梅菜鯪魚 - Fried Dace

This product is a traditional Chinese fried fish dish, specifically 梅菜鯪魚 (méicài nián yú), which translates to "fried dace with plum leaf sauce." The dish features tender dace fish (a type of freshwater fish) coated in a light batter and fried until crispy, then simmered in a savory sauce made with fermented plum leaves (méicài), garlic, and other aromatic ingredients. While the brand or manufacturer isn’t specified in the barcode data, this dish is commonly found in Chinese restaurants or specialty Asian grocery stores, often sold as a pre-packaged takeout item.

Key features

• Type: Deep-fried fish dish with a fermented plum leaf sauce.
• Serving size: Typically sold as a single portion, weighing around 200–300 grams (about 7–10 oz) when cooked.
• Variants: Usually available as a standalone dish, though some vendors may offer it as part of a larger meal set. The sauce may vary slightly by region, but the plum leaf (méicài) is a key ingredient.
• Ingredients: Primarily dace fish (or a similar white fish substitute), wheat flour (for batter), fermented plum leaves, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sometimes dried chilies or sugar for balance. Some versions may include wood ear mushrooms or other umami-rich ingredients.
• Flavor profile: Savory, slightly tangy, and umami-forward, with a crispy exterior and tender fish inside. The fermented plum leaves add a distinctive earthy, funky depth.