Pāua Fritters
Pāua fritters are a classic New Zealand seafood dish, showcasing the unique flavor of pāua (abalone). The pāua is minced and mixed with a simple batter, then fried until golden brown. They are often served with a squeeze of lemon juice.

🧂 Ingredients
- 1 cup Pāua(minced)
- 1 Small onion(finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup Parsley and mint(finely chopped)
- 1 Lemon zest(from 1 lemon)
- 1/2 cup Self-raising flour
- 1 large Egg
- 2 tbsp Olive oil(for cooking)
- to taste Salt and pepper
- Lemon wedges(to serve)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Place all the ingredients (minced pāua, chopped onion, herbs, lemon zest, self-raising flour, egg, salt, and pepper) in a bowl and mix to combine into a smooth batter. Season with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Ensure the pāua is finely minced to avoid toughness. - 2
Heat olive oil in a fry pan or barbecue plate over medium heat.
- 3
Dollop spoonfuls of the mixture into the hot pan and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
💡 Tip: Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. - 4
Ensure fritters are cooked all the way through. Drain on paper towels.
💡 Tip: There's nothing worse than a gooey fritter! - 5
Serve hot with wedges of lemon.
💡 Tip: A side of tartare sauce is also a popular accompaniment.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Pāua can be tough if not prepared correctly; mincing is key.
- ✓Fresh herbs like parsley and mint add a lovely freshness.
- ✓Adjust seasoning to your preference.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for a bit of heat.
- Experiment with different herbs like chives or basil.