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Nyonya Acar Fish - My family loves this concoction of deep-fried fish pickled with a turmeric-vinegar base, spiced with garlic, ginger, and chilies.
Whenever I am home in Penang, I make it an effort that I learn our family recipes from my aunt, who is in her late 70’s.
Since my late mother passed away some 3 years ago, she is now the only person who knows the recipes of all our much-treasured family dishes—everyday home-cooked recipes, Nyonya food, and kuih (sweet cakes).
This mouthwatering and super delicious Acar Hu, or Nyonya Pickled Fish, is a much celebrated Nyonya recipe.
Everyone in my family loves this concoction of deep-fried fish pickled with a turmeric-vinegar base, spiced with garlic, ginger, and chilies…
In my family, we would use a type of fish called “chee ya hu” (silver mullet). However, you can make Acar Fish with fish fillet such as red snapper as silver mullet is not widely available.
When my friend Patty Unterman of San Francisco Examiner came to visit Penang, my brother and I introduced her to Penang’s Nyonya food.
At the first bite, Patty asked me for the Acar Fish recipe. I am so glad that both my brother CK and I had the opportunity to make this dish together, following my aunt’s instructions as she sat in the kitchen narrating the step-by-step to us.
Acar fish is extremely tasty and tantalizing, with the perfect balance of flavors. To learn more about Nyonya food, check out my site.
Frequently Asked Questions
This recipe is only 343 calories per serving.
What To Serve With Nyonya Acar Fish
For a wholesome meal and easy weeknight dinner, I recommend the following recipes.
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Nyonya Acar Fish
Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized turmeric, peeled and sliced into thin pieces
- 600 g (1¼ lb) silver mullet or bone-in Red Snapper fish fillet, cut into 1-inch thick fillet
- 1 big knob ginger, peeled and cut into matchstick strips
- 2 small garlic bulb, peeled and sliced into thin pieces
- 3 fresh red chilies, sliced into pieces diagonally
- 10-12 bird’s eye chilies
Marinade:
- 2 cups oil
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup chinese rice vinegar, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons salt , or to taste
- 1 cup sugar , or to taste
- 1 tablespoon toasted white sesame
Instructions
- Dry the turmeric, ginger, and garlic under the sun for a few hours. Marinate the fish with some salt before deep-frying until golden and crispy. Transfer the fish to a deep pot, followed by the ginger, garlic, and chilies.
- Heat a wok and stir-fry the turmeric until the oil becomes yellow. Discard the turmeric using a colander. Add water and vinegar to the wok and bring it to a boil. Season with sugar and salt according to the recipe or to taste.
- Transfer the marinade into the pot, ensuring that the fish and ingredients are submerged. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top, cover the pot, and let the fish pickle overnight. The fish is best served the next day.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Is the fish eaten cold or do you warm it. Thanks
It’s eaten cold.
I’m going to try this today but I’m using chicken instead of fish. Any ideas.
After putting into the container can I put inside the fridge for next day to serve?
Yes.
Can’t wait to try this. Haven’t had it since we visited Penang.
Question: 2 cups of oil seems like a lot for a marinade. Other recipes I’ve seen use maybe 1/4 cup to stir fry the turmeric and ginger. Is the 2 cups to be divided for frying the fish and using for a marinade? Also, what type of oil do you typically use?
Thanks for this fabulous resource.
The fish should be soaked in oil. Any cooking oil is fine but peanut oil for the best aroma.
Can I use Japanese Sushi Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar?
Yes you can try.
This is my favorite during my childhood time. My late mom used to used this meal almost every week. Yummy.
Do you think this will work in chicken as well (Acar Chicken?)
You can try but there is no acar chicken in Nyonya dish.