This recipe, golden cream dory nuggets can be a good appetizer or viand specially in occasions like this coming holidays. Cream dory fillet or pangasius fillet is easy to find in supermarket fish section or in the frozen fish products sections. But it’s up to you to choose the kind of fish if cream dory is not available. You can also use fresh whole fish and fillet it yourself and labahita or tilapia can be a good substitute.
Golden Cream Dory Nuggets: A Family Favorite
There’s something magical about recipes that bring back warm memories of family gatherings and shared laughter over good food. This golden cream dory nuggets recipe is one of those dishes that can instantly brighten up any table, whether it’s for a simple weekday dinner or a festive holiday feast. I was first introduced to this recipe during a family reunion in Laguna, where my Auntie Marissa showcased her knack for turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
The Heart of the Dish: Cream Dory Nuggets
Cream dory, also known as pangasius, is a type of fish that has gained popularity in Filipino kitchens for its mild flavor and tender texture. It’s incredibly versatile and easy to work with, making it a favorite for both seasoned cooks and beginners. I remember the first time I saw cream dory fillets in the supermarket; they were neatly packed in the frozen section, and my mom mentioned how convenient they were compared to whole fish.
The best thing about cream dory nuggets is how adaptable they are. If cream dory isn’t available, you can easily swap it out for tilapia or labahita. Fresh whole fish is also an option if you’re up for a little extra work filleting it yourself. My cousin Daniel, who’s always experimenting in the kitchen, swears by using labahita for its slightly firmer texture, which holds up beautifully when fried.
From the Market to the Table: A Simple Yet Flavorful Process
The preparation of these golden nuggets starts with steaming the cream dory fillets. Steaming is a technique my Lola Mila often used, as it keeps the fish moist and enhances its natural sweetness. Once the fillets are cooked and cooled, they’re flaked into tender pieces. This step is essential because it creates the perfect texture for the nuggets, ensuring they’re soft on the inside yet crisp on the outside after frying.
To bind everything together, a mix of finely chopped onion, grated sweet potato, salt, and black pepper is added to the flaked fish. The sweet potato not only acts as a natural binder but also adds a subtle sweetness that complements the cream dory’s flavor. My Uncle Tony, a self-proclaimed kitchen genius, insists that sweet potato is the secret to making the nuggets taste “hearty” and satisfying. Mixing everything thoroughly ensures the flavors are evenly distributed in every bite.
Shaping the mixture into nuggets is a task I love doing with my nieces and nephews whenever we’re cooking together. The mixture is shaped into small, uniform pieces that are then coated for that signature crunch. The nuggets are first rolled in flour, dipped in beaten egg, and finally coated in bread crumbs. This triple-layer coating creates a golden, crispy exterior that’s simply irresistible. Using fresh bread crumbs rather than the store-bought kind can elevate the dish further, giving the nuggets a lighter, flakier texture.
Frying to Perfection
Deep frying the nuggets until golden brown is where the magic truly happens. The heat locks in the moisture of the fish while creating a beautifully crispy crust. When frying, it’s important to maintain the right oil temperature. Too hot, and the nuggets will burn on the outside before cooking through; too low, and they’ll absorb excess oil, turning greasy. I’ve learned from experience—and a few burned batches—that medium heat is key. Frying in small batches ensures even cooking and helps maintain the oil’s temperature.
Serving the Golden Nuggets
These golden cream dory nuggets are best served hot and fresh, paired with a dipping sauce of your choice. Sweet and sour sauce, chili sauce, or tartar sauce are classic favorites in our family. My sister Liza, who’s a fan of bold flavors, likes to whip up a garlic aioli dip for an extra punch. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a main dish with steamed rice, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
A Dish Steeped in Nostalgia
Every bite of these nuggets reminds me of family gatherings, where food is always the centerpiece of our celebrations. The golden nuggets, crispy and flavorful, often spark conversations about who makes the best version or who can eat the most. It’s a recipe that’s simple enough for beginners yet versatile enough for seasoned cooks to make their own.
Beyond the delicious flavors, dishes like this hold a special place in Filipino culture. They reflect our love for creativity in the kitchen, turning humble ingredients into something extraordinary. The story of cream dory nuggets is one of resourcefulness and the joy of sharing meals with loved ones. It’s a dish that invites you to gather around the table and make memories, one golden bite at a time.
So, the next time you’re looking for a recipe that’s both comforting and impressive, give these golden cream dory nuggets a try. Who knows? It might just become a new family favorite in your home, too.
How to Cook Golden Cream Dory Nuggets
Ingredients
- 1/2 kilo cream dory fillets
- 1 pc medium size onion chopped finely
- 1/2 kilo sweet potato boiled, peeled and mashed
- 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
- 1 tsp. fine salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 pc whole egg lightly beaten
- 3/4 cup bread crumbs Panko bread crumbs or Japanese bread crumbs
- 2 cups cooking oil for frying
Instructions
How to Cook Golden Cream Dory Nuggets:
- Steam fillet until cooked. Let it cool then flake the fillet.
- Combine onion, sweet potato, black pepper and salt until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Form two teaspoons of mixture into a ball and shape into nuggets.
- Do the same thing to the rest of the mixture.
- Roll in flour each nuggets and dip in beaten egg then roll in bread crumbs.
- Deep fry until golden brown and serve hot with sweet and sour sauce or chili sauce or tartar sauce.
Notes
Cooking Tips:
Use Sweet Potato for a Natural Binder
Adding grated sweet potato to the cream dory mixture not only binds the ingredients together but also enhances the nuggets with a subtle, natural sweetness. It helps maintain the nuggets' shape while keeping the inside moist and flavorful. This simple ingredient adds a unique twist that elevates the overall taste and texture of your dish.Maintain the Right Oil Temperature
When frying the nuggets, keep the oil at medium heat to achieve a perfect golden crust without burning the exterior. Too hot, and the nuggets will cook unevenly, with the outside crisping too quickly while the inside remains undercooked. Maintaining a steady temperature ensures each nugget is cooked evenly, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.Use Fresh Bread Crumbs for a Crispier Coating
For the crispiest nuggets, opt for fresh bread crumbs instead of store-bought varieties. Fresh crumbs create a lighter, flakier coating that enhances the crunchiness of the dish. Preparing your own bread crumbs at home also allows you to adjust the texture and flavor to your liking, making the nuggets even more delicious.
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