Paua Fritters — Print Recipe — The Culinary Codex

Minced paua mixed into a seasoned batter and fried until crispy and golden, a beloved coastal treat showcasing New Zealand's unique abalone.

Ingredients

6 paua, cleaned and minced
1 cup flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper
Vegetable oil for frying
Lemon wedges for serving
Sweet chilli sauce

Instructions

1 Remove paua from shells and clean thoroughly, removing the gut and trimming the dark edges. Mince the flesh finely using a mincer or food processor.
2 Mix minced paua with flour, beaten eggs, onion, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. The batter should hold together but remain moist.
3 Heat oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Drop tablespoons of batter into the hot oil.
4 Fry fritters for three minutes per side until deeply golden and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pan.
5 Drain on paper towels and season with a sprinkle of salt while still hot.
6 Serve immediately with lemon wedges and sweet chilli sauce for dipping.

Did You Know?

The iridescent blue-green paua shell is so iconic that it has become a symbol of New Zealand, used in jewellery and even on the national rugby league jersey.