A delicious culinary experience and a lovely blast of flavor may be found in homemade fish balls. This tutorial will show you how to make these delicious snacks from scratch.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound white fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or haddock), skin and bones removed
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Fish and Shrimp: In a food processor, pulse the fish fillets and shrimp until finely chopped. Alternatively, you can finely chop the fish and shrimp by hand using a knife.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground fish and shrimp with the flour, cornstarch, egg, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, salt, and white pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Form the Fish Balls: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls. You can also use a spoon to scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into balls.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will help the mixture firm up and make it easier to handle.
- Heat the Oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium heat.
- Fry the Fish Balls: Carefully drop the fish balls into the hot oil. Fry in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes per batch.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fish balls from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Enjoy! Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet and sour sauce, chili sauce, or a simple soy sauce and vinegar mixture.
Tips & Variations:
- Add-ins: Get creative with your fillings! Add chopped vegetables like carrots, onions, or bell peppers to the mixture for extra flavor and texture.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the mixture for a spicy kick.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different flavorings such as lemon zest, lime zest, or chopped cilantro.
- Cooking Methods: You can also steam or boil the fish balls instead of frying them for a healthier option.
Homemade fish balls are a delicious and versatile treat that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or main course. With a little practice, you can create restaurant-quality fish balls right in your own kitchen.