🐟 Fish Fry (South Indian Style)

Crispy on the outside, tender within β€” a coastal classic with bold spice

Spice Level: 🌢️🌢️🌢️ | Prep Time: 30 mins | Cook Time: 10 mins | Serves: 4
Calories (approx): 230 kcal per piece

πŸ”₯ Fusion Embers

🌿 Introduction

Growing up by the Arabian Sea, weekends meant golden fish frying in coconut oil β€” the aroma drifting through the house long before lunchtime. Crispy, tangy, and perfectly spiced, this South Indian Fish Fry is comfort food for every coastal soul.

β€œWhere the sea meets the skillet, memories rise in curls of spice and warmth.”

Fish Fry (South Indian Style)

South Indian fish fry coated in spiced semolina and fried until golden brown

Photo by Stirred By Spice

πŸ“ Ingredients

For the Marinade

  • 3 large Pompano fish – cut into steaks

  • 1 tbsp chili powder

  • Β½ tsp turmeric powder

  • 1 tsp coriander powder

  • Β½ tsp cumin powder

  • 1 tsp ginger–garlic paste

  • ΒΌ tsp tamarind paste

  • Salt – to taste

For Coating & Frying

  • 4 tbsp roasted rawa/sooji

  • Oil – for shallow frying

  • Β½ lime – for serving

🍽️ Instructions

  • Marinate- Mix all ingredients except oil, rawa, and lime. Coat the fish steaks generously and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

  • Coat & Fry- Heat oil in a pan. Roll each fish piece in roasted rawa before frying. Shallow fry until crisp and golden on both sides.

  • Serve- Squeeze fresh lime over the hot fried fish. Serve with rice, lemon rice, or curd rice.

🍷 Optional Serving Notes

Best served with steamed rice, curd rice, or lemon rice.

A simple onion salad (lemon, salt, chilies) pairs perfectly.

For extra zing, serve with a tamarind dipping sauce or coriander chutney.

πŸ’¬ Soulful Note

Long before it reaches your plate, this dish whispers stories β€” of mothers marinating fish at dawn, of laughter drifting through seaside kitchens,

of a love that simmers quietly but stays forever.

πŸ“š Cook’s Wisdom / FAQs

Cook's Wisdom

Tip: Add icons (🌿 πŸ‹ πŸ›) as visual cues for fun, scannable reading.

  • Works beautifully with Kingfish, Mackerel, or Sardines.

  • Always use roasted rawa for the perfect crust.

  • For a lighter version, air-fry or bake.

  • Pairs beautifully with Lemon Rice, Curd Rice, or Zucchini Rice.

πŸ“Š Nutrition (Per Serving β€” Approx.)

  • Calories: 230

  • Protein: 18g

  • Carbs: 6g

  • Fat: 15g

  • Fiber: 1g

πŸƒπŸŒΆπŸƒ The Bottom Line

Quick, spicy, and irresistibly crisp β€” this coastal classic turns a simple meal into a seaside celebration.

🧑 Meet the Heart Behind the Spice

Maya Shetty – Stirred By Spice Author Photo

Hi, I’m Maya Shetty β€” cook, storyteller, and spice lover.

Through Stirred By Spice, I share recipes that warm both the kitchen and the heart β€” where simple ingredients and warm flavors turn everyday meals into moments of connection.

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