Indulge in the irresistible crunch and gooey center of homemade crispy fried mozzarella balls! This classic appetizer is surprisingly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and a little patience. Forget those bland, pre-made versions; our recipe delivers perfectly golden-brown, melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella balls that are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering, whether it's a casual get-together or a sophisticated party. They're equally delicious as a standalone snack or paired with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping.
Prepare to be amazed by how simple it is to create this restaurant-quality dish at home. From selecting the perfect mozzarella to mastering the perfect breading technique, we'll guide you through every step of the process. Ready to experience the joy of perfectly fried mozzarella? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions!
Tools Needed
- Bowls
- Frying pan
- Deep fryer (or large pot)
- Whisk
- Garlic press
- Plate
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- Bocconcini fresh mozzarella balls
- Flour
- Egg
- Panko bread crumbs
- Salt
- Pepper
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Avocado oil
- Finely diced onion
- Garlic
- Tomato paste
- Anchovy paste
- Passata (tomato puree)
- Fresh chopped parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients and Bread the Mozzarella
- Season flour with salt and pepper. Mix well.
- Mix panko bread crumbs with everything bagel seasoning.
- Dredge mozzarella balls in flour, then egg, then panko, repeating the egg and panko steps for a double coating.
- Freeze the coated mozzarella balls for 30 minutes.
Step 2. Make the Dipping Sauce
- Heat avocado oil in a pan, add finely diced onions and cook until softened (approx. 2 minutes).
- Add minced garlic to the sauce and cook briefly.
- Stir in tomato paste and anchovy paste, cooking until fragrant.
- Add passata (tomato puree), salt, and pepper. Simmer and season to taste.
- Garnish the sauce with fresh chopped parsley.
Step 3. Fry the Mozzarella Balls
- Heat oil for deep frying. Carefully add the frozen mozzarella balls and fry for 1-2 minutes, until golden brown and slightly melted.
- Remove mozzarella balls and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve the fried mozzarella balls with the dipping sauce.
Read more: Chikuwa Isobeage Recipe: Crispy Fish Cake Tempura
Tips
- Using your hands to coat the mozzarella balls is recommended for best results.
- Freezing the mozzarella balls before frying prevents them from leaking and ensures a crispier exterior.
- Anchovy paste adds a delicious umami flavor to the sauce, even though it might sound unusual initially.
Nutrition
- Calories: varies*
- Fat: varies*g
- Carbs: varies*g
- Protein: varies*g
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
While mozzarella is best for its melt and stretch, you can experiment with provolone or other firm, meltable cheeses. Keep in mind the flavor profile might change.
2. How do I prevent the mozzarella from leaking during frying?
Make sure your mozzarella is very cold and dry before breading. Don't overcrowd the pan when frying, and use a high enough temperature to create a quick, crispy crust.
So there you have it – perfectly crispy, deliciously gooey fried mozzarella balls, ready to impress your friends and family. This simple recipe delivers big on flavor and texture, proving that sometimes the best things in life are the easiest to make. Now go forth and fry!