Crispy Spiced Fish Koftas with Fresh Mint Dip
Delight your taste buds with these Crispy Spiced Fish Koftas, a delectable Indian-inspired dish that combines steamed white fish with aromatic spices and fresh herbs. Each kofta is carefully crafted by mixing flaky fish with soaked bread, onions, ginger, garlic, and vibrant green chilies for a flavor explosion. Coated in crispy breadcrumbs and lightly fried to a golden perfection, these koftas can be served as an irresistible appetizer or a flavorful main dish. Pair them with a refreshing mint sauce or tangy tomato sauce for a delightful culinary experience. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying during a cozy dinner.
16
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
White fish fillets
450 g (steamed and flaked)
White bread
4 slices (soaked in water and squeezed dry)
Onion
1 medium (peeled and chopped)
Ginger
1 teaspoon (peeled, washed, and grated)
Garlic paste
1 teaspoon
Fresh coriander leaves
1 tablespoon (washed and chopped)
Ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Salt
2 teaspoons
Green chilies
2 (chopped)
Egg whites
2
Fresh breadcrumbs
50 g
Oil
as needed (for deep frying)
Tomatoes or mint sauce
(for serving)
Instructions
1
Soak the slices of bread in water for a few minutes, then squeeze out the excess water and tear into small pieces.
2
In a food processor, combine the soaked bread pieces and process until you achieve fine breadcrumbs. Set aside for later use.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flaked white fish with the processed breadcrumbs.
4
Add the chopped onion, grated ginger, garlic paste, chopped coriander leaves, ground black pepper, chopped green chilies, and salt to the mixture.
5
Thoroughly mix all the ingredients together until it forms a cohesive dough.
6
Divide the dough into 16 equal portions and shape each portion into round koftas.
7
Chill the shaped koftas in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm them up.
8
In a separate medium-sized bowl, beat the egg whites until they become light and frothy.
9
Carefully dip each kofta into the egg whites, ensuring they are fully coated.
10
Roll each coated kofta in fresh breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs.
11
Heat oil in a deep frying wok over medium-high heat.
12
Fry the koftas in batches, 3 or 4 at a time, frying each side until they are golden brown and crispy.
13
Remove the fried koftas and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
14
Transfer the koftas to a serving platter and serve hot with your choice of mint sauce or tomato sauce.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Spiced Fish Koftas?
Crispy Spiced Fish Koftas are an Indian-inspired dish made from steamed white fish mixed with aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and soaked bread, then breaded and fried until golden.
How many koftas does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 16 equal portions or round koftas.
What type of fish should I use?
The recipe calls for 450 grams of white fish fillets that have been steamed and flaked.
How do I prepare the bread for the kofta dough?
Soak four slices of white bread in water for a few minutes, squeeze out the excess water, tear them into pieces, and process them in a food processor into fine breadcrumbs.
What spices and herbs are included in the mixture?
The mixture includes grated ginger, garlic paste, fresh coriander leaves, ground black pepper, and chopped green chilies.
Is this dish spicy?
Yes, it features two green chilies and half a teaspoon of ground black pepper for a vibrant, spicy flavor.
Why do the koftas need to be chilled before frying?
Chilling the shaped koftas for 30 minutes in the refrigerator helps them firm up so they hold their shape during the frying process.
What is used to coat the koftas for the crispy exterior?
The koftas are first dipped into frothy beaten egg whites and then rolled in 50 grams of fresh breadcrumbs.
Should I use the whole egg for the coating?
No, the recipe specifically uses two egg whites, beaten until light and frothy.
What is the best way to fry the fish koftas?
Heat oil in a deep frying wok over medium-high heat and fry the koftas in small batches of 3 or 4 at a time.
How do I know when the koftas are finished cooking?
They are ready when each side is golden brown and the exterior is crispy.
What should I do after removing the koftas from the oil?
Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil before serving.
What sauces pair well with fish koftas?
They are traditionally served with a refreshing mint sauce or a tangy tomato sauce.
Can these be served as a main course?
Yes, they are versatile enough to be served as an irresistible appetizer or a flavorful main dish.
How much ginger is required?
You will need one teaspoon of peeled, washed, and grated ginger.
What is the purpose of the soaked bread in the recipe?
The soaked bread acts as a binder, helping the fish and spices form a cohesive dough.
How much salt is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for two teaspoons of salt.
Do I need a food processor for this recipe?
A food processor is recommended to turn the soaked bread into fine breadcrumbs for the dough mixture.
What is the preparation for the onion?
One medium onion should be peeled and finely chopped before being added to the fish mixture.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe requires one teaspoon of garlic paste.
Can I use fresh coriander?
Yes, use one tablespoon of washed and chopped fresh coriander leaves.
How much oil is needed for frying?
The recipe specifies using as much oil as needed for deep frying in a wok.
What is the amount of fresh breadcrumbs needed for the final coating?
You will need 50 grams of fresh breadcrumbs to coat the 16 koftas.
Should the koftas be served hot or cold?
For the best texture and flavor, transfer the koftas to a platter and serve them hot.
Is the fish cooked before making the dough?
Yes, the white fish fillets should be steamed and flaked before being combined with other ingredients.
What shape should the koftas be?
The dough should be divided into 16 portions and shaped into round balls or koftas.
How many egg whites are needed?
The recipe uses two egg whites.
Can I use frozen fish for this recipe?
Yes, provided the fish is thawed, steamed, and flaked according to the instructions.
What kind of breadcrumbs are used for the outer layer?
Fresh breadcrumbs are used to ensure a light and crispy texture.
Is this recipe suitable for gatherings?
Yes, because they are easy to portion and serve as finger food, they are perfect for sharing at gatherings.