Fish Tandoori Recipe: A Delightful North Indian Appetizer
Fish Tandoori, an exquisite dish that brings together the bold flavors of North India, is perfect for those seeking a high-protein, non-vegetarian appetizer. With its combination of aromatic spices, yogurt-based marinade, and tender fish, this recipe is sure to be a hit at any meal. Served best as a starter or paired with steamed rice and Posto Chicken, this dish promises a flavorful and satisfying experience.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fish (with bones, preferably Pompano) | 1 whole fish, cleaned and prepared |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1/4 cup |
| Green Chillies (chopped) | 2 |
| Tandoori Masala | 1 tablespoon |
| Ginger Garlic Paste | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Coriander Leaves (finely chopped) | 1 tablespoon |
| Sunflower Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 60 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 80 minutes
Servings: 3
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Appetizer
Diet: High Protein, Non-Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Fish
Start by selecting a fresh fish. For the best results, keep the head and tail on, but remove the fins and innards. Clean the fish thoroughly under cold running water. Once cleaned, make several horizontal slits along both sides of the fish. These slits will allow the marinade to penetrate deep into the flesh, enhancing the flavors.
Step 2: Marinating the Fish
In a large bowl, combine the following marinade ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of yogurt
- 1/4 cup of finely chopped onions
- 2 chopped green chilies
- 1 tablespoon of tandoori masala
- 1 teaspoon of ginger garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon of red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of garam masala powder
- 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin powder
- 1 tablespoon of finely chopped coriander leaves
- Salt, to taste
Mix everything together until you have a smooth, well-blended paste. Apply this mixture generously to the fish, ensuring that it gets into all the slits you’ve made. Press the marinade into the slits carefully so that the flavors are well absorbed. Cover the fish and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 40 to 50 minutes. For an even richer taste, marinate it for longer—up to a few hours if you have the time.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
While the fish is marinating, preheat your oven to 400°F (approximately 200°C). This temperature is ideal for grilling the fish to perfection, giving it that beautiful, smoky tandoori flavor while ensuring the fish stays tender and juicy.
Step 4: Grilling the Fish
Lightly brush your grill or baking tray with sunflower oil to prevent the fish from sticking. Place the marinated fish carefully on the grill or directly on the tray.
Grill the fish for about 20 minutes, turning it halfway through cooking to ensure even heat distribution. Check the fish by inserting a toothpick into the thickest part. If it comes out easily and the fish feels soft and light, it’s ready to be served.
Step 5: Serving the Fish Tandoori
Once the fish is cooked, remove it from the oven. Allow it to rest for a minute before serving. The fish should have a perfectly crispy exterior with tender, flavorful flesh inside.
Serve your Fish Tandoori as a tantalizing appetizer or alongside a main course like Posto Chicken and steamed rice for a complete meal.
Tips for a Perfect Fish Tandoori:
- Fish Selection: Pompano is an excellent choice due to its delicate flavor and firm texture, but you can also use other fish like tilapia or snapper.
- Marination: The longer the fish marinates, the deeper the flavors will penetrate. Aim for at least 40 minutes, but marinating for up to 2 hours will give you even better results.
- Oven Temperature: Ensure that your oven is preheated to the correct temperature to achieve that perfect tandoori texture. If you’re using a grill, you can adjust the heat to medium-high for a nice char.
Enjoy this delightful Fish Tandoori recipe, which combines the aromatic spices and rich flavors of North Indian cuisine. It’s a great dish to prepare for a gathering or a special family meal. Happy cooking!
