Sides

Chinese Fish Balls | (鱼蛋 – Yú Dàn)

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Fish ball is one of the most popular meals that is commonly eaten throughout Southern China, Hong Kong, and Macau. The dish originates from the Chaoshan region in eastern Guangdong, and consists of ball-shaped patties made with finely pulverized fish meat, also known as surimi.

Chinese Fish Balls | (鱼蛋 – Yú Dàn)

Recipe by Elaine LuoCourse: SidesCuisine: ChineseDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

2

hours 
Cooking time

1

hour 
Calories

9

kcal
Total time

3

hours 

Fish ball is one of the most popular meals that is commonly eaten throughout Southern China, Hong Kong, and Macau. The dish originates from the Chaoshan region in eastern Guangdong, and consists of ball-shaped patties made with finely pulverized fish meat, also known as surimi.

Ingredients

  • Pure fish meat 1000g ,I use mackerel

  • Iced water 400g + more if needed ,the water amount is very much depending on the type and freshness of your fish So it is better to start with the lower level of 350g.

  • 2 tbsp. cooking wine

  • 4 tbsp. sugar

  • 3 tsp. salt

  • 4 middle size egg whites

  • 4 tbsp. cornstarch

Directions

  • Cut the head and tails off and then separate the fish into two fillets. Use s scoop to scoop off the meat. Save the head and tails. They can be used to cook a fish stock.
  • In summer days, please pre-frozen the fish and egg white for 1 to 2 hours until well chilled. Prepare 400g iced water.
  • Smash the fish: Place fish meat, cooking wine and 200ml iced water into a food processor and then mix with slow speed until well smashed. Transfer the fish meat to a stand mixer, use the mix hook.
  • Mixing the paste: transfer the fish meat to a stand mixer, use the mix hook. Add salt and sugar and continue mixing for 2 to 3 minutes at slow speed. Slowly add egg white and mixing until well absorbed at slow speed too.
  • Add 1/4 cup of iced water each time until all of the 150ml water is added and absorbed. Then use high speed to blend the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes until the paste becomes very fluffy like cream.
  • Add starch: Add starch and iced water alternately until all of the starch is added. Re-peat the testing once again to make sure the paste can float on the water.
  • Testing the fish paste: prepare a high cup with enough water, use a small scoop and take out a small amount of fish paste out. Dip to the water and see whether it floats on surface. If yes, start the next step. If no, continue blending the mixture at high speed.
  • Shape the balls: prepare a large pot with enough cold water and a small cup of clear water for wetting the scoop. Grasp some fish paste on left hand and hold a scoop with the right hand. Shape the paste to a ball with the help of left index finger and thumb. Dip the scoop into clean water and transfer the fish ball from the left hand. Dip the scoop into the water in the large pot and gently slide the fish balls to the water. They will float up quickly.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • Soak the fish balls for 1 hour to make them more elastic. You can cook them directly now or fridge them with water up to 2 days. For large batches which need to be frozen fro later usage, cook the fish balls in warm water (80 to 90 degree C, not boiling) for 2-3 minutes until floats. Transfer out and cool down. Package in zip bag, squeeze extra air out and frozen up for 1 month.
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