Fish Balls

Name: Fish Balls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients: 1 lb white fish fillets, cubed; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp ground black pepper; 1/4 cup ice water; 3 cups neutral cooking oil

Crispy street style fried fish balls made from blended white fish and seasonings, served golden on skewers.

30 minMediumServes 4240 cal/serving

FilipinoAppetizerStovetop and BlenderPescatarianHigh ProteinLow CarbHalal-friendlyDairy-FreeNut-FreeShellfish-FreePork-FreeEgg-FreeSoy-FreeGluten-FreeSesame-FreeAlcohol-Free

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Ingredients

1 lb white fish fillets, cubed
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 cup ice water
3 cups neutral cooking oil

Instructions

1

Place 1 lb cubed white fish fillets, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp ground black pepper in a food processor.
2

Pulse while drizzling in 1/4 cup ice water until a smooth, sticky paste forms.
3

Shape the fish mixture into small 1-inch balls using wet hands.
4

Heat 3 cups neutral cooking oil in a deep skillet over medium heat to 350 degrees F.
5

Fry the balls in batches for 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F.
6

Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

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Questions

How hot should the oil be for Fish Balls?

For Fish Balls, the frying oil is held at 350 F (about 175 C) in step 4. Hotter scorches the outside before the inside cooks, and cooler turns it greasy. The target internal temperature is 145 F (about 65 C), given in step 5. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

How do I know when Fish Balls is done?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 5: cook until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F. A reading of 145 F on a thermometer settles it.

What can I use instead of cornstarch in Fish Balls?

The entry for Fish Balls calls for 1/2 cup cornstarch. In its place: Use twice as much all-purpose flour and cook it a few minutes longer, or the same amount of arrowroot or tapioca starch.

Is Fish Balls gluten-free?

Yes. As written, nothing in the ingredient list for Fish Balls is wheat, barley or rye. Gluten hides in packaged goods, so read the label on the cornstarch and the baking powder.

How many calories are in Fish Balls?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) is about 240 calories, with 22 g protein, 14 g carbohydrate and 10 g fat, plus 680 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

Serve it with

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