Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens

Okay, friend—if you’re looking for a quick, umami-packed meal that delivers comfort, flavor, and a little bit of that “grandma’s kitchen” magic, this Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens is about to become your new go-to. It’s salty, savory, garlicky, and so satisfying. This dish takes a humble can of fried dace (yes, the kind with black beans!) and turns it into something that tastes like home—especially if you grew up around a Cantonese table.

The crispy bits of fish mixed with the vibrant, tender greens is such a beautiful balance of textures and flavors. It’s salty and earthy with a slight bitterness from the greens and a punch of garlic to tie everything together. Serve it over warm rice, and trust me—you’ll be licking your bowl clean.

Why You’ll Love Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens

Insanely Flavorful
That little can of fried dace with black beans is packed with umami. When it hits the pan, magic happens. Add garlic, a splash of soy sauce, and some fresh greens, and you’ve got a meal that hits every note.

Quick and Fuss-Free
This dish is so fast, you’ll have dinner on the table in under 20 minutes. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something nourishing without standing over the stove for hours.

One-Pan Wonder
Less mess, more flavor. You only need one pan to bring it all together, which makes cleanup a breeze.

Affordable
Fried dace is budget-friendly, and leafy greens like Chinese spinach, choy sum, or bok choy won’t break the bank. Delicious doesn’t have to mean expensive.

Comfort Food at Its Best
If you know, you know. This dish is pure nostalgia—simple, savory, and made to be eaten with a big bowl of fluffy rice.

Ingredients in Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens

Fried Dace with Black Beans (Canned)
This is the hero of the dish. Salty, oily, and packed with fermented black bean flavor. It crumbles beautifully into the greens and coats them with that rich, savory goodness.

Chinese Greens (Choy Sum, Bok Choy, Chinese Spinach, etc.)
Fresh, leafy greens that wilt just enough to soak up all the flavor. Slightly bitter and super tender when stir-fried.

Garlic
Lots of it. Sliced or minced—your call. It infuses the oil and gives the dish that irresistible fragrance.

Soy Sauce
Adds a deeper salty note and helps round out the black bean flavor from the dace.

Oil
A neutral oil like vegetable or peanut oil for stir-frying. You could even use a little of the oil from the can of dace for extra flavor.

Optional Chili Flakes or Fresh Chili
If you like a little heat, this dish welcomes spice.

Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Instructions

Prep Your Greens

Wash your greens thoroughly and trim the stems if needed. If the stems are thick, slice them for even cooking.

Heat the Pan

In a large skillet or wok, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and stir-fry until fragrant and just golden—don’t let it burn!

Add the Greens

Toss in the greens and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until they start to wilt. If you’re using firmer greens like choy sum, add the stems first, then the leafy parts.

Add the Fried Dace

Scoop the fried dace (and some of the black beans) into the pan. Break it up gently with your spatula so it mixes evenly with the greens.

Season to Taste

Drizzle in a bit of soy sauce, and if using, add chili flakes or fresh chili slices. Stir everything together and cook for another minute or two until the greens are tender and everything’s well combined.

Serve It Up

Turn off the heat and serve the dish hot over a bowl of freshly steamed rice.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 2–3
Calories per serving: ~250–300 (depending on amount of oil and rice served with)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

How to Serve Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens

Over Steamed Rice
This dish begs to be eaten with a big bowl of warm, fluffy jasmine or white rice. The salty dace and garlicky greens are a perfect pairing.

Add a Fried Egg
Want to take things to the next level? Top it with a crispy-edged, soft-yolk fried egg for a dreamy finish.

As a Side Dish
This works wonderfully as part of a larger meal with steamed fish, tofu, or other stir-fries.

With Chili Sauce
Serve with a side of chili oil or sambal for an extra kick.

Additional Tips

Don’t Overcook the Greens
You want them to be vibrant and slightly crisp—not soggy. A quick stir-fry is all they need.

Use the Oil from the Can
If you’re feeling bold, use a bit of the oil from the fried dace can to add even more flavor to the dish.

Switch Up the Greens
No Chinese greens on hand? No problem! You can use kale, spinach, or even collard greens.

Keep It Balanced
Because the dace is salty, be cautious with added soy sauce. Taste as you go!

Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in the fridge and reheat quickly in a hot pan or microwave. It’s even better the next day over rice!

FAQ Section

Q1: What is fried dace?
A1: Fried dace is a canned Chinese fish, often preserved with fermented black beans. It’s savory, salty, and full of umami.

Q2: Where can I buy fried dace?
A2: Most Asian grocery stores carry it in the canned goods section. Look for “Fried Dace with Black Beans.”

Q3: Can I use fresh fish instead?
A3: You can, but it won’t have the same flavor. The preserved black bean flavor in canned dace is what makes this dish unique.

Q4: Can I make this vegetarian?
A4: You can skip the dace and use black bean garlic sauce instead, then add tofu for protein.

Q5: What kind of greens work best?
A5: Choy sum, bok choy, Chinese spinach, mustard greens, or even napa cabbage work beautifully.

Q6: Is this dish spicy?
A6: Not unless you add chili! It’s easy to customize with heat if you like a spicy kick.

Q7: Can I meal prep this?
A7: Yes! It keeps well in the fridge and reheats easily. Just don’t overcook the greens if you’re prepping ahead.

Q8: What oil is best for stir-frying this dish?
A8: Use a neutral oil like canola, peanut, or even the oil from the dace can for extra richness.

Q9: Can I add noodles instead of rice?
A9: Absolutely. Toss it with lo mein or rice noodles for a quick noodle stir-fry version.

Q10: How do I keep the garlic from burning?
A10: Stir constantly and cook on medium-high heat. Add the garlic once the oil is hot but not smoking.

Conclusion

Fried Dace with Stir-Fried Greens is proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps to make something seriously delicious. It’s comforting, quick, and full of that nostalgic, savory flavor that makes Chinese home cooking so special. Give it a try and see why this humble dish has stood the test of time—one bite and you’ll be hooked!

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