Homemade Masala Fish Fry
In this recipe flaky Fish is coated in a spicy crust and fried. this is a popular indian restaurant/takeaway recipe that we love. Serve with Naan and Salad for a filling delicious lunch or Daal and Rice for a substantial dinner. This is a easy recipe that is made with every day South Asian ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Coriander Seeds
- 1 tablespoon Cumin Seeds
- 1 tablespoon Carom Seeds
- 1 tablespoon Nigella Seeds
- 1 tablespoon Chilli Powder
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Granules
- 1 tablespoon Ginger Powder
- 1 tablespoon Curry Powder I use Madras
- 1 tablespoon Fish Seasoning Any Indian Fish Seasoning
- 1 ½ tablespoon Salt Adjust according to taste
- 4 large pieces Cod Fillet or Tilapia
- 5 - 6 tablespoon Gram Flour
- 1 tablespoon Food Colouring Optional
- 60 ml - 120 ml Water Enough to create a thick coating
- Oil Vegetable or Sunflower OIl
Instructions
- Dry roast Coriander Seeds, Cumin Seeds and Carom Seeds in a pan and then grind to a fine powder.
- Add the roasted spices to a large bowl with Nigella Seeds, Chilli Powder, Garlic Granules, Ginger Powder, Curry Powder, Fish Seasoning and Salt. Place Fish in the seasoning and mix gently. Set aside to marinade for 10 minutes.
- Add Gram flour to the marinated Fish pieces.
- Add enough Water to create a thick coating. Stir in Colouring if using.
- Fill a heavy bottom pot or a shallow frying pan with Oil to 3-4 inches high. Heat the oil to medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot enough, carefully lower fish slices into the hot Oil. Fry over a medium flame for 4-5 minutes or until crispy golden brown.
- Remove Fish from Oil and transfer to a wire rack set over a plate or a plate lined with paper towel. Then place on a serving plate and garnish with Coriander. Serve with Salad, Naan and Sauces of your choice.
Notes
Air Fryer Option
Place each fish piece on the baking tray, and spray a generous amount of cooking oil over them. Cook at 200 C for 3-4 minutes each side or until cooked through. Variations
As a Meal - For a complete meal, serve this delicious fish fry like it is served in restaurants - alongside Naan, a crisp green Salad and Sauces or with fragrant Basmati Rice, Ghee Rice or Plain Rice and Salad.
Dinner Party - This recipe is also great for gatherings such as Dinner Parties. Serve alongside Dal Chawal, Biryani or Pulao. Serve as a side alongside Dal Chawal, Biryani or Pulao. Serve with other side dishes such as Aloo Tikki, Chicken Kebabs with Cheese, Aloo Pakora or Chapli Kebab.
Expert Tip: For added flavour, marinate the fish for 30 minutes, or preferably overnight, in the fridge to allow the spices to penetrate the fish. Make Ahead Masala Fish Fry is best enjoyed immediately, but you can marinade it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Simply complete cooking when you are ready to eat. Can I freeze it? Fish Fry tastes best when freshly fried but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Or store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Simply reheat in the Microwave or Air Fryer.
Place each fish piece on the baking tray, and spray a generous amount of cooking oil over them. Cook at 200 C for 3-4 minutes each side or until cooked through. Variations
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- Lemon Juice: Add a couple of tablespoon Lemon Juice instead of Water. This helps to tenderise the Fish whilst adding a zingy flavour. I tend to serve it with Lemon wedges instead.
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- Dried Fenugreek Leaves (Methi): Fenugreek leaves add a earthy slightly nutty flavour which is reminiscent of many Indian dishes.
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- Black Pepper - Add a ½ teaspoon of coarse Black Pepper or Black Pepper powder for a kick.
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- Water - Add Water a little at a time to form a thick paste. If you do add too much water, add more gram flour until the paste reaches the desired consistency.
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- Deep Frying - Do not overcrowd the oil as the oil temperature will drop if it is overcrowded resulting in soggy fish rather then crisp fish crust with a flaky interior.
As a Meal - For a complete meal, serve this delicious fish fry like it is served in restaurants - alongside Naan, a crisp green Salad and Sauces or with fragrant Basmati Rice, Ghee Rice or Plain Rice and Salad.
Dinner Party - This recipe is also great for gatherings such as Dinner Parties. Serve alongside Dal Chawal, Biryani or Pulao. Serve as a side alongside Dal Chawal, Biryani or Pulao. Serve with other side dishes such as Aloo Tikki, Chicken Kebabs with Cheese, Aloo Pakora or Chapli Kebab.
Expert Tip: For added flavour, marinate the fish for 30 minutes, or preferably overnight, in the fridge to allow the spices to penetrate the fish. Make Ahead Masala Fish Fry is best enjoyed immediately, but you can marinade it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Simply complete cooking when you are ready to eat. Can I freeze it? Fish Fry tastes best when freshly fried but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Or store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Simply reheat in the Microwave or Air Fryer.
Nutrition
Calories: 145kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 4gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0.4mgSodium: 2699mgPotassium: 224mgFiber: 5gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 667IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 56mgIron: 3mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!