Fish Koftas are crispy, herb-infused Mediterranean fish balls that make a healthy and flavorful meal. Originating in the coastal regions of the Mediterranean and Middle East, this recipe blends ground white fish with aromatic garlic, onion, cumin, coriander, and fresh parsley. Shaped into balls and pan-fried until golden-brown, these koftas are crispy on the outside and tender inside. Served with a cool tzatziki or tahini sauce, they are loved by children and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 1 lb firm white fish fillets (cod, haddock, or tilapia), chopped finely
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, grated and squeezed dry
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for pan-frying
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Process the Fish: Place the raw fish fillets in a food processor and pulse a few times until finely ground. Do not over-process into a paste. Alternatively, chop the fish very finely with a sharp knife.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground fish, breadcrumbs, grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, paprika, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Shape the Koftas: Scoop the mixture and shape into oval patties or round balls (makes about 12-14 koftas). Place them on a plate and refrigerate for 15 minutes to help them firm up.
- Pan-Fry: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the koftas in batches for 4 to 5 minutes per side, turning carefully, until they are golden-brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Drain on paper towels and serve warm with pita bread, sliced cucumbers, and tzatziki sauce.
Tips and Notes
- Dry the Onion: Grated onions contain a lot of water which can make the kofta mixture soggy and cause them to fall apart in the skillet. Always squeeze the grated onion dry in a paper towel before adding.
- Baking Option: If you prefer to bake them, place the koftas on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 18 minutes until cooked through.
