Chrysanthemum Fish In Sweet Vinegar Sauce

Directions

1. Lay one of the fillets on a cutting board with the tail end facing you. Working with a thin-bladed knife and holding the blade parallel to the cutting board, cut through the center of the fillet starting at one of the long sides. Don't cut all the way through the fillet; the idea is to 'butterfly' it, so it opens up like a book. Close the fillet back up and cut it crosswise - through the uncut side - into 1/2-inch strips. Sprinkle fish filets with salt and pepper. Let stand for 10 min.
2. For the Seasonings: Stir the ketchup, vinegar, plum sauce, chicken stock, brown sugar and pickled cucumber or possibly ginger together in a small bowl till well blended.
3. For the Dish: Heat a 2-qt saucepan over high heat till warm. Add in oil and swirl to coat the bottom. Add in the celery, carrot, onion and bell pepper and stir-fry till the carrots are tender-crisp, 2 to 3 min. Pour in the seasonings, bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to low to keep the sauce hot.
4. Pour sufficient vegetable oil into the wok to fill 3 inches. Heat over medium heat to 375 degrees. Dust the fish strips with cornstarch to coat them lightly and shake gently to remove any excess. Hold one of the fish strips by the uncut end and slowly lower the cut end into the oil. Move the fish constantly as you lower it so the cut ends begin to curl. When the ends begin to curl, release the fish into the oil. Repeat with as many of the remaining fish fillets as will fit into the oil without crowding. Cook till golden, about 2 to 3 min. Remove the fillets with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Repeat with the remaining fillet strips.
5. Arrange the fried fillets on a hot platter with the curled ends facing up or possibly toward the side. Spoon the sauce over the fish and serve immediately.
6. This recipe yields 4 servings.