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Fish Crackers

Crispy and airy Indonesian style fish crackers made from minced fish and tapioca starch. They puff up instantly when fried into a light savory snack.

60 minMediumServes 8180 cal/serving

IndonesianAppetizerStovetop and OvenPescatarianHalal-friendlyGluten-FreeDairy-FreeNut-FreeEgg-FreeSoy-FreePork-FreeAlcohol-FreeLow-SodiumNightshade-Free

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Ingredients

  • 0.5 lb spanish mackerel fillet, minced
  • 2 cups tapioca starch
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp fine salt
  • 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup cold ice water
  • 3 cups vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. 1

    Blend 0.5 lb minced spanish mackerel fillet, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp fine salt, and 1/2 tsp granulated sugar in a food processor until very smooth.

  2. 2

    Transfer fish paste to a bowl and gradually mix in 2 cups tapioca starch and 1/2 cup cold ice water until a firm dough forms.

  3. 3

    Shape dough into dense logs, wrap in parchment, and steam over boiling water for 45 minutes until set.

  4. 4

    Cool logs completely, slice very thinly, and arrange on baking sheets.

  5. 5

    Dry sliced rounds in an oven at 150F for 3 hours until fully dehydrated and hard.

  6. 6

    Heat 3 cups vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350F and deep fry dried crackers for 5 to 10 seconds until puffed and golden.

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Questions

How long does Fish Crackers take?

As written, 60 minutes: 40 of prep and 20 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 5 (3 hours): "Dry sliced rounds in an oven at 150F for 3 hours until fully dehydrated and hard." That wait sits outside the stated prep and cook times, so plan around it.

What oven temperature does Fish Crackers need?

For Fish Crackers, the oven is set to 150 F (about 65 C) in step 5. The longest stretch at that heat is 3 hours, in step 5. The frying oil is held at 350 F (about 175 C) in step 6. Hotter scorches the outside before the inside cooks, and cooler turns it greasy.

What equipment do I need for Fish Crackers?

Beyond a knife and a board, the method uses a food processor (step 1), a sheet pan (step 4) and parchment paper (step 3). If you do not have one, a sharp knife and patience, or a blender in short pulses, stands in for the food processor.

Does Fish Crackers contain fish?

Yes: 0.5 lb spanish mackerel fillet, minced. The full allergen list for this entry is fish. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

Which part of Fish Crackers can be done ahead?

Everything up to step 3. Step 3 is a built-in pause of 45 minutes: "Shape dough into dense logs, wrap in parchment, and steam over boiling water for 45 minutes until set." Do everything up to that point ahead of time and pick up at step 4 when you are ready to finish.

Serve it with

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