Fish Kabiraji
Crispy, golden crumb-coated fish fillets with a delicate egg-net coating, a beloved Kolkata-style snack. Tender fish encased in a lacy egg envelope, pan-fried to perfection and best enjoyed with kasundi and onion rings.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~15 min
Marinate the fish.
1.Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels.2.Mix ginger paste, garlic paste, chopped green chili, lemon juice, 1 pinch salt, turmeric powder, and red chili powder into a smooth paste.3.Coat each fish piece with the spice paste and let marinate for 15 minutes.TIPDon't marinate too long — the lemon juice will 'cook' the fish and make it mushy. - prep · ~2 min
Set up the breading station.
1.Spread the all-purpose flour on a flat plate.2.Place the breadcrumbs on a second plate.3.Beat the eggs with 1 pinch salt in a wide bowl until frothy. - assemble · ~4 min
Coat the fish pieces.
1.Dredge each marinated fish fillet in flour, shaking off excess.2.Dip into the beaten eggs, letting the excess drip off.3.Press into the breadcrumbs, coating both sides evenly. Set aside on a wire rack. - fry · ~10 min
Fry the fish pieces.
1.Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat until shimmering.2.Gently slide in the crumbed fish pieces without crowding.3.Cook until golden and crisp on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.TIPMedium heat is your friend — too hot and the crumbs burn before the fish cooks through. - fry · ~5 min
Create the egg net.
1.Strain the remaining beaten eggs through a sieve into a small bowl.2.Pour a thin stream of egg in a zigzag pattern over a greased non-stick pan on low heat to form a lacy net.3.Place a fried fish piece in the center of the egg net while the egg is still soft.4.Fold the sides of the egg net over the fish to wrap it completely. Cook for another 30 seconds and transfer to a plate.TIPKeep the heat on low — you want the egg net to set without browning heavily. - serve · ~1 min
Serve immediately with kasundi and sliced onions.
1.Place the egg-wrapped fish cutlets on a serving platter.2.Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot with kasundi and fresh onion slices.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Pat the fish fillets completely dry before marinating to ensure the spice paste adheres properly.
- 2Do not over-marinate the fish; 15 minutes is enough, as the lemon juice can start to cook the fish and make it mushy.
- 3Use a wire rack after breading to let the coating set; this helps the crust adhere better during frying.
- 4Fry at medium heat — too high will burn the breadcrumbs before the fish is cooked through.
- 5When creating the egg net, pour the egg in a thin, steady zigzag stream on low heat for a delicate lace.
- 6For the crispiest result, serve the Fish Kabiraji immediately after wrapping with the egg net.
Adapt it for your goals.
Air-fried version
For a lighter take, spray the breaded fish with oil and air-fry at 200°C for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. The egg net can be made separately on a pan and wrapped around the air-fried fish.
Prawn KabirajiPrawn Kabiraji
Substitute the fish with large, deveined prawns. Adjust frying time to 2-3 minutes per side, as prawns cook faster.
Gluten freeGluten-free
Replace all-purpose flour with rice flour and breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or panko-style gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
White fish fillets provide high-quality, low-fat protein essential for muscle repair and overall body function.
Source of Omega-3s
Using fish like bhetki offers a good dose of omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health.
Antioxidant Spices
Turmeric and ginger in the marinade provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Moderate Carbohydrates
Breadcrumbs and flour are used only as a coating, keeping the overall carb content of the dish relatively moderate.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but thaw them completely in the refrigerator and pat very dry with paper towels before marinating to avoid excess moisture.
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