Get ready for a burst of flavor with this stunning Tandoori Fish! Marinated in a vibrant blend of yogurt and classic Indian spices, then cooked to smoky, flaky perfection, this dish is a showstopper. While traditionally made in a clay oven, this recipe gives you that authentic tandoori taste using a standard oven, stovetop pan, or grill.
Why This Recipe Works:
- Powerful Marinade: The combination of yogurt and spices tenderizes the fish and packs it with incredible flavor.
- Versatile Cooking: Easy to make in an oven, on a stovetop, or on an outdoor grill.
- Healthy & Protein-Packed: A low-fat, high-protein dish that doesn’t compromise on taste.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Impressive enough for a dinner party, yet simple enough for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
-
4 firm white fish fillets (like Kingfish/Surmai, Salmon, Cod, or Halibut), about 150g each
For the Marinade:
- ½ cup thick Greek yogurt or hung curd
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder (for color, not heat)
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- ½ tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi), crushed
- 1 tbsp mustard oil (or any cooking oil)
- Salt, to taste
For Basting & Garnish:
- 1 tbsp oil or melted butter
- Lemon wedges
- Sliced onions
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Fish:
- Pat the fish fillets completely dry with a paper towel. This helps the marinade stick better.
- Make 2-3 shallow slashes on each fillet. This allows the marinade to penetrate deeply.
2. Make the Marinade:
- In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, all the spice powders (Kashmiri red chili, turmeric, coriander, cumin, garam masala), crushed fenugreek leaves, mustard oil, and salt.
- Mix well until a smooth, thick paste forms.
3. Marinate the Fish:
- Add the fish fillets to the bowl and gently coat them with the marinade, ensuring it gets into the slashes.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For the best results, marinate for 2-4 hours.
4. Cook the Fish:
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the marinated fish on a greased wire rack over a baking tray. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and slightly charred at the edges.
- Stovetop Method: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a non-stick or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Place the fish fillets and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until nicely charred and flaky.
- Grill Method: Cook on a preheated grill for 4-5 minutes per side, until done.
5. Serve:
- Baste the fish with a little oil or melted butter right after cooking for a beautiful glaze.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro, sliced onions, and a generous squeeze of lemon juice.
Disclaimer: Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your fish fillets and your cooking appliance. Always ensure the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Adjust the spice levels to your preference.