As I stood in my kitchen with a bounty of fresh ingredients, I had one mission: transform simple cod fillets into irresistible golden fritters that would make any seafood lover swoon.
I love creating dishes that bring a burst of flavor and tradition to the table, and Smyrna Style Cod Fritters are just perfect for that. With fresh cod, aromatic onion, and parsley, these fritters are not only delicious but also a good source of protein and essential nutrients.
The added turmeric and cumin lend a warm depth, making them an irresistible choice for any occasion. Serve with lemon wedges for a zesty finish!
Smyrna Style Cod Fritters Recipe Ingredients
- Fresh Cod Fillets: Lean protein source, provides omega-3 fatty acids, supports heart health.
- Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth, contains antioxidants and vitamin C.
- Garlic: Imparts aromatic flavor, known for anti-inflammatory properties and immune support.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure, contains carbohydrates for energy.
- Parsley: Fresh and vibrant, rich in vitamins A and C, helps digestion.
- Baking Powder: Causes batter to rise, creating light and airy fritters.
- Cumin: Earthy warmth, aids digestion, and prevalent in Mediterranean cuisine.
- Coriander: Citrus, nutty flavor; packed with essential minerals and dietary fiber.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adds heat and a kick, boosts metabolism and circulatory health.
Smyrna Style Cod Fritters Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 1 pound fresh cod fillets, skinless and boneless
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup water
- Olive oil for frying
- Lemon wedges for serving
How to Make this Smyrna Style Cod Fritters Recipe
1. Flake the cod fillets into small pieces and set aside in a large bowl.
2. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the bowl with the cod, mixing until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the cod mixture, along with the chopped parsley, and mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
5. In a small bowl, beat the eggs and add the water, whisking until well combined.
6. Pour the egg mixture over the cod batter and gently fold until a thick, cohesive batter forms.
7. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat, ensuring the oil is hot enough for frying.
8. Carefully drop spoonfuls of the cod batter into the hot oil, pressing gently to flatten slightly.
9. Fry the fritters for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
10. Serve the fritters hot with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
Smyrna Style Cod Fritters Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Large bowl
2. Medium bowl
3. Small bowl
4. Whisk
5. Mixing spoon or spatula
6. Large skillet
7. Paper towels
8. Measuring cups and spoons
9. Knife
10. Cutting board
FAQ
-
Can I use frozen cod instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cod. Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before using. -
What can I substitute for parsley if I don’t have any?
You can use cilantro or fresh dill as a substitute for parsley in this recipe. -
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. -
Can I bake these fritters instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking. -
What oil is best for frying these fritters?
Olive oil is suggested for added flavor, but you can also use vegetable or canola oil. -
How should I store leftover fritters?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in an oven or on a skillet. -
Can I add other spices or ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize with spices like paprika or ingredients like chopped scallions for extra flavor.
Smyrna Style Cod Fritters Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Fresh cod fillets can be substituted with haddock or pollock fillets for a similar texture and taste.
- If you need a gluten-free option, use chickpea flour or rice flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Fresh parsley can be replaced with fresh cilantro for a different flavor profile.
- Ground cumin can be substituted with ground turmeric for a slightly different spice profile.
- Lemon wedges for serving can be replaced with lime wedges for a more tangy flavor.
Pro Tips
1. Pat the Cod Dry: Before you flake the cod fillets, make sure to pat them dry with paper towels. Excess moisture can make the batter too wet and prevent the fritters from achieving a crispy texture.
2. Chill the Batter: Let the mixed batter rest in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes. This helps the flour absorb the liquids better and can lead to a fluffier texture in the fritters.
3. Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to ensure the olive oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F or 175°C) before frying. This ensures the fritters cook evenly and don’t absorb too much oil, becoming greasy.
4. Test Fry: Fry a single small fritter first to test the seasoning and oil temperature. This allows you to adjust the salt or spice levels before cooking the entire batch.
5. Keep Them Warm: If you need to cook the fritters in batches, keep the finished ones warm in an oven set to 200°F (93°C) on a wire rack over a baking sheet. This prevents them from getting soggy while the rest cook.
Smyrna Style Cod Fritters Recipe
My favorite Smyrna Style Cod Fritters Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large bowl
2. Medium bowl
3. Small bowl
4. Whisk
5. Mixing spoon or spatula
6. Large skillet
7. Paper towels
8. Measuring cups and spoons
9. Knife
10. Cutting board
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh cod fillets, skinless and boneless
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup water
- Olive oil for frying
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
1. Flake the cod fillets into small pieces and set aside in a large bowl.
2. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the bowl with the cod, mixing until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the cod mixture, along with the chopped parsley, and mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
5. In a small bowl, beat the eggs and add the water, whisking until well combined.
6. Pour the egg mixture over the cod batter and gently fold until a thick, cohesive batter forms.
7. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat, ensuring the oil is hot enough for frying.
8. Carefully drop spoonfuls of the cod batter into the hot oil, pressing gently to flatten slightly.
9. Fry the fritters for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
10. Serve the fritters hot with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
