Instructions: Have your fishmonger remove the dark skin of the plaice or else remove it yourself using a small sharp knife.

Cut the fish fillets across the width and at a slight diagonal into 1 inch 2.5 cm wide strips.

Heat a wok or large frying pan until it is quite hot.

Add the oil and heat it until it is almost smoking.

Fry the fish strips for 23 minutes until they are golden brown.

You may have to do this in several batches.

Drain the cooked fish strips on kitchen paper.

Pour of fall the oil wipe the wok or pan clean and re heat it.

Add all the hot and sour sauce ingredients.

Bring the sauce to a boil then lower the heat to a simmer.

Add the fried fish strips and simmer them in the sauce for 2 minutes.

Serve with Spinach with Garlic and garnish with the spring onions.

The combination of hot and sour is a popular one in western China. This is a quick and simple dish which is perfect for a light family meal.

Serves 4

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