Crisp Fried Fish Fillets Oriental

1/3 C. soy sauce

2 T. white-wine vinegar

1 1/2 T. minced peeled fresh gingerroot

1 t. sugar

4 6- to 8-oz. skinless flounder or orange roughy fillets

Cornstarch for dredging the fish

2 large eggs

1/2 t. salt

1 1/3 C. fresh bread crumbs

1/4 C. sesame seeds

Vegetable oil for frying the fish

In a small saucepan combine soy sauce, vinegar, gingerroot and sugar, and pepper to taste and heat the mixture over low heat while preparing the fish.

Pat the fish dry and season it with salt and pepper.

Have ready in separate shallow dishes the cornstarch, the eggs beaten with the salt, and the bread crumbs combined with sesame seeds.

Dredge each fillet in the cornstarch, coating it thoroughly and shaking off the excess, dip it in the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off, and dredge it in the bread crumb mixture, pressing the mixture to help it adhere.

In a skillet large enough to hold 2 of the fillets comfortably heat 1/4 inch of the oil over moderately high heat until it just begins to smoke, in it fry the fillets, 2 at a time, reheating the oil between batches, for 45 seconds to 1 minute on each side, or until they are golden brown, and transfer them to paper towels to drain.

Transfer the fillets to 4 heated plates, bring the soy sauce mixture to a boil, and spoon it over the fish.

Serves 4.