Indian fish pakora, also known as fish fritters or fish bhajis, is a popular and delicious appetizer or snack in Indian cuisine. It is made by marinating fish pieces in a flavorful mixture of spices, herbs, and chickpea flour (gram flour). The marinated fish is then coated in the chickpea flour batter and deep-fried until crispy and golden brown.
Which fish is used for fish pakora?
The fish used for making pakoras can vary and often includes varieties like cod, halibut, basa, or any firm white fish. The marination usually includes ingredients such as ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, and tandoori masala, among others, which add a burst of flavors to the dish.
What to serve with fish pakora?
Fish pakoras are commonly served with various chutneys or sauces, such as mint chutney or tamarind chutney, to enhance their taste. They are a favorite street food and are also served at many Indian restaurants and homes as a delightful appetizer or evening snack. Here I have a good list of what to serve with fish pakora. Even you can have Fish Pakora as a side dish for plain white rice.
Remember, Fish pakoras are a delicious and flavorful appetizer, and they go well with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some popular options to serve with fish pakora:
Raita: A side of cucumber raita or onion-tomato raita complements the spicy and crispy fish pakoras. Raita helps balance the heat and adds a cooling element to the meal.
Salad: A simple salad made with sliced cucumbers, onions, tomatoes, and a squeeze of lemon juice can add freshness and crunch to the dish.
Lemon Wedges: Serving fish pakoras with lemon wedges allows your guests to drizzle fresh lemon juice over the pakoras, enhancing the flavors and providing a zesty touch.
Pickles: Indian-style pickles, like mango pickle or lime pickle, add a burst of tanginess and spiciness that pairs well with the savory fish pakoras.
Fried Green Chilies: If you’re a fan of heat, consider serving some deep-fried green chilies alongside the fish pakoras. They add an extra kick for those who enjoy spicy food.
Indian Bread: If you want to turn your fish pakoras into a more substantial meal, you can serve them with Indian bread like naan, roti, or paratha.
Beverage: To complement the flavors and refresh your palate, serve a traditional Indian drink like mango lassi, buttermilk, or cold lemonade.
Remember, the choice of accompaniments depends on personal preferences and the overall meal plan. With these options, you can create a delightful and satisfying experience with your fish pakoras.
Indian Fish Pakora (Deep Fried Fish) recipe
Ingredients:
250g Cod, Basa or suitable fish fillets, cut into bite-sized chunks (or any firm white fish)
2 dried red chilies, crushed
3 Birds-eye green chilies, finely chopped
1 tsp Red chili powder
2 tsp Ginger-garlic paste
1/4 tsp Turmeric powder
2 tbsp Tandoori masala
2 tbsp Rice flour or cornflour
4 tbsp Gram flour
2 tbsp Greek yogurt
2 tsp Lemon juice
Curry leaves – A sprig (optional)
Salt, to taste
Oil, as needed for deep frying
1 drop of Orange food color (optional)
Method:
In a mixing bowl, combine the fish chunks with crushed red chilies, finely chopped green chilies, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, tandoori masala, and a pinch of salt. Mix well. Keep aside and let it marinate for about 30 minutes.
In a separate bowl, prepare the coating mixture by combining gram flour and rice flour (or cornflour). Add a pinch of salt to the coating mixture.
After marination, add Greek yogurt and lemon juice to the fish. Optionally, add a drop of orange food color for a vibrant look. Mix everything thoroughly to coat the fish pieces evenly.
Begin by heating the oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
Dip each marinated fish piece into the coating mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated.
Fry the coated fish pieces in batches until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Remove any excess oil by carefully transferring the fried fish pieces onto paper towels.
Deep fry the curry leaves as well. Garnish with deep-fried curry leaves, for added flavor and aroma.
Your delicious and crispy fish bites are ready to be served. Enjoy them as a delightful snack or a flavorful appetizer!
I hope you will enjoy trying this deep-fried Indian fish or Indian Fish pakora at home. If you tried, please share your experience with us too. 🙂
