Kulau (palauan Fish Ball Soup)

Kulau, also known as Palauan Fish Ball Soup, is a traditional dish from Palau that features flavorful fish balls in a delicious broth. This recipe is a staple in Palauan cuisine and is perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Kulau (palauan Fish Ball Soup)

Ingredients

  • 1 lb white fish fillets, such as snapper or grouper
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 8 cups fish or vegetable broth
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, sliced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 cup bok choy, chopped
  • Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. In a food processor, combine the fish fillets, egg, cornstarch, green onions, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until the mixture becomes a smooth paste.
  2. Using wet hands, form the fish paste into small balls and set aside.
  3. In a large pot, bring the fish or vegetable broth to a simmer over medium heat.
  4. Add the garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and fish sauce to the broth. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
  5. Gently drop the fish balls into the broth and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they float to the surface and are cooked through.
  6. Add the bok choy to the soup and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the greens are tender.
  7. Serve the Kulau hot over cooked rice.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
10 minutes
Cooking time:
20 minutes
Total time:
30 minutes
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
250 per serving
Protein
20g
Carbohydrates
15g
Fat
10g

Supplies

Large pot Food processor Cutting board Knife Measuring cups and spoons

Tools

Soup ladle Serving bowls Soup spoons

Serving suggestions

Serve the Kulau with a side of pickled vegetables for a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.

Tips & tricks

For a shortcut, you can use store-bought fish balls instead of making them from scratch.

Cost

$5