Cooking Time: 40 mins
Difficulty: Easy
Punjabi Fish Fry – A Taste of Amritsar
Punjabi fish fry, also known as Amritsari fish fry, is a beloved delicacy from Amritsar, Punjab, located in the northern part of India. This classic fish recipe is famous for its spicy and flavorful batter, which perfectly coats tender fish slices before they are deep-fried to a crispy, golden brown finish.
Served hot as an appetizer or starter, this dish pairs wonderfully with refreshing mint chutney. The crispy outside and juicy inside make for a texture that everyone will enjoy. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to prepare and doesn’t require a long list of ingredients.
What Makes It Special?
What sets this dish apart is its simplicity and the unique use of gram flour (besan), which gives it a distinct taste and texture compared to other fish fry recipes. The coating is light and crunchy, while the fish inside remains succulent and flavorful.
Freshwater or white fish fillets work best for this recipe. Marinating the fish for at least half an hour ensures that the flavors penetrate and the batter adheres properly. One key step is to ensure the oil is hot enough before frying, which helps achieve that perfect crispiness and irresistible aroma.
Ingredients
- White-fleshed fish – 500 g
- Garlic pods – 10
- Garam masala – ¾ teaspoon
- Turmeric powder – ¾ teaspoon
- Ground cumin seeds – ¾ teaspoon
- Chilli powder – ½ teaspoon
- Gram flour (besan) – 2 tablespoons
- Juice of one large lemon
- Salt – to taste
Method of Preparation
- Clean and cut the fish into thin slices.
- Grind the garlic into a paste, extract the juice, and mix it with lemon juice and all the spices.
- Marinate the fish pieces in this seasoned lemon juice mixture and let them rest for at least 30 minutes.
- Coat the marinated fish slices gently with gram flour.
- Deep fry the fish pieces in hot oil until they are crisp and golden in color.
- Drain thoroughly on a paper towel and serve hot.
Try this easy, minimal-ingredient Punjabi fish fry at home and bring a taste of Amritsar to your table. Enjoy it as a starter, or serve it alongside your meal—it’s sure to be a hit!
