Malabar Fish Fry

Malabar Fish Fry

Malabar Fish Fry

Whole king fish or mackerel slices marinated in a fiery paste of red chilli, black pepper, ginger, garlic, and turmeric, then shallow-fried in coconut oil to a crackling, dark-gold crust. A non-negotiable side on every Malabar fish meal table.

Cuisines

Kerala Malabar

Best for

Lunch Dinner

Build a full meal around Malabar Fish Fry

Get a matched combo of sides and accents

Recipe

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Total: 25 min 2-3 servings

Ingredients

Fish 300 grams Fish , firm white fillets
red chili powder 1 tablespoon Red chili powder
turmeric powder 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
black pepper powder 1 teaspoon Black pepper powder
coriander powder 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
Fennel Seed 1 teaspoon Fennel Seed
ginger-garlic paste 1 tablespoon Ginger-garlic paste
lemon juice 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
salt — Salt , to taste
coconut oil 2 tablespoons Coconut oil
Curry Leaf 1 sprig Curry Leaf

Instructions

  1. 1 Clean and pat dry the fish fillets.
  2. 2 In a bowl, mix red chili powder, turmeric powder, black pepper powder, coriander powder, fennel seeds, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and salt to form a thick paste.
  3. 3 Apply the spice paste evenly over the fish fillets, ensuring they are well coated.
  4. 4 Marinate the fish for at least 20 minutes.
  5. 5 Heat coconut oil in a pan over medium heat.
  6. 6 Add curry leaves to the hot oil and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
  7. 7 Place the marinated fish fillets in the pan and fry for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
  8. 8 Remove the fish from the pan and drain excess oil on paper towels.
  9. 9 Serve hot with lemon wedges and onion rings.

Tips

For a more authentic taste, use fresh coconut oil and adjust the spice level to your preference.