Tawa Fish Fry

Spicy and delicious Tawa Fish Fry is simple and easy to make seafood recipe. This recipe of fish fry calls for very minimal pantry friendly ingredients. Simple preparation steps make this recipe even more dearer. Fish fry recipe on cast iron tawa turns extra crisp and delicious upon frying.

Looking for fish recipes? Then, try these most popular recipes of all time – Tuna Fish Croquettes, Fish in Ginger Sauce, Machli ka Meetha Salan (Fish Curry without Tamarind) and Spicy Andhra Fish Fry.

About This Recipe

After coming to Chennai, seafood has been regular in our menu. These days we can conveniently order seafood online. Over the years, I learnt many different fish recipes. But, the common ones which I prepare on weekly basis are fish curry with tamarind or without tamarind and this fish fry.

In tawa fish fry recipe, tawa means cast iron skillet or pan. There is a difference in taste and texture in the recipe which is prepared on cast iron pan and non-stick pan. Though over I years, I started using non-stick pan for my day to day cooking, I still prefer using cast iron pan for shallow frying.

Tawa fish fry is flavour-rich, crisp and spicy. The trick here is marination and shallow frying on medium heat. Indian style fish fry recipe is gluten-free and dairy free too.

Tawa Fish Fry Ingredients

Fish Pieces – I prefer using fresh water fish like Catla, Rohu and Tilapia. You can use Vanjaram (King Fish, Seer fish, Surmai), Salmon or Basa.

Onion Paste – Base for marination. Gives taste and flavour.

Ginger-Garlic Paste – Cuts down the smell of fish and adds flavour and aroma.

Dry Coconut Powder – You can use fresh coconut paste too. Dry coconut powder adds unique nutty flavour which compliments the taste of fish.

Garam Masala Powder – Adds aroma and flavour.

Roasted Coriander Powder – Gives aroma and flavour. Adding coriander powder is purely optional.

Red Chili Powder – Adds spice and brings color.

Salt – Very important ingredient. We scrub the fish with rock salt and then we add salt in marination too.

Oil – I prefer using sunflower oil. You can use coconut or sesame seed oil.

Serving Suggestions

You can serve tawa fish fry as a starter or as a side dish. If serving as a starter, then serve the fried pieces with sliced onion and lemon wedges.

If serving fish fry as a side dish, then you can serve this with any dal and rice. Few of my favorite meal ideas with fish fry are,

Khatti Dal + Fish Fry + White Steamed Rice

Meethi Daal + Fish Fry + Rice + Papad + Pickle (Achar)

Sambar + Fish Fry + Beans + Rice

Rasam + Rice + Fish Fry + Drumstick Curry

Storing Leftover Fish Fry

Store leftover fish fry pieces in a clean and dry box. Close the lid tightly and leave it in the fridge. Stays good for 2-3 days.

You can even freeze the fried fish pieces in freezer. Stays good for a week.

Whenever you want to relish or serve fish fry, heat it in microwave or on tawa (pan).

If heating on tawa, brush the tawa with little oil and when tawa is hot, reduce the flame and place the fried fish pieces.

Turn and heat on both the sides till fish pieces turn hot.

Recipe Notes

Which tawa is best for fish fry?

Shallow cast iron pan or thick bottom non-stick pan is best for shallow frying the fish.

Is tawa fish good for health?

As we are shallow frying the fish with very less oil, we can easily include this in our healthy meal plan.

Which is best for fish fry?

For Indian fish fry recipe, I recommend using Catla, Tilapia, Rohu, Korramenu or Vanjaram (King Fish).

Can you fry fish without flour?

Yes, you can fry fish without flour. Indian fish fry recipe is simple and in this recipe, fish pieces are not coated with any flour or bread crumbs. So, people with gluten allergies, can include this fish fry in their menu.