James Martin’s Decadent Goats Cheese & Rocket Salad for Two

I’ll never forget the first time I tried fried rocket. It was at a small gastropub in the Cotswolds, and I was immediately captivated. The peppery bite of the rocket, intensified by the quick fry, was an unexpected yet utterly delightful counterpoint to the creamy, tangy goats cheese. This recipe, inspired by James Martin’s classic, brings that memory to life and allows you to recreate that restaurant experience at home. It’s the perfect starter for a romantic dinner or a light lunch when you want something a little bit special.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 2
• Yield: 2 salads
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 500 ml vegetable oil
• 200 g goat cheese, cut into rounds
• 200 g plain flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 200 g breadcrumbs, mixed with 4 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped
• Rocket

Equipment Needed

• Deep pan or fryer
• Slotted spoon or spider
• Kitchen towel
• 3 shallow bowls
• Fork
• Plate

Instructions

1. Preheat the vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 180°C (350°F). CAUTION: Hot oil can be dangerous, do not leave unattended. Use a thermometer to ensure accuracy. If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping a small piece of bread into it; it should turn golden brown in about 30 seconds.

2. Prepare the goat cheese for frying. Set up three shallow bowls: one with the plain flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with the breadcrumbs mixed with chopped fresh thyme leaves.

3. Take each round of goat cheese and dip it first in the flour, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.

4. Next, dip the floured goat cheese into the beaten eggs, again ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess egg drip off.

5. Finally, dip the egg-coated goat cheese into the thyme breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere to all sides.

6. Once all the goat cheese rounds are breaded, place them on a plate lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely and place in the fridge to chill for at least 10 minutes. This helps the breadcrumbs adhere better and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly in the hot oil.

7. While the goat cheese is chilling, prepare the rocket. Carefully add a handful of rocket to the hot oil. Deep fry for approximately 30 seconds, or until the rocket turns bright green and slightly crispy.

8. Remove the fried rocket from the oil using a slotted spoon or spider and drain on kitchen towel. This will remove excess oil and allow the rocket to crisp up further. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and lowering the oil temperature too much.

9. Carefully add the chilled, breaded goat cheese rounds to the hot oil. Deep fry for 2 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary.

10. Remove the fried goat cheese from the oil using a slotted spoon or spider and drain on kitchen towel. Pat gently with more kitchen towel to remove any excess oil.

11. To serve, arrange the fried rocket around the plate. Place the golden-brown, crispy goat cheese rounds in the center. Serve immediately while the goat cheese is warm and the rocket is crispy.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the breadcrumbs.
• Don’t skip the chilling step! It’s crucial for keeping the goat cheese from melting too quickly in the hot oil.
• If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme can be used, but use half the amount (2 teaspoons).
• To prevent the goat cheese from sticking to the bottom of the pan, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding it.
• For a smoother, more even breading, use a food processor to pulse the breadcrumbs with the thyme.
• If you want to make this ahead of time, you can bread the goat cheese and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying.
• If the oil starts to smoke, immediately reduce the heat or remove the pan from the heat entirely.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the fried goat cheese and rocket immediately for the best flavor and texture. The warmth of the goat cheese and crispness of the fried rocket are key to the dish’s appeal. If you have any leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), store the fried goat cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The fried rocket is best consumed immediately and will not store well.

Reheat the goat cheese in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for a few minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in a microwave, but the breading may become slightly soft.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	1608 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	129.7 g	199%
Saturated Fat	25.9 g	130%
Cholesterol	145.3 mg	48%
Sodium	659.8 mg	27%
Total Carbohydrate	85.4 g	28%
Dietary Fiber	4.1 g	16%
Sugars	4.8 g	N/A
Protein	27.1 g	54%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Dairy-Free: This recipe contains dairy from the goat cheese. While finding a true dairy-free substitute can be tricky, you can explore using marinated artichoke hearts or grilled halloumi (if dairy is not a strict concern) for a similar texture and flavor.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs in the breadcrumbs. Rosemary, oregano, or sage would all be delicious.
• Cheese Variations: While goat cheese is the star here, you could try this with brie or camembert for a slightly different flavor profile. Adjust frying time accordingly.
• Salad Greens: While rocket is traditional, you can use other peppery greens like watercress or baby spinach. You can also mix in other greens for a milder flavor.
• Drizzle with Honey: For a touch of sweetness, drizzle the fried goat cheese and rocket with a little honey before serving.
• Add a Balsamic Glaze: A drizzle of balsamic glaze can add a tangy sweetness that complements the richness of the goat cheese.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of oil for frying?
A: Yes, you can use other oils with a high smoke point, such as canola oil, sunflower oil, or grapeseed oil.

Q: Can I bake the goat cheese instead of frying it?
A: While frying gives it the best crispy texture, you can bake the breaded goat cheese at 200°C (400°F) for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Q: How do I prevent the oil from splattering when frying?
A: Make sure the goat cheese is well-drained after dipping it in the egg. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan, and gently lower the goat cheese into the oil.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?
A: It’s best to serve this dish immediately for the best texture. However, you can bread the goat cheese in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to fry.

Q: What can I serve with this salad?
A: This salad is delicious on its own as a starter. You could also serve it with a light vinaigrette or as a side dish to grilled chicken or fish.

Final Thoughts

This James Martin-inspired fried goat cheese and rocket salad is a delightful treat that’s surprisingly easy to make. The combination of creamy, tangy goat cheese and crispy, peppery rocket is a flavor sensation that’s sure to impress. Don’t be intimidated by the frying – with a little care and attention, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your feedback. This salad pairs wonderfully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir. Enjoy!