When cooked to perfection, fish fillets marinated in a spice blend make for a fragrant and tasty dish known as Masala Fish. For a last-minute meal or a special occasion, try this fish recipe with an Indian twist. The subtle taste of the fish is enhanced by the masala’s vivid and flavorful blend of spices.
The coastal regions of India are the original home of masala fish because of the abundance of fresh seafood there. A tribute to the long and storied history of Indian cooking, this dish’s aromatic, spicy, and tangy components come together in harmony. The masala sauce, which is made with tomatoes, is cooked with the marinated fish fillets, making for a flavorful and satisfying dinner.
Masala Fish Recipe
Ingredients
For the Fish Marinade:
- 500 grams fish fillets such as tilapia, cod, or halibut
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- Salt to taste
For the Masala Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1- inch piece of ginger minced
- 2 green chilies slit
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder optional
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Fish
- Rinse the fish fillets and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- In a large bowl, combine lemon juice, turmeric powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, red chili powder, garam masala, ginger-garlic paste, and salt.
- Add the fish fillets to the bowl and coat them evenly with the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Masala Sauce
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat.
- Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds until fragrant.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
- Add the minced garlic, ginger, and slit green chilies, and sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mushy.
Step 3: Cook the Fish
- Add turmeric powder, ground coriander, ground cumin, red chili powder (if using), and salt to the onion-tomato mixture. Mix well to combine the spices.
- Gently place the marinated fish fillets into the skillet with the masala sauce.
- Cook the fish for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the fish is fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork.
- Sprinkle garam masala over the cooked fish and gently stir to coat the fish with the masala sauce.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves and lemon wedges.
- Serve hot with steamed rice, roti, or naan.
Tips and Information
Tips and Information
- Fish: Choose firm white fish fillets that hold their shape well during cooking. Tilapia, cod, halibut, or snapper are good options.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of green chilies and red chili powder according to your spice preference.
- Marination: Marinating the fish for longer (up to 30 minutes) can enhance the flavor even more.
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.
When you make Masala Fish at home, you can use only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients to experience the true flavors of Indian food. The marinating technique imparts a spice blend to the fish and, together with the masala sauce, makes this meal shine. Masala Fish is guaranteed to be a hit with seafood lovers and those who are adventurous eaters alike.