Delicious Fried Fish Balls in Tamarind Sauce Recipe

Fried fish balls in tamarind sauce are an enticing dish with the distinctive sweet and sour flavor of tamarind, combined with a mild spiciness from chilies and the crispy texture of the fish balls. This dish is not only a perfect snack but can also serve as a main course for family meals. Let’s explore how to make this simple yet delicious fried fish balls in tamarind sauce at home!

Prepare the Ingredients

To make the perfect fried fish balls in tamarind sauce, you will need the following ingredients:

• Frozen fish balls: 500g (or as needed)
• Tamarind pulp: 100g
• Sugar: 3 tablespoons
• Fish sauce: 2 tablespoons
• Garlic: 1 bulb
• Fresh chilies: 2-3 (depending on taste)
• Shallot: 1 bulb
• Cilantro: a small bunch
• Cooking oil for frying

Ingredients needed for fried fish balls in tamarind sauce

Steps to Follow

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Defrost the fish balls by placing them in the refrigerator or soaking them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. While waiting, prepare the other ingredients:

• Peel and mince the garlic
• Wash the chilies, remove the seeds, and chop finely
• Slice the shallot thinly
• Pick and wash the cilantro

Preparing garlic, chilies, and other ingredients

Step 2: Make the Tamarind Sauce

Place the tamarind pulp in a bowl, add about 200ml of warm water, and mash with a spoon. Strain the mixture to extract the tamarind juice.

Heat a pan over the stove and add:

• 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
• Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant
• Pour in the tamarind juice, along with the sugar and fish sauce
• Simmer gently, stirring until the mixture thickens
• Adjust the seasoning to taste
• Finally, add the thinly sliced shallots

Cooking the rich and tangy tamarind sauce

Step 3: Fry the Fish Balls

Heat the cooking oil in a deep pan. When the oil is hot, add the fish balls and fry until they are evenly golden. Remove and let them drain excess oil.

Frying fish balls to a golden crisp

Completion and Enjoyment

Place the crispy fried fish balls on a plate and drizzle the tamarind sauce over them. Garnish with a bit of cilantro to enhance the dish’s appeal.

Finished dish of fried fish balls in tamarind sauce, visually appealing and delicious

The perfect fried fish balls in tamarind sauce will have an attractive color, with crispy and chewy fish balls perfectly complemented by the rich, sweet, and tangy tamarind sauce. You can serve it with white rice or enjoy it directly as a snack.

If you have leftover sauce, store it in an airtight container in a cool place and use it within 3-4 days.

We hope that with this detailed guide, you have mastered the art of making delicious fried fish balls in tamarind sauce. Head to the kitchen and showcase your skills to treat your family to this delightful dish!