Are you a seafood lover looking for a new and exciting dish to try? Look no further than chilli fish! This popular Indian-Chinese fusion dish combines the best of both worlds with tender fish fillets coated in a spicy sauce.
It's a perfect dish for those who love a little heat in their meals.
Chilli fish is a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of fish, including tilapia, cod, or basa.
The fish is typically cut into bite-sized pieces, then marinated in a blend of spices before being coated in a batter and fried until crispy.
The fish is then tossed in a spicy sauce made from chilli paste, soy sauce, and other seasonings, giving it a bold and flavourful kick.
Key Takeaways
- Chilli fish is a spicy and flavourful Indian-Chinese fusion dish that's perfect for seafood lovers.
- The dish can be made with a variety of fish and is typically coated in a spicy sauce made from chilli paste, soy sauce, and other seasonings.
- With a few basic ingredients and some simple techniques, you can easily make restaurant-quality chilli fish at home.
Chilli Fish Basics
If you're looking for a spicy and flavourful fish dish, chilli fish is a great option to try. Here are some basics to get you started.
Choosing the Right Fish
When it comes to making chilli fish, you want a white fish that is firm and can hold up to frying and cooking in a sauce.
Some good options include sea bass, bream, cod, and haddock. Basa and tilapia are also popular choices. You can use boneless fish cubes for ease of preparation.
Essential Ingredients
To make chilli fish, you will need a few essential ingredients, including salt, garlic, oil, chilli, pepper, sugar, onion, ginger, flour, vinegar, soy sauce, and cornflour.
Capsicum, garlic cloves, spring onion, pepper powder, green chillies, tomato ketchup, chilli powder, lemon juice, green chilli sauce, chilli flakes, red chilli powder, tomato sauce, turmeric powder, and curd are also commonly used to add flavour and spice.
Preparation Techniques
To prepare chilli fish, you will need to marinate the fish cubes in a mixture of spices and seasonings, including salt, pepper, turmeric powder, and lemon juice.
You can also add garlic, ginger, and chilli powder for extra flavour.
After marinating, coat the fish cubes in all-purpose flour and beaten egg, then deep fry until golden brown.
To make the sauce, heat oil in a pan and add chopped garlic, ginger, and onion.
Cook until fragrant, then add capsicum, green chillies, and tomatoes.
Once the vegetables are soft, add soy sauce, tomato ketchup, and chilli powder. Mix well, then add the fried fish cubes and toss to coat in the sauce.
Chilli fish is a delicious and spicy dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or as an appetizer.
With the right ingredients and preparation techniques, you can make a flavourful and satisfying meal that is sure to impress.
Cooking and Serving
Cooking Methods
There are various ways to cook chilli fish, but the most popular ones are deep-frying and pan-frying.
For deep-frying, heat the oil in a wok or deep frying pan until it is hot enough. Dip the white fish fillets, such as bhetki, in cornflour and deep fry them until they are crispy.
For pan-frying, heat oil in a pan and cook the fish until it is golden brown on each side.
To make the chilli fish more flavourful, add chopped garlic, chopped ginger, and chopped green bell pepper to the pan.
You can also add schezwan sauce to give it a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
Chilli fish makes an excellent appetizer. To serve, garnish it with chopped coriander, basil, and spring onions. You can also add some lime juice to give it a tangy flavour.
Chilli fish can be served with a variety of dishes such as fried rice, Chinese fried rice, or noodles.
For a healthier option, you can serve it with steamed vegetables or carrot salad.
Complementary Dishes
To complement the spicy flavour of chilli fish, you can serve it with sweet dishes such as honey glazed carrots or sweet and sour sauce.
You can also serve it with a side of paneer or chilli chicken.
Preparation time for chilli fish is usually around 30 minutes and it serves 4 people.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you prepare a classic chilli fish curry?
To prepare a classic chilli fish curry, you will need to marinate fish fillets with salt, ginger garlic paste, pepper powder, chili powder and vinegar for 15 minutes.
Then, deep fry the fish fillets until they turn golden brown.
In a separate pan, sauté onions, garlic, ginger, green chilies, and bell peppers until they are soft and fragrant.
Add tomato puree, soy sauce, and chili sauce to the pan and mix well.
Finally, add the fried fish fillets and cook for a few minutes until the fish is coated in the sauce and heated through.
What are the essential ingredients for a crispy chilli fish dish?
The essential ingredients for a crispy chilli fish dish are fish fillets, cornflour, all-purpose flour, salt, pepper, egg, and oil for frying.
To make the batter, mix cornflour, all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper in a bowl. In a separate bowl, beat an egg.
Dip the fish fillets in the egg and then coat them in the batter. Deep fry the fish fillets until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Where can one find the best chilli fish in town?
The best place to find the best chilli fish in town is at a local Chinese or seafood restaurant.
You can also try making it at home using fresh ingredients and your favourite recipe.
Is it possible to use frozen fish for making chilli fish, and if so, how?
Yes, it is possible to use frozen fish for making chilli fish.
Thaw the fish fillets in the refrigerator overnight, and then pat them dry with a paper towel. Follow your favourite recipe to marinate and cook the fish fillets.
What's the secret to a perfect Chinese-style chilli fish?
The secret to a perfect Chinese-style chilli fish is to use fresh fish fillets, marinate them with the right spices, and deep fry them until they are crispy and golden brown.
The sauce should be a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavours.
Can lime juice enhance the flavour of chilli fish, and when should it be added?
Yes, lime juice can enhance the flavour of chilli fish. Add lime juice to the sauce just before serving to give it a tangy kick.