Kibbeling (Dutch Fried Battered Cod Bites)
In short: Bite-size chunks of cod in a light seasoned batter, deep-fried until crisp and served with garlic sauce and lemon, as at a Dutch market fish stand. It takes about 35 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Resting
- 10 min
- Total
- 35 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 440 kcal
Kibbeling are bite-size pieces of white fish, usually cod, coated in a light seasoned batter and deep-fried until crisp. They are a staple of fish stands at Dutch markets and seaside towns, where they are sold in a paper tray with a lemon wedge and a garlic sauce. At home they are quick to make: cut the fish, dip it, and fry in small batches so the oil stays hot.
Instructions
- Stir the mayonnaise, yogurt, garlic and lemon juice together with a pinch of salt. Chill until needed.
- Pat the cod dry with paper towels and cut it into 3 cm (1 1/4 in) chunks. Dry fish helps the batter cling.
- Whisk the flour, baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a bowl. Add the egg and cold milk and whisk into a smooth batter that coats a spoon thickly. Rest it for 10 minutes.
- Heat the oil to 180°C (350°F) in a deep, heavy pot filled no more than halfway.
- Dip 6 or 7 pieces of cod into the batter, let the excess drip off and lower them into the oil one at a time.
- Fry for 3 to 4 minutes, turning once, until golden and crisp and the fish flakes easily (63°C/145°F inside). Lift out with a slotted spoon and drain on a rack. Let the oil return to 180°C (350°F) before the next batch.
- Serve right away in a paper cone or tray with lemon wedges and the garlic sauce.
Tips
- Do not crowd the pot. Too many pieces at once cool the oil and give soggy, greasy kibbeling, so fry in 3 or 4 batches.
- Cold batter and dry fish give the crispest crust. Keep the batter in the fridge between batches, and use haddock or pollock if cod is not available.
Questions and answers
What fish is used for kibbeling?
Cod is the classic choice. Haddock, pollock and other firm white fish work well too.
Can I make kibbeling in an air fryer?
Not with this wet batter, which drips and does not set. Coat the fish in flour, egg and breadcrumbs instead and air-fry at 200°C (400°F) for 8 to 10 minutes.
What sauce goes with kibbeling?
Garlic sauce is the usual partner. Fish stands also serve remoulade, a mayonnaise sauce with chopped pickles and herbs, or just a squeeze of lemon.
How long does it take to make Kibbeling (Dutch Fried Battered Cod Bites)?
About 35 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Kibbeling (Dutch Fried Battered Cod Bites)?
About 440 kcal per serving, with 32 g of protein, 31 g of carbohydrates and 24 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 440 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 31 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 700 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
