Curry Fish Ball and Radish (咖喱魚蛋蘿蔔)- Oh My Food Recipes

Name: Curry Fish Ball and Radish
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 piece Japanese curry roux; 1 medium sized Radish/ daikon ((2 pounds)); 2 cups Fish ball ((14 oz)); 1 cup Water

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Curry fish balls and radish (咖喱魚蛋蘿蔔) is a beloved and iconic street food from Hong Kong like pan fried rice cake, grass jelly dessert and tofu pudding. This dish is a delightful combination of savory fish balls, tender radish and rich curry sauce. Whether you like it serves as a snack on a skewer, as a hearty main course with cheung fun, rice or noodles. Let’s learn how to make curry fish balls and radish in a fast and easy way with step by step photos, tips and a video!

Love Asian food? Check out these Taiwanese pineapple cake, Korean strawberry milk, cream buns, inari sushi, massaman curry, Thai green curry and tom yum kung recipes.

curry fish ball on a fork with radish on a plate

What is curry fish ball and radish (咖喱魚蛋蘿蔔)?

Curry fish ball and radish is a popular and iconic street food in Hong Kong and some other parts of Asia. Typically, it consists of fish balls, radish, fried pork rinds and squid cooked in a savory curry sauce.

Fish balls are small, round made from fish paste, usually from white fish. Often, the fish balls are deep fried. They have a bouncy texture and absorb flavors well. Also, the radish is white, daikon, it has a mild flavor and becomes tender when cooked. The sauce is usually a blend of curry powder and various seasonings which make it rich and flavorful with a bit of spice.

This curry fish ball and radish dish is often served as a snack or light meal. It can be found at street food stalls, night markets, and casual eateries throughout Hong Kong. Commonly, it is served on skewers, in small bowls or added into cheung fun as a meal.

Hong Kong iconic street food:

Curry fish balls and radish has been a staple in Hong Kong street food culture for decades. The origins can be traced back to the 1950s and 1960s when street food stalls began to flourish, offering affordable and tasty snacks to the working class.

Also, during the British colonial period, curry spices were introduced to Hong Kong, which were adapted into local cuisine like curry fish balls. This fusion of flavors represents Hong Kong's unique cultural blend.

The curry sauce has rich and spicy flavors. The combination of the chewy fish balls and tender radish creates a satisfying texture contrast. Many Hong Kong people love this curry fish ball and radish dish.

What are the ingredients in curry fish ball and radish?

Often, curry fish ball and radish (咖喱魚蛋蘿蔔) has deep fried pig skin, squid, fish balls and radish. Living in the states, sometimes it is hard to find places that serve this kind of street food. Therefore, I try to make this snack in an easy and faster way.

curry fish ball and radish ingredients top view

In this curry fish ball and radish recipe, it is super simple and I only use three main ingredients: Japanese curry roux, fish ball and radish. However, you can add other stuff like deep fried pig skin and squid if you want.

What kind of curry do you use?

I like to use golden curry brand Japanese curry roux because it is convenient and fast. There are 3 different spiciness: mild, medium and hot. I like to use a Japanese curry roux because it’s not spicy so my kids can enjoy this yummy snack as well. However, you can use curry blocks in medium and hot depending on how spicy you can handle.

Can I use curry powder instead of Japanese curry roux?

Yes, you can use curry powder instead. But, you have to add other seasonings. This is because I chose to use Japanese curry roux, so I don't need to worry about adding other seasonings. It’s fast and easy. If you don't have curry roux, you can try adding 2 teaspoons of chicken bouillon powder, 2 teaspoons of curry powder and 2 tablespoons of sha cha sauce.

Do I have to use an instant pot pressure cooker to make this snack?

No, you don't have to use an instant pot. You can use the top stove method. If you use the stove top method, usually simmer the radish in the curry sauce for about 15-20 minutes or until tender. Then, add the fish balls.

Substitutions and Variations:

Can I use other vegetables besides radish?

Yes, you can use potatoes, carrots, or other root vegetables. But, it will change the name of this dish.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Sure! You can use vegetarian fish balls and deep fried tofu.

Storage:

How do I store leftovers?

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Can I freeze curry fish balls and radish?

You can but, keep in mind that when you freeze this dish the texture of radish may change.

Cooking tips for curry fish ball and radish (咖喱魚蛋蘿蔔):

Add daikon, fish balls, Japanese curry roux and water into an instant pot. After, push the manual button for 5 minutes at high pressure.
Then, quick release pressure. But, be careful wait all the pressure release before opening the lid.
I like to use a mild Japanese curry block because it’s not spicy so my kids can enjoy this yummy snack too.
Stir and mix the curry block until it is well mixed and dissolved.

FAQs:

Can I use frozen fish balls?

Of course, you can use frozen fish balls. You don’t need to thaw them before cooking in this recipe.

Should I pre-cook the fish balls?

In general, fish balls are cooked. No need to pre-cook or warm up the fish balls, just add them directly into the instant pot or pot.

How long should I cook the radish?

If you use the stove top method, usually simmer the radish in the curry sauce for about 15-20 minutes or until tender.

Instructions for how to make instant pot curry fish ball and radish (咖喱魚蛋蘿蔔):

peeled daikon ( white radish) on the chopping board

1. Peel off 1 medium sized radish (2 pounds) and wash it.

2. Then, cut the radish into big chunks.

cut daikon radish put into the instant pot top view

3. After that, put the cut radish from step 2 into the instant pot.

deep fried fish balls and radish in the instant pot top view

4. Next, add 2 cups of fish ball (14 oz) into the instant pot.

curry roux fish ball radish and water into the instant pot top view

5. The following step, add 1 piece of curry roux, and 1 cup of water. Cover the lid and close the vent. Next, press the manual button and adjust time to 5 minutes at high pressure. Then, quickly release the pressure.

curry fish ball and radish in the instant pot top view

6. Remember to mix it well because some of the curry may still be in chunks.

Enjoy this quick and simple Hong Kong street food curry fish ball and radish recipe at home! Also, check out these pan fried buns, salt and pepper squid, Chinese hot dog, taro bun, steamed meatballs, char siu and congee recipes.