Kerala Style Fish Fry Recipe (Meen Varuthathu)
Description:
Meen Varuthathu, popularly known as Kerala Style Fish Fry, is a flavorful and crispy fish preparation that can be served as a side dish or a starter. This traditional recipe features fish marinated with a blend of spices and fried in coconut oil, which imparts a unique and aromatic taste. Serve it alongside steamed rice, tomato-onion sambar, and crispy pappadums for a delightful meal.
Recipe Details
- Cuisine: Kerala Recipes
- Course: Appetizer
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
- Prep Time: 50 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fish | 5 pieces |
| Ginger-garlic paste | 1 teaspoon |
| Red chili powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Turmeric powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Black pepper powder | ½ teaspoon (freshly ground) |
| Lemon | Juice of ½ lemon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Coconut oil | As needed |
| Curry leaves | A few sprigs |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 3 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
Instructions
| Step | Directions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Begin by cleaning the fish thoroughly. Rinse under cold running water, pat dry, and set aside. |
| 2 | In a mixing bowl, combine ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, black pepper powder, lemon juice, and salt. Add a small amount of water to form a smooth paste. |
| 3 | Coat each piece of fish evenly with the prepared marinade. Ensure the marinade covers all sides of the fish. Set aside for 30–40 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse. |
| 4 | Heat coconut oil in a heavy-bottomed frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the curry leaves and let them sizzle for a few seconds. |
| 5 | Carefully place the marinated fish into the pan. Fry on medium heat until each side turns golden brown and crispy. This should take approximately 3–4 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fish. |
| 6 | Remove the fried fish from the pan and place it on a paper towel to drain any excess oil. |
| 7 | Serve hot with steamed rice, tomato-onion sambar, and crispy pappadums. Enjoy your authentic Kerala Style Fish Fry! |
Tips for the Perfect Kerala Style Fish Fry
- Fish Selection: Use firm fish varieties like seer fish, kingfish, or pomfret for the best results.
- Marination Time: Allow the fish to marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.
- Coconut Oil: Always use fresh coconut oil for frying to achieve the authentic Kerala taste.
- Cooking Temperature: Fry on medium heat to ensure the fish cooks evenly without burning the spices.
- Crispiness: For extra crispiness, sprinkle a pinch of rice flour or cornflour over the fish before frying.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this delectable Meen Varuthathu with:
- Tomato-Onion Sambar: A tangy and flavorful South Indian lentil stew.
- Steamed Rice: Plain rice complements the spicy fish fry perfectly.
- Pappadums: Crispy fried pappadums add texture to the meal.
- Side Salad: A simple cucumber and onion salad balances the flavors.
Kerala Style Fish Fry is an irresistible dish that combines simplicity with rich coastal flavors. Perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings, this recipe is a must-try for seafood lovers!
