Kerala is a tropical state that is famous for its various cuisine. Sea food recipes from Kerala are known to be some of the best in the world, for they share with the world an immense knowledge of flavours, textures, cooking techniques etc. Kerala fish fry is one such sea food cuisine that is prepared in my Keralan households and is loved by all.
Kerala Fish Fry is an any-time dish that can be enjoyed in either a meal or as a snack, all the same. Hence this is a dish that you can prepare on any occasion without any worries. People in Kerala often prepare this delicacy with a paste of tamarind, pepper, coriander and turmeric. These spices when added onto the fish through marination, gives out a very smooth balance of flavours that is not disrupted throughout the end of the meal.
Not only this but the fish and other ingredients bring in all the required nutrients and proteins to the table, making it an all round dish. With taste and health benefits, this is one of the most favourite snacks, happily prepared by mothers for their young ones. This dish, however has quite a list of differences from other fish fry recipes. The spices and other ingredients when combined together in accordance to an authentic recipe provides an authentic Keralan taste that stands out no matter where in the world you enjoy it.
We at team Puviya have brought for you today an authentic recipe for the tasty Kerala Fish Fry. This recipe will help you create wonders in your kitchen with ease as you would be able to surprise your audience by preparing such a delicious fish dish with ease. With this recipe you would be able to use household ingredients to make this dish in under 15 minutes, making it an absolute delight. So, don’t wait any further, hurl your sails and get down to your kitchen to prepare this delicacy today!
Watch Video Recipe Of Kerala Fish Fry Recipe
Ingredients
🌿 Ingredients:
✅ 1 medium onion, roughly chopped
✅ 5-6 curry leaves
✅ 1 tbsp garlic (minced)
✅ 2 tsp red chili powder
✅ ¼ tsp turmeric powder
✅ 1 tsp coriander powder
✅ ¼ tsp black pepper powder
✅ ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
✅ ½ tsp fish masala
✅ 3 tbsp tamarind juice
✅ 4-5 fish slices (any firm white fish)
✅ 1 tbsp coconut oil (for frying)
Instructions
🔥 Instructions: How to Make Kerala Fish Fry
Step 1: Prepare the Spice Paste
1️⃣ In a bowl, combine onion, curry leaves, garlic, chili powder, turmeric, coriander powder, black pepper powder, salt, fish masala, and tamarind juice.
2️⃣ Transfer this mix to a grinder and blend into a smooth paste.
Step 2: Marinate the Fish
3️⃣ Apply the spice paste evenly over the fish slices.
4️⃣ Cover and marinate for at least 15 minutes for the best flavor.
Step 3: Fry the Fish
5️⃣ Heat 1 tbsp coconut oil in a pan over medium flame.
6️⃣ Place the marinated fish slices carefully in the pan.
7️⃣ Fry until the skin turns golden and crispy, flipping to cook evenly on both sides.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
8️⃣ Remove the fish from the pan and place on banana leaves for an authentic Kerala-style experience.
9️⃣ Serve hot with steamed rice, coconut chutney, or lemon wedges.
📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180-220 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Total Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
💡 Recipe Tips:
✅ Use fresh fish for the best taste and texture.
✅ Adjust spice levels by adding more or less chili powder.
✅ For extra crispiness, coat the fish with rice flour before frying.
Notes
📌 Recipe Notes:
✅ Use Fresh Fish – Always opt for fresh, firm fish like Kingfish, Pomfret, or Seer Fish for the best taste and texture.
✅ Marination Time – Let the fish marinate for at least 15-30 minutes for deeper flavors.
✅ Authentic Kerala Taste – Fry the fish in coconut oil to enhance the traditional Kerala flavors.
✅ Crispy Texture Tip – For extra crispiness, lightly coat the marinated fish with rice flour before frying.
✅ Serving Suggestion – Serve with steamed rice, sambar, or rasam for a complete Kerala-style meal.
Follow these steps (Kerala Fish Fry Recipe)
- Cut up 1 onion into pieces of considerable size.
- To the plate/cup containing the onion, add a few curry leaves.
- Add 1 tablespoon garlic to the cup.
- Take 2 teaspoon of mirchi powder, ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder and about a teaspoon of coriander powder and add them to the cup.
- Add about 3 tablespoons of tamarind juice to the bowl followed by ¼ teaspoon of pepper powder.
- Add ½ teaspoon salt to the mix followed by ½ teaspoon fish masala.
- Transfer this mix to a grinder container and grind them well.
- Paste is ready to be put into our fish fry.
- Take some fish slices that are to be added to the fish fry.
- Add the paste to these fresh fish slices.
- Apply the paste evenly over the fish pieces.
- Keep the covered fish pieces aside and allow them to marinate.
- Take a fresh pan and add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to it.
- Place the marinated fish pieces on the hot oil.
- Fry the pieces on a medium flame. Ensure you don’t put in too many pieces together. Avoid crowding.
- Flip the pieces and fry them from both the sides.
- When the skin turns golden and crispy, take the pieces out.
- Serve them on banana leaves for authentic Keralan taste.
