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Crispy Fish Fry | மீன் வறுவல் served hot with curry leaves, onion and lemon wedges – easy home style shallow fried fish

Crispy Fish Fry | மீன் வறுவல்

A simple and flavourful crispy fish fry (மீன் வறுவல்) made with homemade masala, curry leaves and shallow frying. Crispy outside, juicy inside — perfect with rice, rasam, sambar or other kulambu rice
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 3 people
Course: Appetizer, dinner, healthyrecipes, lunch
Cuisine: Indian, south India, Tamil Nadu
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 kg Cleaned fish
  • 1 tbsp Red chilli powder homemade
  • 1/4 tbsp Turmeric powder
  • Salt – as needed
  • 1/2 tbsp Coriander powder
  • 1 nos Egg optional
  • 1 tbsp Rice flour
  • 1 tbsp Turmeric extracted water
  • Oil – for shallow frying
  • 2 strand Curry leaves

Equipment

  • 1 tawa for frying

Method
 

  1. Clean and wash the fish pieces thoroughly.
  2. Add red chilli powder, turmeric, salt, coriander powder and rice flour.
  3. Add egg (optional) and turmeric extracted water to make a smooth masala.
  4. Coat the fish pieces evenly and rest for 20 minutes.
  5. Heat oil in a pan and add curry leaves for aroma.
  6. Place the fish pieces and shallow fry on medium heat.
  7. Flip and cook until golden and crispy on both sides.
  8. Remove from oil and serve hot.

Notes

  • Tamarind is optional — gives a mild tangy flavour if added during marination.
  • Replace egg with curd for an egg-free version.
  • Add 1 tsp ginger garlic paste for extra flavour.
  • Vanjaram / Mackerel / Sardine works best for this recipe.
  • Fry on medium heat to get crispy texture without burning.