Homemade Fish Balls with Spicy Fish Ball Sauce
User Reviews
3.8
Homemade Fish Balls with Spicy Fish Ball Sauce
Description
Homemade Fish Balls with Spicy Fish Ball Sauce start with pounding fish flesh into a thick paste blended with cornstarch, salt, sugar, and cold water. The prolonged mixing or beating process creates a smooth, elastic texture necessary for forming fish balls that hold together when cooked. By shaping and gently boiling them, the fish balls develop a tender yet springy consistency that is characteristic of fresh fish balls.
The sauce complements the fish balls with a robust blend of fermented soy sauce, aromatic garlic, shallots, Thai chilies for heat, and brown sugar for sweetness. The use of flour and cornstarch in the sauce thickens it slightly for coating. This balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors enhances the mild fish taste.
You can enjoy the fish balls as a snack or serve them alongside rice or noodles. The preparation allows for controlling the texture and spice level, making it suitable for adjusting to personal preferences.
The notes mention the nutrition information calculated per serving of three fish balls without the sauce, hinting at portion guidance. The recipe requires some effort in mixing for proper texture but yields fresh fish balls with a distinct homemade quality.
Ingredients
For the Fish Balls
- 1 pound fish flesh
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¼ cup water cold
- canola oil
For the Sweet and Spicy Fish Ball Sauce
- 2 cups water
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- 1 head garlic peeled and minced
- 3 shallot peeled and finely chopped
- 4 Thai Chili pepper stemmed and chopped
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a food processor, grind the flesh into a thick paste. Alternatively, pound the fish flesh with the back of a knife until it turns to a thick paste.
- In a bowl, combine the fish paste, salt, sugar, cornstarch, and water.
- Using hands, stir the mixture until well combined and then shape into a big ball. Lift from the bowl and then slap back into the bowl. Repeat for about 10 to 15 minutes or until the fish paste is smooth and shiny and begins to pull away from the side of the bowl.
- Alternatively, transfer the fish paste to the bowl of a stand mixer and beat using the paddle attachment, for about 10 to 15 minutes or until it begins to pull away from the side of the bowl.
- Using a tablespoon, portion the fish paste and shape into balls by rolling between the palm of hands.
- In a pot over medium heat, bring about 4 quarts of water to a boil. Gently drop fish balls into boiling water and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes or until they begin to float on top.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove from the fish balls from water and allow to cool.
- In a wide pan, heat about 2 inches of oil. Add fish balls and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and puffed. Remove from heat and drain on paper towels.
- Serve with the sweet and spicy fish ball sauce.
For the Sweet and Spicy Fish Ball Sauce
- In a saucepot, combine water, soy sauce, garlic, shallots, chili pepper, brown sugar, flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Stir well until well blended and smooth.
- Bring to a boil, stirring regularly, for about 3 to 5 minute or until thickened. The sauce will thicken more as it cools.
Notes
- The nutrition info is calculated per serving of three fish balls, excluding the sauce.
- Ensure the fish paste is kneaded well until smooth and shiny for optimal texture.
- Fish balls are done cooking when they float to the surface of boiling water.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 112 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 112kcal | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 5g | 2% |
| Protein | 20g | 40% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 49mg | 16% |
| Sodium | 1225mg | 51% |
| Potassium | 468mg | 10% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 45IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 18mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
3.8
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