Salted Smoked Fish

Salted fish, or 咸鱼 (xián yú), is one of the many staple pantry items that every Chinese mom keeps in the refrigerator or freezer. Much like the Italian cured meats, we also have our own arsenal of cured meats, some smoked and some air-dried over the course of seven-plus days. Throw them in fried rice, soups, and stir-fries to add an extra level of flavor. Traditionally, the fish is dry brined in salt overnight, then hung to dry outside for a week or so, or until it is completely d