Pastéis de Wasabi

Pastéis de Wasabi offers a unique fusion of traditional Portuguese pastries and the bold flavors of Japanese cuisine. These savory pastries are inspired by the iconic pastéis de bacalhau, or codfish pastries, and incorporate the fiery kick of wasabi. This recipe delivers a deliciously spicy twist on a classic favorite, perfect for adventurous food lovers.

History and Inspiration

The origins of pastéis de bacalhau date back to centuries ago in Portugal where fishermen developed the dish as a way to preserve codfish. Its popularity surged as it made its way into Portuguese homes and generations later into gourmet variations. Inspired by the blending of cultures and flavors, Pastéis de Wasabi brings together East Asian spiciness and Portuguese tradition, paying homage to the global gastronomy and creative culinary explorations.

Ingredients

• Codfish - 500g, desalted and shredded
• Potatoes - 300g, peeled and cooked
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Eggs - 2 large
• Wasabi paste - 1 tablespoon or to taste
• Flour - for dusting
• Breadcrumbs - 1 cup
• Oil for frying
• Salt - to taste
• Pepper - to taste

Preparation

1. Begin by soaking the codfish in water for about 24 hours to remove excess salt, changing the water several times.
2. Boil the potatoes until tender. Drain and mash them until smooth. Set aside to cool.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion until translucent.
4. Add the shredded codfish and continue cooking for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, cooked codfish, sautéed onion, and parsley. Mix well.
6. Add the eggs and mix until the mixture is consistent.
7. Incorporate the wasabi paste into the mixture. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Cooking Process

1. Shape the mixture into small balls or oval shapes, about the size of a tablespoon.
2. Dust each ball lightly with flour, ensuring even coating.
3. Beat an additional egg in a small bowl for coating.
4. Dip each pastry in the beaten egg and roll in breadcrumbs to fully coat.
5. In a deep frying pan, heat oil to about 180°C (356°F). Ensure the oil is hot before adding the pastries to achieve a crispy crust.
6. Fry the pastries in batches until they are golden brown, approximately 4-5 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on paper towels.
7. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

How to Enjoy

Pastéis de Wasabi are best enjoyed fresh and warm. Pair them with a crisp white wine or a cold Japanese sake to complement the spicy and savory flavors. These pastries make for excellent appetizers at a dinner party or can be served as a snack or even a main dish with a side salad of mixed greens.

Serve them with a dipping sauce of soy reduction or a simple ponzu sauce to further accentuate the fusion theme.

With their combination of rich textures and bold flavors, Pastéis de Wasabi could easily become your new go-to for impressing guests or satisfying a craving for something excitingly different.

For more precise cooking, you might want to set a cooking timer when frying each batch to ensure consistency in cooking time.