Amritsari Fish Recipe

Amritsari Fish Recipe: Amritsar fish is a famous and delicious dish originating from Amritsar, a vibrant city in Punjab, India. Known for its crispy texture, bold flavor, and aromatic spices, this dish has gained immense popularity across the world. The recipe involves marinating the fish in a spicy batter, deep-frying it until golden brown, and serving it hot with tang chutney or onions. If you are looking for a quick yet satisfying seafood recipe with an Indian twist, Amritsar fish should be at the top of your list. Let’s dive deep into the preparation process and explore how to recreate this delectable dish at home.

Amritsari Fish Recipe Ingredients:

To make Amritsari Fish at home, you will need the following ingredients:

Fish fillet (basa, rava or white fish) – 500 grams
Rice flour – 3 tablespoons
Besan (gram flour) – 3 tablespoons
Red chili powder – 1 tablespoon
Coriander powder – 1 teaspoon
Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tablespoon
Carom seeds (ajwain) – 1 teaspoon
Jeera powder – ½ teaspoon
Garham masala – ½ teaspoon
Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
Turmeric powder – ½ teaspoon
Chili flakes – 1 teaspoon (optional)
Salt – to taste
Fresh coriander leaves – for garnish
Oil – for deep frying
For serving: Onion rings
Punta chutney or tamarind Chutney

Steps to Prepare Amritsari Fish Recipe:

1. Cleaning and Preparing the Fish
   The first step in making a great Amritsari Fish is to properly prepare the fish. Clean the fish fillets thoroughly, removing any bones, scales, or skin. Pat dry with a kitchen towel to ensure there is no excess water. This will help the batter stick to the fish and fry evenly. Once cleaned, cut the fillets into medium-sized pieces.
2. Marinating the Fish
   In a bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, and chili flakes (if using). Add the ginger-garlic paste, carom seeds, lemon juice, and salt. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to form a smooth paste. Now, coat the fish fillets with this spice paste and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. For a deeper flavor, you can refrigerate the marinated fish for up to 2 hours.
3. Prepare the Batter
   For the crispy coating, mix the rice flour and gram flour in a separate bowl. Add a pinch of salt and mix well. Add water little by little to make a thick batter that will stick to the fish without dripping. The consistency should be enough to coat the fish fillets without being too runny.
4. Fry the Fish
   Heat the oil in a deep frying pan or over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (about 350°F or 180°C), dip each marinated fish fillet in the batter and carefully drop it into the hot oil. Fry the fish in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan. Fry the fish until golden brown and crispy on both sides, which will take about 4-5 minutes. Remove the fried fish from the oil and drain the excess oil with a paper towel.
5. Serving Amritsari Fish
   Once your Amritsari fish is fully fried, serve it hot with a garnish of fresh coriander leaves. Pair the fish with onion rings and mint chutney or tamarind chutney for an extra zing.

Tips for Perfect Amritsari Fish Recipe:

Fish Selection: For best results, choose firm white fish like basa, rava, or any fish that holds up well when fried.
Spice Adjustment: Adjust the spice level as per your preference. If you like it spicier, add more chili powder or chili flakes.
Crispy Coating: Rice flour helps achieve that perfect crispy texture. If you don’t have rice flour, you can replace it with cornflour.
Frying Temperature: Make sure the oil is hot before frying the fish. If the oil is not hot enough, the batter will absorb too much oil and the fish will be greasy.

Why You Should Try Amritsari Fish Recipe:

Amritsari fish is not only delicious but also a great way to enjoy seafood with lots of Indian flavor. The mix of spices and crispy coating makes it a perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion. Whether you are hosting a party or want to have something delicious for dinner, this dish will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. The fragrant spices and crispy, tender fish make it a standout dish that pairs beautifully with drinks or with your favorite Indian bread or rice.

Amritsari fish is a mouthwatering dish that brings the authentic flavors of Punjab to your kitchen. With its vibrant spices and crispy coating, it is a treat for those who love flavorful seafood. The recipe is easy to follow, and with just a few ingredients, you can whip up a restaurant-style meal in no time. So, why wait? Try making Amritsari Fish today and taste Punjab in every bite!

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