Baked Whitebait Fritter Muffins

Classic DishWhitebait Fritter

Step into the heart of New Zealand's culinary heritage with these delightful Baked Whitebait Fritter Muffins. Whitebait, those tiny, shimmering native fish, are a true delicacy, often celebrated in season with traditional fritters. This recipe offers a modern, healthier twist, baking the fritter mixture into individual muffin portions for effortless serving and portion control. Imagine capturing the unique, subtly sweet, and delicate flavour of whitebait, bound with light, fluffy egg, a hint of savoury cheddar cheese, and a touch of milk and flour, all baked to golden perfection in your oven. Perfect for a brunch, light lunch, or a unique appetizer, these muffins bring the iconic taste of New Zealand's coastline straight to your table. They embody the spirit of Kiwi ingenuity, adapting a beloved classic for convenience without sacrificing its soul. Don't miss out on this chance to create a memorable dish that speaks volumes of New Zealand’s connection to its pristine waters and gastronomic traditions.

Preparation time
20 min
Cooking time
20 min
Total time
40 min
Servings
12

Instructions

Preparation

  1. 1Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with oil or butter.
  2. 2In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until lightly beaten. Stir in the sifted plain flour, salt, and pepper until just combined. Do not overmix.
  3. 3Gradually whisk in the milk until you have a smooth batter. Gently fold in the grated cheddar cheese.
  4. 4Carefully fold in the fresh whitebait, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

Baking

  1. 1Spoon the whitebait mixture evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
  2. 2Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the fritter muffins are golden brown and set in the centre.
  3. 3Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly in the muffin tin before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool further.

Nutrition Information

Calories
121 kcal
Protein
9 g
Fat
5 g
Carbs
9 g
NutrientPer serving
Calories121 kcal
Protein9 g
Fat5 g
Carbs9 g

Tips

  • Ensure whitebait is fresh and rinsed under cold water. Pat dry gently before adding to the batter.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the fritters light and fluffy. Bake until just set to prevent dryness.
  • Serve warm with a wedge of lemon or a side of fresh greens. They are also delicious at room temperature.

By Chef Michael Ilin