Who doesn’t love a perfectly fried fish! Whether it is the English staple, fish and chips or the classic Indian batter-fried fish savoured across our country, fish fries are the perfect snack for any occasion.
Enjoy the versatile Mackerel Fish Fry as a side with steamed rice and curry or munch on it as an appetizer with your favourite dips. Soft, flaky from the inside, and crispy from the outside, this Mackerel Fish Fry recipe will leave you wanting more.
About Mackerel Fish
Mackerel also popularly known as Bangda or Ayla is a seawater fish that’s a big favourite in various regions across the country like Maharashtra and Kerala. Mackerel is an oily fish with a mildly sweet taste and firm texture. You can use it for delicious curries or baked with your favourite veggies. We thoroughly descale and clean the fish so it is ready for your pan.
How to pan-fry mackerel fillets
Cooking mackerel fillets in a pan is one of the best ways to serve this delicious fish. You can also coat whole small Mackerels in an assortment of spices and bake it. Succulent, flavourful mackerel fillets with a beautifully crisp skin make for scrumptious, quick meals.
Don’t overcook the fish
Mackerel is quite unpleasant when overcooked. The fish becomes dry, tasteless and almost chewy, so always be cautious when baking or deep frying the fish. An easy trick to check if you have overcooked the fish is to use a cake tester or a paperclip. Stick the point into the fish, if there is resistance it’s not done.
Best sides to serve with fried fish
Grilled or steamed veggies: Toss vegetables like bell peppers, carrots and zucchini in butter or a light seasoning mix, skewer them and place them on the grill or simply wrap them in a foil on the grill or oven rack for a healthy and delicious side.
Mashed or baked potatoes: potatoes always make a delicious side dish no matter how they are prepared – roasted, fried, or mashed. Squeeze a dash of Lemon on mashed potatoes, or sprinkle rosemary on roasted potatoes for a winning side with your Mackerel Fish Fry.
Salad: If you’re looking for a simple side dish full of fibre, you can’t go wrong with a salad. The sweetness of fish complements the flavours of big leafy vegetables like kale or iceberg lettuce.
Buy Premium Mackerel (Bangda/Anjal) – Whole, Cleaned online on Licious. Explore our website for a range of other fresh seafood options such as Fish, Prawns and Crabs and prepare your next delicious recipe with Licious! Now, all you need to do is get to the fish fry. Here’s an easy recipe to whip up crunchy Mackerel Fish Fry in minutes:
Make Spicy and Crunchy Mackerel Fish Fry at Home
Ingredients
- 500 grams Mackerel
- 1 ½ tsp thick ginger garlic paste
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp red chilli powder
- 1 tsp red chilli flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 sprigs Curry leaves finely chopped
- ½ tsp plain vinegar
- 3 tbsp Coconut Oil or peanut oil
- ¼ cup Coconut Oil or peanut oil
- Few sprigs curry leaves
- Few strips ginger
Instructions
- Make small slits on the fish with a sharp knife. Take a small bowl and add all the marinade ingredients to it. Mix the masalas and apply the marinade on the fish. Make sure the marinade is coated properly onto the fish. Fill the masala in the slits as much as possible. Let the fish refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Take a pan and heat the coconut oil in it. Once it is hot, gently place the fish in the pan. Then add a few sprigs of curry leaves and ginger julienne. Cook the fish for 2-3 minutes on each side on medium-low flame until it is crunchy and brown. Serve hot with steamed rice.
Recipe Notes
Recipe Tip Make sure to not disturb the fish for a few minutes once it hits the pan. This will ensure the masala remains stuck to the fish while frying. Share your version of this recipe How do you make Mackerel Fish Fry at home? What ingredients do you use to marinate the fish? Share your version with us. Frequently Asked Questions Can I make a water-based marinade? Yes. You can add the masalas and mix them. Then you can add water and 1 tablespoon of rice flour, cornflour and all-purpose flour. Make sure the marinade paste is not too runny. When should I place the fish in the oil for frying? Make sure the oil is smoky hot. Then lower the flame and place the fish in the oil for frying.