Crispy Eel Bone Fries (Shrimp Cracker Flavor!)
How to Make Delicious and Crispy Fried Eel Bones That Taste Like Shrimp Crackers
After making eel soup, I saved some eel bones to make these delightful fried treats! Eel bone fries, often served as a side dish at eel soup restaurants, are wonderfully crispy and snack-like, not to mention a fantastic source of calcium. They feel like a healthy, crunchy snack. Making them at home, I discovered a freshness and flavor completely different from what I’ve had in restaurants. Perhaps it’s the fresh ingredients or the fact that they’re freshly fried, but they truly taste like shrimp crackers! ^^ Their fresh taste is so addictive that it’s hard to stop eating them. These formerly tough eel bones transform into a delightful crisp once fried, perfect for enjoying as a snack, a pairing for drinks, or even as a nutritious addition to your meal. The addition of ginger juice is a masterstroke – the ginger aroma as you chew is so pleasant. ^^ There’s no fishy smell, just a savory, calcium-rich bite that makes you feel like you’re building strong bones! ^^
Ingredients- 1 bowl of eel bones (approx. 200-300g)
- 1 Tbsp ginger juice, ginger wine, or ginger syrup
- 2 Tbsp soju (Korean rice wine)
- 2 Tbsp frying powder
- 1/2 cup cooking oil (for frying)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Carefully scrape off any impurities or debris from the surface of the eel bones using a knife. For any remaining blood within the bones or membranes, scrape them away with the edge of the knife or gently peel off any thin membranes. Removing these thoroughly is key to minimizing any fishy taste.
Step 2
Place the cleaned eel bones in cold water for about 10 minutes. This step helps to effectively remove any residual blood.
Step 3
Drain the eel bones and place them in a bowl. Add a generous amount of flour and gently rub them together as if washing them. Rinse them thoroughly 2-3 times, then shake off the excess flour. (This process helps remove any remaining bone fragments or slime.)
Step 4
To effectively eliminate any gamey odors, add 2 tablespoons of soju and 1 tablespoon of ginger juice (or ginger wine/syrup) to the eel bones. Gently mix them together and let them marinate for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Step 5
Do not rinse the eel bones after marinating. Lightly shake off any excess moisture, then add 2 tablespoons of frying powder. Mix well, ensuring the frying powder coats the eel bones evenly. (If you used ginger syrup, you might need to adjust the amount of frying powder if the mixture seems too wet.)
Step 6
Heat about 1/2 cup of cooking oil in a wide pan over medium heat. The ideal frying temperature is around 170-180°C (340-350°F). Carefully add the coated eel bones to the hot oil and fry until they are golden brown. Remove them from the oil and let them cool slightly. Then, increase the oil temperature slightly and fry them a second time (double frying). This double-frying technique makes the eel bone fries extra crispy and delicious. Enjoy your perfectly crispy eel bone fries!
