Fishball
Snacks • Philippines
About Fishball
Fishball is a classic street snack found almost everywhere—from carinderia corners to busy school gates. Made from seasoned fish meat ground into a paste, shaped into balls, and then deep-fried until golden brown, fishballs are served hot and skewered on sticks. Usually, they’re enjoyed as merienda, paired with signature dipping sauces—manamis na sweet sauce, a spiced suka, or thick manong sauce are classic options. There's a whole ritual to choosing and double-dipping sauces which makes eating fishball a communal experience. Nutrition-wise, a 100g serving gives around 160 kcal, with 8g protein and 18g carbohydrates. Since fishballs are fried, they pack 7g fat per serving. It’s easy to lose track of how many you’ve eaten, especially while chatting with friends or waiting for a ride, so best to enjoy fishball in moderation—maybe 5 to 7 pieces with sauce as a light snack. If you're looking to lessen the oil, some also place fishballs on tissue to absorb excess. These aren’t the healthiest street choice, but they're moderate in calories and protein compared to some heavier fried options. Practical tip: pairing fishball with gulaman or sago for merienda can fill you up without overdoing the portions.
Ingredients
- 300g fish fillet (tilapia or galunggong, finely ground)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 small onion, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp iodized salt
- 1/2 tsp ground pepper
- cooking oil (for deep frying)
How to Make
- 1Combine ground fish, flour, cornstarch, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl; mix to form a smooth paste.
- 2Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture and roll into small balls using damp hands.
- 3Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
- 4Fry fishballs in batches, stirring often, until golden brown (about 4-5 minutes).
- 5Remove, drain on kitchen paper, and serve hot with assorted local dipping sauces.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 160.0 kcal |
| Protein | 8.0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18.0 g |
| Total Fat | 7.0 g |
| Fiber | 0.0 g |
Cultural Notes
Fishball is a staple in Filipino street food culture, instantly recognizable by its mobile pushcarts and signature sauces. It’s a go-to merienda for students and workers alike.
