Skip to main content

Fried Mozzarella with Anchovies, Capers, and Garlic Sauce

4.0

(20)

Alexis Walker of Corvallis, Oregon, writes: "After many attempts to get a reservation, we finally succeeded in dining at Genoa restaurant in Portland. It was definitely worth the wait. The fried mozzarella was a revelation. Would you ask the chef for the recipe?"

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 8 first-course servings

Ingredients

2 8-ounce balls fresh water-packed mozzarella cheese, drained, each cut into four 1/3- to 1/2-inch-thick rounds
All purpose flour
1 large egg, beaten to blend
3 cups fresh breadcrumbs made from crustless French bread (about 8 ounces)
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup (packed) fresh Italian parsley leaves
1/2 cup olive oil
1/3 cup drained capers
1 2-ounce can anchovy fillets, drained
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Coat cheese in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Place on baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate until cold, at least 2 hours.

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, melt butter in small skillet over low heat. Add garlic; sauté about 3 minutes. Transfer mixture to processor. Add parsley leaves, 1/4 cup oil, capers, anchovies, and lemon juice. Blend until coarse paste forms. Season with salt and pepper. (Cheese and sauce can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover separately; chill. Rewarm sauce slightly over low heat before serving.)

    Step 3

    Heat 1/4 cup oil in large skillet over high heat. Working in batches, fry cheese until brown, about 2 minutes per side.

    Step 4

    Transfer fried cheese to plates. Spoon warm sauce over cheese.

Read More
This chicken salad nails it—creamy, herby, and endlessly riffable.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Like crispy gnocchi caprese and raspberry—brown butter skillet cake.
Like hot honey chicken with peaches and a dirty martini spritz.
The secret to flavorful, never-greasy eggplant parm? Brine the eggplant first.
Just as great with coffee for breakfast as it is with amaro for dessert.
Nutty, protein-packed, and batchable—perfect for hectic mornings.