Amritsari Fish Fry
Crispy, golden fish fillets coated in a zesty, spiced chickpea flour batter. This popular street food from Amritsar is bursting with flavors of ajwain and garlic, making it an irresistible appetizer or side dish.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Fish
- b.Gently pat the fish pieces dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- c.In a large bowl, combine the fish pieces with ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, ajwain, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt.
- d.Mix gently with your hands to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the marinade.
- e.Cover the bowl and let the fish marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour for deeper flavor.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Batter
- b.In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the besan, rice flour, chaat masala, garam masala, and crushed kasuri methi.
- c.Gradually pour in the water while whisking continuously to form a thick, smooth, and lump-free batter.
- d.The batter should have a consistency similar to pancake batter, thick enough to coat the back of a spoon without being runny.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Fry the Fish
- b.Heat the vegetable oil in a kadai or deep pan over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 175-180°C (350-360°F).
- c.To test the oil without a thermometer, drop a small amount of batter into it. If it sizzles and rises to the surface immediately, the oil is ready.
- d.Take a piece of marinated fish, dip it into the batter, ensuring it's fully coated, and let any excess batter drip off.
- e.Carefully slide the coated fish into the hot oil. Fry in small batches of 4-5 pieces to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature.
- f.Fry for about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the fish is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.
- g.Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried fish and place it on a wire rack to drain any excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.While the fish is still hot, sprinkle a generous pinch of chaat masala over it for an extra tangy kick.
- c.Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges and a side of mint chutney and onion rings for the authentic street-food experience.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure the fish is patted completely dry before marinating. This helps the marinade and batter adhere properly.
- 2The consistency of the batter is crucial. If it's too thin, it won't coat the fish; if it's too thick, the coating will be doughy.
- 3Maintain a consistent oil temperature. Frying in batches helps prevent the temperature from dropping, ensuring a crispy, non-greasy result.
- 4For an exceptionally crispy texture, you can double-fry the fish. First, fry for 2-3 minutes until light golden, remove and rest for 5 minutes, then fry again for 1-2 minutes until deep golden brown.
- 5Do not skip the ajwain (carom seeds). It imparts the signature flavor of Amritsari fish and is also known to aid digestion.
- 6Serve immediately after frying. The fish will lose its crispiness as it cools.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthier Cooking Method
For a lower-fat version, spray the battered fish with oil and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes or air fry at 180°C (360°F) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Flour VariationFlour Variation
Replace the rice flour with an equal amount of cornflour for a slightly different but equally crispy texture.
Spice VariationSpice Variation
Add 1/2 teaspoon of dried mango powder (amchur) to the marinade for extra tanginess, or a pinch of asafoetida (hing) to the batter for a unique aroma.
Vegetarian AlternativeVegetarian Alternative
This recipe works wonderfully with thick slices of paneer, firm tofu, or large cauliflower florets instead of fish.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Fish is an excellent source of high-quality, lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle growth, and overall body function.
Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
White fish like Basa and Cod provide beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support brain health, reduce inflammation, and promote a healthy heart.
Aids Digestion
The inclusion of Ajwain (carom seeds) is a key feature of this dish. Ajwain is traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Indian home remedies to improve digestion, relieve gas, and reduce bloating.
Flavorful Spices
The blend of Indian spices like turmeric, garam masala, and chaat masala not only provides incredible flavor but also offers various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of Amritsari Fish Fry (approximately 266g) contains around 450-550 calories. The exact number can vary based on the type of fish and the amount of oil absorbed during frying.