Hot and Sour Shad Soup

When shad is in season, be sure you try this marvelous specialty from eastern China. It is an “eating” soup—the shad is the star and the broth is the supporting feature.

Shad is a very rich fish, and its meat is extremely fine. The vinegar cuts the heaviness, making this a delicious spicy soup. Steaming the fillet first, instead of simmering it, gives it a concentrated richness.