naked oats fish

How to Make Oatmeal Fish: A Complete Guide

Oatmeal fish (*youmian yuyu*), a beloved Shanxi dish, are tender, chewy oat dumplings shaped like tiny fish. Here’s a simple guide to making them at home.

Ingredients: 1 cup oat flour, ½ cup boiling water, ¼ cup wheat flour (optional, for elasticity), salt, and your favorite toppings (e.g., stir-fried tomatoes, mushroom sauce, or chili oil).

Steps:

1. Prepare the dough: Mix oat flour and salt in a bowl. Gradually add boiling water, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for 5 minutes until smooth. For extra chewiness, add wheat flour. Cover and let rest for 20 minutes.

2. Shape the fish: Pinch a small piece of dough (about the size of a walnut) and roll it into a 3-inch rope. Press one end to form a "tail," creating a fish-like shape. Repeat with the remaining dough.

3. Cook the fish: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the oat fish and cook for 3–5 minutes until they float to the surface. Drain well.

4. Serve: Toss the cooked fish with your preferred sauce. Popular choices include savory tomato gravy, savory mushroom sauce, or a simple mix of soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil. Garnish with scallions or cilantro.

Oatmeal fish are versatile, healthy, and deeply satisfying. Experiment with different shapes and toppings to enjoy this traditional dish!