Have you ever heard of “Squirrel Fish” (松鼠鱼)? This visually stunning dish, also known as “Sweet and Sour Mandarin Fish”, is a crown jewel of Chinese cuisine. With its golden crispy exterior, tender flesh, and vibrant sweet-and-sour sauce, it’s a favorite at banquets and high-end restaurants worldwide.

In this guide, we’ll explore:

• The origin and cultural significance of Squirrel Fish

• Why it’s called “Squirrel Fish” (hint: it’s all about the shape!)

• How to source authentic Squirrel Fish for your menu

• Step-by-step cooking tips to impress your customers

1. What is Squirrel Fish?

Squirrel Fish (松鼠鱼, sōngshǔ yú) is a traditional Chinese dish made from Mandarin fish (鳜鱼, guì yú). The fish is skillfully deboned, cut into a “pinecone” shape, deep-fried until ultra-crispy, and served with a glossy sweet and sour sauce (糖醋汁).

Why the name “Squirrel Fish”?
When the fish is fried, its scored flesh fans out like a squirrel’s tail—hence the playful name!

2. The History of Squirrel Fish

This dish originated in Jiangsu Province (a region famous for its delicate Huaiyang cuisine) during the Qing Dynasty. It was created to showcase knife skills and elevate simple ingredients into art.

Today, it’s a symbol of:

• Luxury dining (common at weddings and celebrations)

• Chinese culinary craftsmanship

3. How to Source Authentic Squirrel Fish

For restaurants or distributors looking to add this dish to their menu, CHF Seafood offers:

• Premium frozen Mandarin Fish (pre-cut for easy preparation)

• Ready-to-cook Squirrel Fish portions (save kitchen labor)

• Bulk OEM supply for global buyers

Key selling points to highlight:
✅ Authentic taste: Made with fresh Mandarin Fish, not substitutes like tilapia.
✅ Crispy texture: Flash-frozen to lock in freshness.
✅ Custom packaging: Vacuum-sealed for long shelf life.

4. How to Cook Perfect Squirrel Fish

Want to wow your customers? Follow these steps:

1. Thaw the pre-cut fish (24 hrs in fridge).

2. Coat with potato starch for extra crispiness.

3. Deep-fry at 180°C until golden (about 4-5 mins).

4. Drizzle with sweet and sour sauce (pro tip: add pineapple chunks for a tropical twist!).

Pro Tip: Pair with jasmine rice and stir-fried veggies for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Squirrel Fish isn’t just a dish—it’s an experience. Whether you’re a restaurant owner, food distributor, or Asian cuisine enthusiast, adding this iconic Chinese delicacy to your menu can attract adventurous diners and boost profits.

Ready to try?
👉 Contact CHF Seafood for wholesale inquiries or samples!