Bidbid Meatball Magic

  

The Ultimate Bidbid Meatball Recipe

If you're looking for a unique and budget-friendly twist on traditional meatballs, this Bidbid Meatball recipe might just become your new favorite. In the Philippines, Ladyfish, affectionately known as the "poor man's tarpon," is often overlooked, but its firm texture and mild flavor make it an excellent ingredient for a variety of dishes. Here, we're combining it with ground pork to create a mouthwatering bola-bola (meatball) that’s both delicious and easy to make.

Why Ladyfish?

You might be wondering, "Are Ladyfish good to eat?" The answer is a resounding yes! While Ladyfish may not be as popular as other types of fish, they are prized for their firm texture and ability to blend seamlessly with other ingredients. In this recipe, the Ladyfish adds a subtle sweetness and a firmer bite to the meatballs, making them ideal for a range of dishes, from soups to fried patties.

The Perfect Texture

One of the standout features of these Bidbid meatballs is their texture. When you combine Ladyfish with ground pork, the result is a firmer meatball that holds its shape beautifully. Unlike other meatball recipes that require the addition of cornstarch, egg, or flour to maintain firmness, this mixture comes together effortlessly. The natural firmness of the Ladyfish eliminates the need for extra binders, making it easy to form into perfect little balls, hence the name "bola-bola."

Recipe video:

Versatile and Delicious

These Bidbid meatballs are incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them in a variety of ways, each offering a distinct flavor profile:

• Bola-bolang Misua: Drop these meatballs into a comforting bowl of misua (fine noodles) soup for a warm and satisfying meal. The meatballs soak up the broth's flavor while maintaining their structure, adding a delightful texture to every bite.

• Bola-bola with Tomato Sauce: Simmer the meatballs in a rich tomato sauce for a deliciously tangy and savory dish. The combination of the firm meatballs with the robust tomato sauce creates a comforting and hearty meal that pairs perfectly with rice or pasta.

• Fried Patties: Shape the mixture into patties instead of balls, and fry them to golden perfection. These Bidbid patties make for a delicious alternative to regular pork patties and are perfect for sandwiches, or simply served with a dipping sauce.

No matter how you choose to prepare them, these Bidbid meatballs are a fantastic way to stretch your budget without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients:

To make these delicious Bidbid meatballs, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 500 g ground pork
• 250 g Ladyfish (cleaned and deboned)
• 1 big + 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. ground pepper
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 egg
• 16 pcs. quail eggs (optional, for stuffing)

For the tomato sauce:

• 1 small green and 1 small red bell pepper (finely chopped)
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp. tomato paste
• 1/3 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup water
• 1-2 tbsp. mirin (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 4 tbsp. cooking oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, Ladyfish, onions, salt, ground pepper, garlic powder, and egg. Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be firm enough to hold its shape when formed into balls.

2. Form the Meatballs: Take a small amount of the mixture and roll it into a ball. If using quail eggs, flatten a portion of the mixture, place a quail egg in the center, and wrap the meat around it, forming a ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used up.

3. Cook the Meatballs:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until they are browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add the remaining cooking oil, followed by the garlic, bell peppers, and onions. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
• Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Then, add the tomato sauce, water, and mirin. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Return the meatballs to the skillet, cover, and simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.

1. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Bidbid meatballs hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. These meatballs are perfect with steamed rice, pasta, or even crusty bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce.

Final Thoughts

Ladyfish may not be the first ingredient that comes to mind when you think of meatballs, but its firm texture and delicate flavor make it a worthy addition to any recipe. This Bidbid Meatball recipe is not only a great way to explore new flavors but also a fantastic way to make the most of your ingredients. Whether you're cooking for your family or looking to impress guests with something unique, these meatballs are sure to be a hit. Enjoy and happy cooking!