Pan Fried Tilapia

5 from 5 votes

Pan-Fried Tilapia is made with a spicy marinade with ginger, garlic, and other spices, and is similar to the Kerala-style fish fry, a must-try, delicious, and easy-to-make dish.

Prep Time1 30

Cook Time15

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Indian

Servings: people

Calories: 339kcal

Author: Nisha

Equipment

1 Pan deep-bottomed or electric fryer

Ingredients

6 Tilapia Fillets medium sized
3 tsp Red Chilly powder
1 tsp Turmeric powder
2 tbsp Ginger Garlic paste
2 Shallot finely chopped
5 -6 curry leaves cut coarsely
½ tsp Black pepper coarsely ground
1 tsp Salt to taste
½ cup Oil
¼ tsp Fennel powder optional
¼ tsp fenugreek powder optional (roasted)

Instructions

Make a marinade of the above ingredients (exclude oil) with a little water
Thaw the fish if frozen and once thawed,marinate the fillets with the paste for about 30- 45 minutes, the longer the fillets sit in the marinade , the better it taste
Heat oil in a pan and fry the fish on both sides until done.
Serve with Rice and enjoy!

Notes

Thaw properly for best results: Always thaw the fish completely and pat it dry before applying the marinade. This helps the spices adhere better and ensures even cooking.
Adjust the spice level to your taste: Feel free to tweak the chili powder based on your heat preference. Using Kashmiri red chili powder is a great option as it has a vibrant color with a milder heat.
Enhance flavor with optional spices: A pinch of fennel powder and fenugreek powder can add extra depth, but they are entirely optional.
Choose the right oil combination: Using coconut oil gives an authentic Kerala flavor, while mixing it with avocado oil helps balance the taste and prevents the oil from smoking too quickly.
Maximize marinade flavor: Tear the curry leaves and finely chop the shallots before adding them to the marinade. This helps release their natural oils and infuses the fish with richer flavor.
Don’t skip the marination time: Let the fish sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes so it can fully absorb all the spices and flavors for a more delicious result.

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