Whitebait Fritter Bagel

Whitebait Fritter Bagel

Recommended: Everything Bagel

A proper Kiwi classic, reworked. Crispy whitebait fritter, lemon aioli, and fresh greens on a toasted bagel.

What You'll Need

  • 1 Bagel Off Everything bagel
  • 1 cup whitebait
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tbsp aioli
  • ½ lemon
  • Handful of rocket
  • Butter, for frying

Method

1. Mix whitebait, egg, and salt together gently — don't overwork it.

2. Fry spoonfuls in butter until golden, about 2 minutes per side.

3. Slice your bagel in half and toast until golden and slightly crisp on the cut side.

4. Spread aioli on both halves, squeeze over a little lemon juice.

5. Layer rocket, then the fritters, on the bottom half.

6. Top and serve immediately.

 

Tips

Don't overwork the whitebait mixture — the moment it's combined, stop stirring, or the fritters go tough instead of light. Pat the whitebait dry with paper towel first if it's been frozen; too much water in the mix means the fritters won't crisp up properly. Fry in butter rather than oil for that classic Kiwi flavour, and keep cooked fritters warm on a low oven tray while you finish the batch.

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