Fried Fish Sauce
Description
This dish features crispy, deep-fried balls made from a mixture of chopped salmon and firm beancurd (tofu), seasoned with fresh mitsuba or parsley. The savory interior is complemented by a light, tangy dipping sauce crafted from light soy sauce and Japanese mustard. It offers a delightful contrast between the crunchy exterior and the tender, flavorful filling. Perfect as an appetizer for gatherings or a unique side dish for dinner parties, these bites are elegant yet simple to prepare. The combination of umami-rich fish, earthy tofu, and fresh herbs creates a balanced and satisfying flavor profile that appeals to both traditionalists and adventurous eaters alike.Ingredients
Directions
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Soak the beancurd in water, then drain in a lined sieve. Squeeze out excess moisture by wrapping the beancurd in a clean cloth and twisting tightly.
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Place chopped salmon in a large mixing bowl and add the squeezed beancurd.
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Separate mitsuba or parsley stalks from leaves; finely chop the stems and reserve the whole leaves.
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Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of the chopped stems to the salmon and beancurd mixture.
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Add the remaining ingredients, excluding oil and accompaniments, to the bowl.
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Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
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Shape the mixture into small, uniform balls.
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Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to the appropriate temperature for deep-frying.
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Deep-fry the salmon balls, turning frequently, until golden brown and cooked through.
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Remove balls from oil and drain on paper towels or in individual serving baskets.
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Lightly spray the reserved mitsuba or parsley leaves with water, then dust lightly with cornstarch.
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Quickly deep-fry the coated leaves for a few seconds until the coating sets and they are crisp.
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Garnish the fried salmon balls with the fried leaves and serve immediately with the prepared sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4 servings
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 10.8kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.1g1%
- Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 1062.1mg45%
- Total Carbohydrate 1.0g1%
- Dietary Fiber 0.2g1%
- Sugars 0.2g
- Protein 1.6g4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
**Sauce Preparation:** Mix the light soy sauce and Japanese mustard in a small bowl until smooth to create the dipping sauce. Adjust the amount of mustard to your taste preference.
**Ingredient Substitutions:** If mitsuba is unavailable, fresh parsley or cilantro stems work well as a substitute. Firm tofu can replace beancurd if preferred.
**Cooking Tip:** Ensure the oil is sufficiently hot before adding the balls to prevent them from absorbing too much oil and becoming greasy.
**Storage:** Best served fresh. If storing leftovers, keep the fried components separate from the sauce to maintain crispness. Reheat in an oven rather than a microwave to restore texture.