choy, keeping the stems for contrast. Wash the greens thoroughly by soaking them in a large basin of water, agitating to loosen dirt. Repeat 1-2 times and shake off excess water. Cut the greens into 3- to 4-inch pieces and set aside in a colander.
- Open the can of dace and pour everything out (beans and oil included) onto a plate. Shred the dace into 2- to 3-inch pieces using your hands or a knife and fork. Set aside.
- Heat your wok over high heat until it starts to smoke. Add oil and spread it around the wok. Add garlic, followed by the leafy vegetables.
- Stir-fry the vegetables, ensuring the garlic is mixed with the greens. Once incorporated, gather the vegetables in the middle of the wok and cover. Cook for 30 seconds.
- Remove the cover and add sugar and white pepper. Use a swirling motion to spread the AA Choy around the wok, then quickly add the dace, black beans, and oil. Toss everything together and warm up the dace. Taste for seasoning, adding salt if necessary. Serve immediately!
Notes
- Adjust the amount of fried dace based on your salt preference, as the dace can be quite salty.
- Other Chinese leafy greens like bok choy or gai lan can be substituted for AA Choy.
- Ensure the wok is hot enough before adding the garlic and vegetables for the best stir-fry result.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 45mg