Crispy Spiced Fish Fritters

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) white fish fillets, such as cod or tilapia 500g (1.1 lb) white fish fillets, such as cod or tilapia
• 2 tablespoons turmeric powder 2 tablespoons turmeric powder
• 2 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped 2 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons galangal, grated 2 tablespoons galangal, grated
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 red chilies, finely chopped 2 red chilies, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 200ml (7 fl oz) coconut milk 200ml (7 fl oz) coconut milk
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• 150g (1 1/4 cups) all-purpose flour 150g (1 1/4 cups) all-purpose flour
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the turmeric powder, lemongrass, galangal, garlic, red chilies, salt, and sugar to make a marinade.
2. 2.
   Cut the fish fillets into small pieces and add them to the marinade. Mix well to ensure the fish is coated evenly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut milk and eggs. Gradually add the flour while whisking until a thick batter is formed.
4. 4.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 180°C (350°F).
5. 5.
   Take a spoonful of the marinated fish and dip it into the batter, ensuring it is well coated. Gently drop it into the hot oil.
6. 6.
   Fry the fritters in batches for about 3-4 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
7. 7.
   Repeat the process with the remaining fish and batter.
8. 8.
   Serve the Crispy Spiced Fish Fritters hot with a side of sambal or your favorite dipping sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Fish — Ensure the fish fillets are fresh and free from any bones. You can use any white fish of your choice, such as cod or tilapia.
• Turmeric powder — Use high-quality turmeric powder to achieve a vibrant color and authentic flavor in the fritters.
• Lemongrass — Remove the tough outer layers of the lemongrass stalks before finely chopping them. This will ensure a smoother texture in the fritters.
• Galangal — If fresh galangal is not available, you can use dried galangal powder as a substitute. Use half the amount of dried galangal powder compared to fresh galangal.
• Red chilies — Adjust the amount of red chilies according to your spice preference. You can also remove the seeds for a milder heat.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra crispy texture, you can double-coat the fritters by dipping them in the batter twice before frying.
• Serve the fritters with a squeeze of lime juice for a refreshing tang.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a few drops of hot sauce or chili oil to the batter.
• Experiment with different types of fish to find your favorite flavor combination.
• To make the fritters healthier, you can bake them in the oven instead of deep-frying.

Serving advice

Serve the Crispy Spiced Fish Fritters as an appetizer or snack. They can also be enjoyed as a main course when served with steamed rice, a side of sambal, and a fresh salad.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Crispy Spiced Fish Fritters on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs such as cilantro or mint. Serve them with a small bowl of sambal or your favorite dipping sauce for an added burst of flavor.