Braised Squirrel with Dumplings

Braised Squirrel with Dumplings recipe videos

Braised Squirrel with Dumplings is a classic, elaborate dish from Chinese cuisine, particularly associated with Jiangsu and Huaiyang cooking styles. It typically features a whole squirrel-shaped fish (often Mandarin fish) that is deboned, scored, deep-fried until crispy, and then drenched in a sweet and sour sauce, served alongside savory dumplings.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is high in protein from the fish and dumplings, but also high in carbohydrates and fat due to the deep-frying process and the sugary sauce. A single serving provides a good amount of omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins, but is also calorie-dense, typically ranging from 700 to 900 kcal per serving.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	820 kcal
Protein	42 g
Carbs	68 g
Fat	40 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	24 g
Sodium	980 mg
Vitamin B12	3.2 µg
Phosphorus	380 mg
Selenium	45 µg
Vitamin D	6.4 µg
Niacin (B3)	8.5 mg
Omega-3 (EPA+DHA)	0.9 g
Iron	2.8 mg
Zinc	3.1 mg

Per 1 serving (approx. 350 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

The dish is a masterclass in knife skills and presentation, with the fish's flesh scored to resemble a squirrel's fluffy tail when fried. Nutritionally, it's a study in contrasts, combining lean protein with a significant amount of added sugar and fat from its preparation method.