Foo Chow Fish Balls

Rated : Never tested..but am gonna soon!

Ah! Finally! Foo Chow Fish Balls! My paternal granma used to make this whenever we go to her place for dinner. Now, she's diagnosed with moderate Alzheimer's and is staying with my aunt. So, I no longer get to taste this delectable dish...unless I muster some courage up to cooking it. Plus, I'm half Foo Chow, so I gotta know this recipe right?

Amy Beh actually provided this recipe, but as I was reading it (today), I realised that whoever followed this recipe word for word is doomed for failure. I'll tell you why after I post this recipe.

100gm minced pork
400gm fish paste, preferably Spanish Mackeral (ikan tengirri)

Seasoning (A) - for pork

1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp corn flour

Mix it all up with minced pork and wrap with cling wrap, cylindrical style..like a sausage! Chill until it sets.

Seasoning (B) - Fish

1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp sugar
1 tsp tapioca flour
1/2 egg
4 tbsp water.


Add marinade (B) to fish paste and mix until it is sticky. Put aside.

Cut the well-chilled pork filling into small diced pieces. Take a tablespoon of marinated fish paste and wrap around the small pork filing. Roll into neat ball. Soak them in salt water.

Boil 3 cups of fresh chicken stock (Chicken bones, Celery, Bombay Onions). When stock comes into boil, add balls and cook until it floats. Add salt to taste. Add lettuce to soup and serve.

~ end of amy beh's recipe~

Ok..here's my take on this. If you are a geniune foodie, you would do the fish paste yourself, instead of buying. Only because buying it means you're also eating heaps of chemical..stuff that makes the fish ball bouncy/springy.

My mom, after many experiments, successfully makes a mean fish ball. The secret? First you gotta have a mortar and pestle. Very important. The fish? Get "Paan Yu" ( a type of Spanish Mackeral )...if don't have, forget it. Now, the technique... you pound the paste together with the seasoning in the mortar..until it leaves the sides of the mortar. It takes a long time..good upper arm workout... but do it and you will get the most springiest balls ever! Trust me.. it works everytime!!!!!!

I gotta stop salivating, get my butt off the couch and do some cookin' !