Chilli Fish Gravy
Crispy fried fish cubes tossed in a tangy, spicy, and savory sauce with bell peppers and onions. A popular Indo-Chinese dish that's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and pairs perfectly with fried rice or noodles.
For 4 servings
Marinate the Fish
- In a mixing bowl, combine the fish cubes with 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 0.5 tsp black pepper powder, and 0.5 tsp salt.
- Mix gently until the fish is evenly coated.
- Set aside to marinate for 15-20 minutes.
Prepare Batter and Coat Fish
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 0.25 cup all-purpose flour, 4 tbsp cornflour, the beaten egg, and 0.25 tsp salt.
- Gradually add about 4-5 tablespoons of water, whisking continuously to form a thick, smooth batter without lumps.
- Add the marinated fish pieces to the batter and toss gently to ensure each piece is fully coated.
Deep Fry the Fish
- Heat 2 cups of oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a drop of batter sizzles and rises to the top.
- Carefully add the battered fish pieces one by one, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in 2-3 batches.
- Fry for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the fish is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.
- Remove the fried fish with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
Prepare the Sauce Base
- In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp red chilli sauce, 2 tbsp tomato ketchup, 1 tsp white vinegar, 0.5 tsp sugar, and 0.25 tsp black pepper powder. Set this sauce mixture aside.
- In another small bowl, make a slurry by mixing 1 tbsp of cornflour with 1/4 cup of water until completely smooth.
Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
- Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large wok or pan over high heat.
- Add the chopped ginger, garlic, and slit green chillies. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the onion cubes, capsicum cubes, and spring onion whites. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender but still crunchy.
Assemble and Thicken the Gravy
- Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the wok with the vegetables and stir well.
- Add the remaining 1.25 cups of water and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- While stirring continuously, slowly pour in the cornflour slurry. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
Combine and Serve
- Reduce the heat to low and gently add the fried fish pieces to the thickened gravy.
- Toss carefully to coat all the fish pieces without breaking them. Let it simmer for just 1 minute to heat through.
- Garnish with chopped spring onion greens.
- Serve immediately while hot with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Add the fried fish to the gravy just before serving to keep it as crispy as possible.
- 2Stir-fry the vegetables on high heat for a short time to maintain their crunchiness and vibrant color.
- 3Ensure the oil for frying is sufficiently hot; otherwise, the batter will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
- 4You can adjust the quantities of soy sauce, chili sauce, and vinegar to suit your taste for savory, spicy, and tangy flavors.
- 5For an extra flavor boost, you can add a splash of sesame oil to the gravy at the end.
- 6Use a firm white fish like Basa, Tilapia, or Cod that holds its shape well after frying.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace fish with 250g of paneer cubes or 1 medium head of cauliflower florets (gobi). Follow the same batter and frying process.
Protein SwapProtein Swap
Use 500g of boneless chicken cubes or 400g of prawns instead of fish. Adjust frying time accordingly.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the amount of red chilli sauce to 2 tablespoons or add a teaspoon of Sriracha or Schezwan sauce for extra heat.
Healthier OptionHealthier Option
Pan-fry or air-fry the battered fish instead of deep-frying. For air-frying, cook at 200°C (400°F) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
Fish is an excellent source of high-quality lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle development, and overall body function.
Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
White fish like Basa or Cod contain Omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support heart health by reducing inflammation and improving cholesterol levels.
Boosts Metabolism
The presence of capsaicin in green chillies can provide a temporary boost to your metabolism, aiding in calorie burning.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Chilli Fish Gravy contains approximately 480-550 calories, depending on the type of fish used and the amount of oil absorbed during the frying process.



