Custrd is out on the App Store — Download it free →
Back to recipes

Crispy Fish Balls with Chili Sauce

Golden, crispy fish balls tossed in a sweet-spicy chili sauce, finished with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro. A quick, flavorful appetizer or main that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Total time
25 min
Servings
4
Calories
280
Protein
14g
Crispy Fish Balls with Chili Sauce
comfortingfestiveThaidairy-freefishcrispychewyparty

Ingredients

7 items — tap to check off

Missing one? Custrd suggests a swap that works.

Open the app

Instructions

  1. Step 1

    Pat the 16 fish balls dry with paper towels. Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimmering, about 2 minutes.

  2. Step 2

    Add the fish balls in a single layer. Fry, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 8 minutes. Do not crowd the pan—work in batches if needed.

  3. Step 3

    Remove the fish balls to a plate. Drain excess oil from the skillet, leaving about 1 tsp. Reduce heat to medium.

  4. Step 4

    Add 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce and 1 tbsp soy sauce to the skillet. Stir and simmer until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes, until the sauce coats a spoon.

  5. Step 5

    Return the fish balls to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly with the sauce, about 1 minute, until glossy and heated through.

  6. Step 6

    Arrange 4 lettuce leaves on a serving plate. Spoon the fish balls over the lettuce. Sprinkle with 1 tbsp sesame seeds and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro. Serve hot.

Tools you’ll need

  • Large skillet
  • Paper towels
  • Serving plate

Cook smarter

Get matched recipes for what’s in your fridge

Custrd is a free iOS app that finds real recipes from the ingredients you already have. No more grocery-list aspirations.