Keralas favourite fish fry recipe: A must-try for seafood lovers
Kerala, the southern state of India, is renowned for its delectable seafood cuisine, and its fish fry recipe is a staple dish that's loved by locals and visitors alike. This Kerala-style fish fry recipe is a must-try for seafood lovers, with its perfect blend of spices, herbs, and tangy flavors
New Delhi: Kerala-style fish fry, also known as Meen Varuthathu, is a loved dish in Kerala known for its bold flavours and crispy texture. This dish is mainly enjoyed as a side dish with rice, parotta, or even on its own. What makes Kerala fish fry full of flavours is its marination process. This mix creates a deep, spicy flavour on the fresh, tender fish. Cooking in coconut oil, which is a hallmark of Kerala cooking, enhances its taste and adds a touch of authentic fragrance.
Curry leaves, another important ingredient, add a hint of earthiness and a satisfying crunch to the dish. Fish varieties such as kingfish (neymeen), pomfret (avoli), and mackerel (ayala) are used to make this dish as they hold the flavour well during frying.
How to make authentic Kerala-style fish fry?
Kerala-style fish fry also known as Meen Varuthathu, is a flavorful delicay in which fish is marinated with a mix of aromatic spices and fried until it turns crispy. Read on below to learn how to make this flavourful recipe:
Ingredients:
4 medium-sized fish pieces (like kingfish, pomfret, or mackerel)
2 tbsp red chilli powder
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tbsp black pepper powder
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tbsp lemon juice (or vinegar)
1 tsp garam masala (optional)
1 tbsp rice flour (for extra crispiness)
2 sprigs of curry leaves
Salt to taste
2 tbsp coconut oil (for frying)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the marination mixture: In a bowl, add chilli powder, turmeric, black pepper, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, lemon juice, rice flour, salt, and a little water to make a thick marination paste.
2. Marinate the fish: Coat the fish pieces evenly with the mixture and let it rest for at least 30 minutes or overnight so that the flavours will infuse properly.
3. Fry the fish: Once the marination process is completed, in a pan, heat the coconut oil, add curry leaves, and fry the fish on medium flame until it turns golden brown and crispy from both sides.
4. Serve hot: Garnish it with extra curry leaves and serve with some lemon wedges and onion slices.
When served hot with lemon wedges and onion slices, this dish is a tempting treat for every seafood lover. Whether enjoyed as a snack or part of a traditional meal, the Kerala-style fish fry is a must-try.