Codfish Balls
Golden fried codfish balls with tender potatoes and savory flavors, perfect as an appetizer or main dish for seafood lovers and those craving crispy bites.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut salt codfish into strips and place in a medium saucepan with 1 1/2 to 2 cups water. Bring to boiling.
- Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Drain.
- Separate fish into small flakes.
- Place in a medium saucepan with diced potatoes and 1 1/2 cups water. Bring to boiling.
- Boil gently, covered, for 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Drain well.
- In a medium bowl, beat the fish mixture until very smooth using an electric mixer at medium speed.
- Add egg, butter, and pepper; beat until well combined.
- Heat salad oil or shortening in an electric skillet or heavy saucepan to 385°F (deep frying thermometer).
- Gently drop heaping tablespoonfuls of the fish mixture into hot oil, 5 or 6 at a time.
- Fry until golden brown, about 1 minute per batch.
- Remove fish balls with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using fresh cod instead of salt cod; simply soak it in water overnight to remove excess salt. If you don't have an electric mixer, a potato masher can work well to achieve a smooth consistency. For a flavor boost, try adding chopped herbs like parsley or dill to the mixture before frying. Remember to test the oil temperature with a small drop of the mixture; if it sizzles, it's ready.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the codfish balls hot with a side of tangy tartar sauce or a refreshing squeeze of lemon for added brightness. They pair wonderfully with a simple green salad or a bowl of Dilly Dip For Raw Vegetables for a crunchy contrast. For a complete meal, you might serve them alongside mashed potatoes or a light coleslaw.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover codfish balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy. You can also freeze uncooked balls; just thaw and fry when ready to serve.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Codfish Balls contains roughly 439 calories, with 7g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of calcium (18% of the Daily Value), protein (15% of the Daily Value), and potassium (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 616mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cod instead of salt cod?
Yes, fresh cod can be used in place of salt cod. Just be sure to soak it in water overnight to remove excess salt, then follow the recipe as directed. This substitution will yield a milder flavor, allowing the other ingredients to shine.
How can I make these codfish balls spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños into the fish mixture before frying. This will give your codfish balls a nice kick. Alternatively, serve them with a spicy dipping sauce to add heat at the table.
What can I serve with codfish balls for a complete meal?
Codfish balls pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving them alongside a fresh salad, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. For a classic touch, you could also serve them with a side of American recipes like coleslaw or pickles to enhance their flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).