Before I tell you where I've been can we talk about these fish balls?? Crazy addictive fish balls which are so crunchy on the inside then moist and super tasty on the inside. The perfect appetizer for enjoying at home, entertaining guests, taking to picnics, and so on.
When the head of the tasting committee tried these fish balls, he couldn't stop eating them. "Sweet, that fish thing is so good," he said. My kids shared the same sentiments. They kept eating and eating with my toddler sneaking to swipe some behind my back. Ha.
There are different kinds of fish balls - like Chinese Fish Balls and Italian Fish Balls. These fish balls are prepared with different seasonings and/or techniques just like meatballs are prepared in different ways around the world. So this post is focused on an African approach to fish balls, more precisely, a West African approach.
If you've never tried fish balls before, I encourage you to try it. You will be amazed!
The ingredients for these African style fish balls, are pretty simple: fish fillets, eggs, garlic, onion, cilantro (substitute with parsley), flour and some seasoning.
Also, you need breadcrumbs for that irresistible crunch on the outside. I had to capture the breadcrumbs together with the other ingredients but I forgot - blame it on the "mommy brain"! I used panko breadcrumbs here but you could use regular breadcrumbs or even make your own breadcrumbs.
I start off by lightly boiling the fish with salt and white pepper then I place the fish in a bowl.
To the fish, add some minced garlic, onion, flour, an egg, some chopped cilantro/parsley and a sprinkle on a seasoning cube.
Mix them all up together until they become one and indivisible. This mixture is everything! So tasty just like my meatball mixture. Insanely good!
Now form this mixture into balls - I used a cookie scoop to scoop it out to give me fairly even shapes.
As you can see, the balls look covered in flour. That's because I rolled them in some flour right after forming them. After rolling them in flour, dip the balls into beaten egg then finally roll into breadcrumbs and fry!
Can you taste the crunch from there? I don't know where I will be without good food like this. Making delicious happen is purely one of my joys in life. These fish balls are crazy delicious. The highlight for me is that crunch on the outside. All you hear is "grish grish grish" when you eat it.
I made some fried plantains to go with it but you could also serve this with potato fries or any side you like. They are also great on their own. Another option is to make a simple African tomato stew to go with these fish balls then serve on rice. So good!
Crunchy African style fish balls together with some fried plantain and African pepper sauce and you are in foodie heaven! Print this recipe and go make some, friends. It is a thousand times worth it!
Recipe
African Style Fish Balls
Ingredients
- 12 oz fish fillets (340g) - 5 small fish fillets I used mackerel (see Note 1)
- 3 cloves garlic - minced
- ½ medium onion - finely chopped
- 1 stem parsley or cilantro - finely chopped
- ½ cup breadcrumbs I used panko breadcrumbs (See Note 2)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- 1 seasoning cube (Maggi) 4g cube
Instructions
- Place fish fillets in a pot, add ⅛th of a cup of water (the water should be very little and dry up as the fish cooks), salt and white pepper. Let it simmer on low heat for about 5-10 minutes until the fish is soft and flaky and the water is all dried up.
- Place the fish in a bowl and use a fork to mash up. Add in onion, garlic, parsley, seasoning cube, 1 egg and 2 tablespoons of the flour (reserve the other part of flour). Mix all the ingredients together lightly then shape the mixture into balls.
- Note: I used a cookie scoop to scoop out the mixture and shape into balls - this made sure they were all about the same size. You could do same or use a measuring tablespoon to scoop the mixture. If you don't mind large fish balls, then use an ice cream scoop to scoop the mixture (I prefer my fish balls smaller).
- Also note: the fish ball mixture can get very sticky and hard to handle. If it gets sticky. wet your hands with water and continue forming the balls.
- When all the balls are formed, place the remaining egg in one bowl and beat, place flour in another bowl then place breadcrumbs in another bowl. Roll a fish ball in the flour then place it in the egg mixture to coat it. Place it in the breadcrumbs and ensure the breadcrumbs coat the ball all around. Place the ball on a tray. Repeat process with the rest of the balls.
- Place oil in a pan up to 4 inches then heat up the oil on medium heat to 350 degrees F. Place the balls in the oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Let them cook for about 4 minutes on one side then you flip them to the other side and let them cook for another 3 minutes. Remove and place on paper towel to absorb the excess oil.
- Serve fish balls as they are or with any side of choice. I love serving them with fried plantains and African pepper sauce.
Notes
Nutrition
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For everything there is a season,
a time for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2)
Tomeka Love says
Greetings, know you indicate fish fillets but what types of fish are good for this receipe? Like say can you use lets say salmon or haddock or perch or cat fish? Thanks
Precious says
Hi Tomeka, any white fish of choice will work here.
Rebecca Caesar says
Yummy , thanks Precious
Precious says
You are welcome, Rebecca!
Fossung Linda says
Thanks mum I love ur recipe n I really wish to meet u in real life some day. Thanks 😘
Precious says
Awww hope I meet you too someday.
Dorathy Ndifreke says
Hello ma please there was a souce you made with chicken and used corn starch and soy sauce please may I see the video?
Precious says
That's my chicken stir fry. Here is the video: https://youtu.be/snsXB6Zyz6o
Tomeka Love says
Thanks, I cannot wait to cook. Looks delicious!
favourmoyse says
Looks tasty but l'll pass. Ate something similar sometime ago and it tasted really funny. Now l am scared of anythin fish in enclosed flour
Traditional yen yen yen yen
Patty Kibong says
Hmmmmmm.....I'm definitely trying this out any day soon. I'm a sucker for small chops/finger foods. Can't wait to get the grish, grish feel in the mouth. Thanks for always bringing your recipes close to home by making available options. God bless you plenty
Precious says
You are most welcome, Patty! That grish grish sound is everything. Hope you enjoy.
Mary says
Thank you for the recipes. You make me feel like I am home. I can't wait to try the African doughnuts and the fish balls. I love to eat and good food for that matter. Thanks so much. Can you please post the African ginger drink recipe. The type the Muslims back home sell on the streets. thank you
Roxy says
I can't wait to try this!!
Precious says
Hope you have had a chance to try it, Roxy!
Judith says
Thanks for this recipe. I'm definitely trying it soonest.
Precious says
Enjoy, Judith!
Susan says
I tried these out with smoked mackerel and they're so delicious. Thank you!
Precious says
So glad to hear that, Susan! Thanks for the feedback!
Agbanavor Grace says
Please I want to see how the bread crumbs look like, I have search for it but I did not get any
Precious says
Hi, the post has a picture of Panko breadcrumbs and I also included a link to a post to how to make your own breadcrumbs. Just scroll up and read.
Ethel Focgha says
Thanks so much Mme... I'm definitely trying this tomorrow Saturday. I know hubby will totally love it ..
Precious says
Hope you guys enjoy, Ethel!
Esther oyas says
Woow you are amazing thank you so much for all your help 🙏🙏I love you so much ma you have really helped me a lot.im grateful
Precious says
You are very welcome, dear.
Elle says
Tried the recipe and it is perfect. I did not use mackerel though
Becky Fredrick says
Its great meeting here, just getting advanced and exploring in cooking. Q
Sonia says
Pls I need the video on how to make the fishball please