Description
These Cheesy Cod Fish Balls are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and filled with gooey mozzarella. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course with rice and veggies. Enjoy these Mediterranean-inspired bites at any gathering!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 small-medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks (about 2 cups mashed)
- 550–600 g cod fillets, cut into large chunks
- 2 garlic cloves, pressed
- 1 medium yellow onion, grated (juices squeezed out)
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 eggs, whisked
- 30–32 small cubes mozzarella cheese (about 1/2-inch squares)
- Avocado oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place potato chunks in a pot with cold salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender, about 20-25 minutes. Drain and mash the potatoes. Set aside.
- Arrange cod pieces on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, until cooked through. Let cool slightly.
- Shred the cooled cod with a fork and add it to the mashed potatoes.
- Mix in garlic, grated onion, salt, pepper, parsley, mint, dill, olive oil, panko breadcrumbs, lemon zest, and whisked eggs. Combine well.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 2 hours, allowing the mixture to cool and firm up.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture per ball, pressing a cube of mozzarella into the center. Roll into balls and set aside on a plate. You should have 30-32 fish balls.
- Heat about 1 ½ to 2 inches of avocado oil in a deep pan over medium heat. The oil is ready when a wooden spoon dipped in sizzles.
- Fry the cod fish balls in batches for 5-7 minutes, rotating halfway through, until golden brown.
- Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining fish balls.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For a healthier version, try air-frying at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Serve with a lemon aioli or tzatziki for extra flavor.
- Make ahead: Refrigerate the formed fish balls for up to a day before frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cod fish ball
- Calories: 84g
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0.8g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 22mg