At the table
Lift a small piece and separate the flesh from the bones before eating. The sauce coats the fish, so taste it before adding condiments.
Contains fish and soy sauce, which may contain wheat. Some versions use sesame oil. Fish bones may remain; do not assume fried pieces are boneless.
This fish dish is neither vegetarian nor vegan. The representative non-chili preparation has chili heat 0; spices such as ginger and star anise do not make it chili-hot. Ask about added chili and sesame oil.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Black carp is used in one Jiangsu preparation; species, spice blends and sweetness vary. Some versions finish with sesame oil.
Typical ingredients
In some versions
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Sweet-savory soy sauce with warm spice and a little vinegar.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Browned, crisp-edged fish that softens as it absorbs sauce; tender flesh.
- How it’s made
- Marinate fish pieces, drain, fry until browned and steep in a reduced soy-based sauce with sugar and aromatics.
Black carp is used in one Jiangsu preparation; species, spice blends and sweetness vary. Some versions finish with sesame oil.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Shanghai. Associated with Jiangsu.
About this regional connection
Shanghai: Shanghai reporting documents five-spice xunyu made from fried fish soaked in a sweet-savory sauce; fish species and flavor variants vary. Jiangsu: Associated with Jiangsu, including Nanjing and Nantong.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有五香熏鱼吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
A festive fish dish, without smoke
This account describes a tradition or story, rather than an established historical fact.
In Nanjing and Shanghai, xunyu appears on New Year tables. Fish pieces are fried and soaked in a sweet-savory sauce rather than smoked. In Shanghai, fish also carries the festive wish for surplus, through the shared sound yu. Fish species, spice blends and sweetness vary; the name alone does not specify one fixed recipe.