Making Crispy Fish Bundles For Chinese New Year

Two weeks ago, while I was buying some groceries at the sundry shop, I saw many variety of Chinese New Year cookies and snacks for sale. Those on display were mostly sweet cookies. The rest were the crispy snacks that my family like to eat, e.g. Meat Floss Rolls, Crab Stick Strips and etc. Out of the whole lot, one particular item caught my eyes. I went closer and picked up the small container to take a closer look. I did not know what it was, the price tag said MYR 15. I put back the container, paid for the groceries and left for home.

On Tuesday afternoon, we had a gathering at my sister's house. A friend gave us each a container of the same item that I saw in the sundry shop. We tasted it and we all like it. After having tasted the snack in the container, I more or less knew what it was. I wanted to make this. I took out one piece and examine it closely to see how it was secured as a bundle.

On the way home, I stopped at the supermarket to buy 2 packets of Dried Fish Fillet. That night after dinner, I started tying up the fish strands into bundles.

On the first try, I took out 3 fish strands. Later I used 4 strands. You can use 3 strands or 4 strands according to your own preference.

Fold the strands into half (1st folding).
Fold the strands into half except for 1 strand, leaving it free at one end.

Then I folded the strands into half again (2 folding), not touching the free one.

After the 2nd folding, I used the free strand to go round the bundle to secure it.

Then I inserted the end as shown above and pulled (not too tightly) to secure the bundle.

These are fish strand bundles before frying. Finished tying all the strands before frying. Then get ready the frying pan and heat up the oil. To test the oil, I used a chopstick to dip into oil, if it bubbles, then the oil is ready for frying.

Since this is my first try, I test fried a few pieces first. The fire must be medium low because they brown very fast. I used a stainless steel sieve to take out the fried pieces, rest it on the half-moon rack and allow the oil to drip back into the frying pan. For this snack, the frying time is very short.

I increased the amount for frying after the 1st trial. While frying, use the chopsticks to stir the pieces in the oil for even frying and colour.

This is how the fried fish strand bundles look like.

After I have finished frying the two packets of fish strand bundles, I went to the supermarket in my area to buy the dried fish fillet again. This brand is different from the first. This brand has 3 flavours, 1 is original, another one is Barbecue and another is hot and spicy flavour. 1 bought 2 packets of original and 2 packets of hot & spicy to try.

Actually, I have another project in mind, but dare not commit yet. Will need to see if I have the time or not. I have not started on my house spring cleaning yet. These few weeks, I have been very busy with many other projects.

We hear that some among you are idle.

They are not busy; they are busybodies.

Such people we command and urge

in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down

and earn the bread they eat. And as for you,

brothers, never tire of doing what is right.

(2 Thessalonians 3:11-13, New International Version-NIV)