🐟 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.”

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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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