Fish Balls Recipe

Fish balls are a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, snack, or even as a main course. They are made by combining fish with various ingredients and shaping them into small balls before cooking them. One popular recipe for fish balls involves using cold fish, thick sauce, anchovy, melted butter, fat bacon, parsley, egg, and seasonings.

To begin, gather the following ingredients:
- 1/2 lb. Cold Fish
- 1 gill Thick Sauce
- 1 teaspoonful Anchovy
- 1/2 pint Melted Butter
- 2 oz. Fat Bacon
- 1 teaspoonful Parsley
- 1 Egg
- Salt and Pepper to taste

Start by chopping the cold fish, bacon, and parsley into fine pieces. Mix them together in a bowl and add the anchovy, along with salt and pepper for seasoning.

In a separate saucepan, prepare a thick sauce by combining 1 gill of water, 1 oz of flour, and 1 oz of butter. Stir well until the mixture thickens, and then add in the fish mixture. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes, ensuring that all the ingredients are well combined.

Once the mixture has cooked, remove it from heat and stir in the yolk of the egg. Transfer the mixture onto a plate and allow it to cool.

When the mixture has cooled down, shape it into small balls using your hands. Meanwhile, fill a frying pan with boiling water and carefully place the fish balls into the pan, making sure they are fully submerged.

Cover the frying pan with a lid and let the fish balls simmer gently for about ten minutes, ensuring they cook all the way through.

While the fish balls are cooking, prepare the melted butter by heating it in a separate pan. Add a touch of anchovy to flavor the butter and keep it warm until ready to use.

Once the fish balls are cooked, carefully remove them from the water using a slotted spoon and arrange them in a circular pattern on a serving dish. Pour the melted butter over the fish balls, ensuring they are nicely coated.

To enhance the presentation, garnish the dish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve the fish balls warm and enjoy their delicious flavors and textures.

Fish balls have a rich history and are enjoyed in various cultures around the world. They originated in China many centuries ago and have since become a beloved dish in Southeast Asian cuisine.

In Chinese culture, fish balls are often served in hot pot meals, soup noodles, and street food stalls. They are commonly made from ground fish, mixed with various seasonings and starches. The mixture is then shaped into balls and cooked by boiling, steaming, or frying.

Fun fact: Fish balls are so popular in Hong Kong that there are dedicated shops called "20 Fish Balls" that specialize in serving various types of fish balls with different flavors and textures.

In Western cuisine, fish balls are typically made with white fish such as cod, haddock, or halibut. They can be seasoned with a combination of herbs and spices to suit individual tastes.

Similar dishes from around the world include Swedish fishballs, known as fiskbullar, which are often served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce. In Icelandic cuisine, fish balls called fiskibollar are traditionally made with salted fish and served with a creamy sauce.

In conclusion, fish balls are a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed in various cultures and cuisines around the world. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or main course, they are sure to delight your taste buds with their flavorful combination of fish, seasonings, and sauces.