Crispy & Flavorful Fish Pakora Recipe – A Perfect Seafood Appetizer
Fish Pakora is a delicious South Asian seafood snack featuring bite-sized fish fillets coated in a spiced chickpea flour batter, deep-fried to golden perfection. This dish is popular at weddings, family gatherings, and special occasions, offering a crispy and flavourful bite every time.
📌 Recipe Details
🕒 Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 35-45 minutes
🍽 Servings: 4
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or any white fish)
- 1 cup gram flour (besan)
- 2 tbsp rice flour
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- Salt (to taste)
- Water, as needed
- Oil for deep frying
- Lemon wedges and mint chutney (for serving)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Batter
- Cut the fish fillets into bite-sized pieces and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- In a large bowl, mix gram flour, rice flour, red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, ginger-garlic paste, and salt.
- Gradually add water to the dry ingredients to form a thick, smooth batter. The batter should be thick enough to coat the fish pieces evenly.
2️⃣ Heat the Oil
- Pour enough oil into a deep frying pan or deep fryer.
- Heat the oil to 350-375°F (175-190°C) for optimal crispiness.
3️⃣ Fry the Fish Pakoras
- Dip each fish piece into the batter, ensuring it is well-coated.
- Carefully drop the coated fish pieces into the hot oil, frying in small batches.
- Fry for 4-5 minutes per batch, until the fish is golden brown and crispy.
4️⃣ Drain & Serve
- Remove the fried fish pakoras with a slotted spoon.
- Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Garnish with lemon wedges and serve hot with mint chutney.
5️⃣ Enjoy!
- Serve with spiced yogurt dip, tamarind sauce, or ketchup.
- Perfect for an evening snack or party appetizer!
💡 Tips for the Best Fish Pakora
✔ For extra crunch: Add 1 tbsp cornflour to the batter.
✔ For enhanced flavour: Sprinkle with chaat masala before serving.
✔ For a healthier option: Air fry instead of deep-frying.
✔ For a spicy kick: Increase the red chili powder or add chopped green chilies.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen fish for this recipe?
✅ Yes, but thaw and pat it dry before using to avoid excess moisture.
Q: Can I make Fish Pakoras ahead of time?
✅ Yes! Reheat them in an air fryer or oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to regain crispiness.
Q: What is the best oil for deep frying?
✅ Vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil ensures a light and crispy texture.
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