Snacks
Italian
ItalianMozzarella Sticks
Golden, molten mozzarella sticks from a quick freezer-to-oven version up to hand-breaded buffalo mozzarella fried to order with a fresh marinara dip.
Vegetarian
Nut-free
Ultimate version
Hand-breaded buffalo mozzarella, deep-fried to order with a fresh basil marinara.
Per serving£2.88
Total cost£11.50
Time50 min
Ingredients for 4
- 300 g buffalo mozzarella , drained, patted very dry, cut into sticks
- 1 l groundnut oil , for deep frying
- Coating
- 80 g 00 flour
- 3 eggs , beaten
- 150 g panko breadcrumbs
- 40 g Parmigiano Reggiano , finely grated
- 1 tbsp fresh oregano , chopped
- Marinara
- 400 g San Marzano tomatoes , tinned
- 2 cloves garlic , sliced
- 1 handful fresh basil
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Method
- Drain and dry the buffalo mozzarella thoroughly, then cut into sticks and chill.
- For the marinara, gently soften the garlic in olive oil, add the San Marzano tomatoes, crush and simmer 15 minutes, then stir through torn basil.
- Triple-coat each stick: flour, egg, then panko mixed with Parmigiano and oregano, repeating the egg and crumb step twice.
- Freeze the coated sticks until firm, at least 1 hour.
- Heat the groundnut oil to 180C and fry the sticks for 60-90 seconds until deep golden, working in small batches.
- Drain on a rack, season with flaky salt and serve immediately with the warm marinara.
Equipment
- deep heavy pan
- kitchen thermometer
- saucepan
- wire rack
The three ways, side by side
Budget
Budget mozzarella block, breadcrumbed and oven-baked.
Better
Double-breaded mozzarella shallow-fried with a herby panko crust.
Ultimate
Hand-breaded buffalo mozzarella, deep-fried to order with a fresh basil marinara.
