Chatpata Fish Fry: A Crispy, Flavorful Indian Recipe
50 minutes
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About Chatpata Fish Fry: A Crispy, Flavorful Indian Recipe
This Chatpata Fish Fry recipe is a cherished family heirloom, inspired by my mom's cooking and a nostalgic favorite since my teenage years. Unlike traditional, heavily oiled chilli fish, this version uses a lighter shallow frying method, resulting in a crispy exterior and juicy, succulent interior. Using Rohu fish (or your favorite firm white fish), this dish is marinated in a vibrant blend of aromatic onions, garlic, ginger, and fiery green chilies. The shallow frying technique ensures a delightful balance of spice and texture.Perfect as a flavorful lunch or dinner, this Indian-style fish fry brings a delightful blend of spice and a heartwarming touch of nostalgia to your table. Prepare to be amazed!
Recipe Time & More
Prep20 minutes
Cook30 minutes
Total50 minutes
Ingredients
For the Fish Marinade
- 250 gm Rohu Fish cut into 2-inch pieces; marinated with 1 tsp turmeric and 1 tsp salt, or other firm white fish fillets
For the Spice Paste
Other Ingredients
- 1/2 tbsp Pepper black, coarsely ground
- 3 Tomato finely chopped or pureed, medium
- 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1/2 tsp Kashmiri Chili Powder for color and mild heat, optional, red
- 1 tsp Panch Phoron also known as five-spice blend
- 2 tbsp Oil vegetable or canola oil
- 1.5 tsp Salt adjust to taste
- 1 tbsp Soy Sauce for umami flavor, optional
- 1 tbsp Coriander chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Fish
- Marinate the fish pieces with turmeric and salt for at least 15 minutes.
Shallow Fry the Fish
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a shallow pan or wok over medium heat. Shallow fry the marinated fish until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
Prepare the Sauce
- In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tbsp oil. Add the panch phoron and let it splutter for a few seconds.
- Add the chopped onions and green chilies, sauté until onions are translucent.
- Add the minced ginger and garlic, sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Combine and Finish
- Add the tomato paste and Kashmiri chili powder (if using). Stir well.
- Gently add the fried fish to the sauce, ensuring not to break the pieces.
- Add soy sauce (if using) and black pepper. Stir gently to combine.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan bread.
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips for the Best Chatpata Fish Fry
- For extra crispy fish, pat the marinated pieces dry with paper towels before frying.
- Adjust the amount of green chilies according to your spice preference. Start with fewer and add more if needed.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when shallow frying the fish; fry in batches to ensure even cooking and browning.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend the cooked tomatoes before adding them to the pan.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 79kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.8gMonounsaturated Fat: 3.6gSodium: 855mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2g
4 Comments
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This is exactly what I was looking for!
Wow, this looks fantastic!
Looks so yummy! Excited to make it.
What a delicious idea! Thanks for sharing.