Carp is a fish that has been enjoyed for generations in Europe, especially during Christmas.
While some may prefer other types of fish, there is something special about carp that should not be overlooked.
Its meat and eggs provide a unique flavor and texture that can be savored through traditional and non-traditional recipes.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore this delicacy and find the perfect recipe for you.
The fried carp roe
The recipe we are about to share is for a delectable and european traditional dish known as fried carp roe.
This delicacy is enjoyed not only during Christmas but is also relished throughout the year.
To add flavor to the dish, you can season the roe with your preferred ingredients. Some popular choices include onions, garlic, or shallots. You can also add a dash of lemon juice to give it a tangy taste.
Fried carp roe can be served as an appetizer or as a side dish. It is a perfect addition to any festive meal and is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of carp roe
- 1/4 cup of milk
- salt and pepper
- 1/4 cup of corn flour
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 3 tablespoons of oil
- large onion
- 1 teaspoon of minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
Instructions:
- Rinse the carp roe in fresh water.
- Use your fingers to clean the eggs thoroughly. Don’t forget to wash your hands before and after. Then put the clean roe on a plate.
- In a bowl, mix milk, salt, and pepper to your taste. You can always add more, so put a smaller amount first.
- In another bowl or deep plate, mix corn flour and regular flour with a spoon or fork.
- Coat the roe by first dipping them in the milk mixture and then in the flour mixture. Soak the eggs in the milk mixture from all sides. Ensure they are coated thoroughly with the flour mixture as it will give the eggs a great taste.
- Prepare the pan by adding a little olive oil and heating it to medium-high heat.
- It is best to use olive oil and wait until it is heated. Only then put the eggs in it.
- Fry the eggs on each side for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown. If the pan has a lid, use it to prevent the carp roe from splattering the oil.
- Using a slotted spoon, turn the roe over to ensure they are fried evenly.
- Place the finished carp roe on a paper towel to soak up excess oil. Cover the eggs to keep them warm while you fry the rest.
- Leave the pan on. Put a little more oil in the pan and add finely chopped onion. Stir fry for about eight minutes until the onions are browned and softened. Stir constantly to prevent the onion from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Add grated garlic to the onion in the pan and fry for about a minute – the garlic must not become bitter. Then, add the lemon juice.
- Stir with a wooden spoon as this will ensure that the garlic is roasted well and evenly. You are done when you have thoroughly mixed the lemon juice into the mixture.
- The roe will have cooled down enough that you can pour the finished sauce over it. Serve them hot.
- If you don’t know if your family will like the onion mixture, put only a small amount directly on the roe.
Poached carp roe
You only need a few ingredients for this recipe, but you’ll cook a mouth-watering treat. You will find how to proceed in the following lines.
Ingredients
- 24 oz roe bags
- melted butter
- roe sauce
Instructions:
- First, separate the eggs from the sacs. Place them apart to separate them easily using your fingers. You must proceed slowly so as not to puncture the bags.
- You can also prepare the roe of other fish species in this way.
- Again, first, rinse the roe under running water and dry. Just put them in a colander, run the water for a few seconds, and then let them dry on a paper towel.
- You can put another towel on top of the roe.
- Prepare a pan, put the eggs in it, and add enough water. They must fit in a single layer to bake evenly. The water should reach the center of the eggs.
- Pour the water into a mug to measure the amount of butter. Remove the carp roe from the pan. Measure the same amount of melted butter according to the amount of poured water.
- Wipe the pan dry with a paper towel.
- Pour the butter into a dry pan and heat until bubbling. You can then add carp roe to it.
- Bake the carp roe gradually. First, heat a pan over medium heat and cook them for a minute. Then, lower the flame and cook them for two minutes. Finally, turn them over and bake for another 5-8 minutes so that they are well-cooked.
- And how do you know they’re done? They will change color and not be transparent. Be careful not to let the eggs stick to the pan; turn them constantly so that they cook evenly.
- You can serve boiled eggs with a sauce according to your taste. You can choose a butter sauce or make a pepper sauce. Other sauces will also be suitable for fish. Before serving, remove the carp roe from the pan and pour the sauce over it.
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Don’t want anything fried? Try the steamed carp roe
If you are not a fan of frying, you can also steam carp roe. The recipe also includes some greens, so prepare your favorite herbs.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups of carp roe
- 1/2 cups of butter
- salt and pepper
- 2 teaspoons of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley
- 2 teaspoons chopped chives
- 2 teaspoons of chopped thyme
Instructions:
- First, heat the butter in a pan over medium heat. One or two slices is enough. The bottom of the pan should be covered, but otherwise, it’s up to you how much butter you choose.
- When the butter is melted, add the eggs and spread them so that they fry evenly. Season them with salt and pepper to your taste.
- In addition to carp, you can also use eggs from other types of fish. So you can prepare the dish not only during the Christmas holidays.
- Bake the roe for 5 minutes, turn it with a utensil, then turn it over and fry it on the other side for the same time. But be careful not to break the eggs in half.
- The eggs are ready when they are brown and evenly cooked. After ten minutes, the eggs are ready to eat.
- Pierce them with a fork to see if they are done. Then, transfer the carp roe to a plate. Keep the pan on the stove.
- Now put all the other ingredients in the pan – lemon juice and herbs. Mix them thoroughly, but keep the heat on low. Heat them until they are ready to eat.
- Then pour the mixture prepared this way on the carp roe, and you can serve. Food should be warm. Choose a suitable side dish for the role; you don’t have to limit yourself to just potato salad but feel free to add a slice of fresh bread to it.
Carp roe is an often neglected part of this fish
If you’re a fan of serving carp as a Christmas dish every year, you might need to catch up on a delicious and often neglected part of the fish: the roe.
While most people focus on the meat itself, the roe can be just as tasty and versatile, and it’s a great way to make the most out of your carp.
Preparing carp roe is easy, and there are many ways to do it. While frying is popular, you can get creative and try other cooking techniques such as grilling, smoking, or baking. You can also marinate the roe in different sauces or spices to give it a unique flavor.
One of the best things about carp roe is that it’s a quick and simple dish to prepare, making it a great option to have on hand for unexpected guests or when you’re short on time. Clean the roe, season it to your liking, and cook it in your preferred method. You can serve it as a standalone dish, topping, or ingredient in other recipes. So next time you cook carp, remember the roe.
With some creativity, you can turn this part of the fish into a delicious and impressive dish that your guests will love.