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Lady Fish Fry Recipe: A Delicious and Easy-to-Make Dish for Any Occasion

By Joy Ann David  •   5 minute read

If you're a fan of seafood, then you're in for a treat with this delicious lady fish fry recipe. Lady fish, also known as kane in Kannada or nongal in Malayalam, is a popular fish found in South India, particularly in the coastal regions of Karnataka. This fish is known for its delicate flavour and tender texture, making it a favourite among seafood lovers.

A sizzling pan with golden fish fillets, surrounded by a variety of spices and herbs, as steam rises from the delicious lady fish fry recipe

Preparing the lady fish is relatively easy and involves marinating the fish in a blend of spices and then frying it until it's crispy and golden brown. Lady fish is also a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining good health. So not only is this recipe delicious, but it's also good for you!

Frying and serving the lady fish is where the fun really begins. Once the fish is cooked, you can serve it with a side of lemon wedges, onion rings, and mint chutney to add an extra kick of flavour. Whether you're cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this lady fish fry recipe is sure to impress.

Key Takeaways

  • Lady fish is a popular fish found in South India, particularly in the coastal regions of Karnataka.
  • Lady fish is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining good health.
  • Frying and serving the lady fish is where the fun really begins.

Preparing the Lady Fish

A fish being seasoned and battered, a pan sizzling with hot oil, and a plate of fresh ingredients ready to be used

Cleaning and Marinating

Before you start cooking, it's important to clean the ladyfish properly. Rinse the fish under cold water and remove all the scales. Cut off the head and tail, and make a slit along the belly to remove the guts. Rinse the fish again and pat it dry with a paper towel.

Now, it's time to marinate the fish. In a bowl, mix together salt, turmeric powder, garlic paste, ginger paste, and lemon juice. Rub this mixture all over the fish, making sure it's coated evenly. Cover the bowl with cling film and let the fish marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Making the Masala Paste

To make the masala paste, you'll need a few key ingredients. In a grinder, combine red chilli powder, coriander powder, pepper, and tamarind paste. Grind the ingredients until they form a smooth paste.

In a separate bowl, mix together the masala paste with a little bit of water to create a thick, smooth mixture. Dip the marinated fish in the masala paste, making sure it's coated evenly. If you want the fish to be spicier, you can add more red chilli powder to the masala paste.

Now that the fish is marinated and coated in the masala paste, it's ready to be fried. Heat oil in a pan and fry the fish until it's golden brown on both sides. Serve hot with a side of rice and enjoy!

Frying and Serving

A sizzling lady fish fries in a hot pan. A hand serves the golden-brown fillet on a white plate

Coating and Frying

Now that you have marinated the ladyfish, it's time to coat and fry them. In a bowl, mix some corn flour, rava (semolina), salt, pepper, and turmeric powder to prepare the coating. Coat the marinated fish with the mixture and press it gently to ensure that it sticks to the fish.

Heat some oil in a frying pan. You can use coconut oil for a healthier option. Once the oil is hot, add the coated fish to the pan. If you prefer a crispy texture, deep fry the fish. If you want a healthier option, use the shallow frying method. Fry the fish until it turns golden brown on both sides.

Accompaniments and Presentation

Now that your ladyfish fry is ready, it's time to serve it. You can serve it with a side salad, boiled rice, or fish curry gravy. To make the fish curry gravy, sauté some onions and grated coconut until they turn golden brown. Add some spices and water to the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes. Pour the gravy over the fried fish and serve.

To make your ladyfish fry stand out, you can garnish it with some fresh herbs or lemon wedges. You can also add some chopped onions on top for extra flavour. Serve it hot and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

A woman in a chef's hat preparing a fish fry dish, surrounded by various ingredients and utensils, with a sign reading "Frequently Asked Questions lady fish fry recipe" in the background

What's the best seasoning to use for frying lady fish?

The best seasoning for frying lady fish is a combination of spices that complement the natural flavour of the fish. A simple mixture of salt, turmeric, and red chilli powder works well. You can also add some cumin, coriander, and garam masala for extra flavour.

Can you suggest a traditional Indian method for frying lady fish?

One traditional Indian method for frying lady fish is to marinate the fish in a mixture of spices and then coat it with a batter made from chickpea flour. The fish is then deep-fried until it is crispy and golden brown. This method is commonly used in the coastal regions of India.

What are the health benefits of eating lady fish?

Lady fish is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining heart health. It also contains vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, and iron, which are important for overall health and wellbeing.

How long should I typically fry a fish to get the perfect crispiness?

To get the perfect crispiness, you should fry the fish for about 3-4 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the fish. Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the fish to the pan, and don't overcrowd the pan as this can cause the fish to steam instead of fry.

What are some good accompaniments to serve with a lady fish fry?

A lady fish fry goes well with a variety of side dishes such as steamed rice, lemon wedges, salad, and chutney. You can also serve it with some crispy fries or roasted vegetables for a more substantial meal.

How do I ensure my lady fish fry doesn't stick to the pan?

To ensure that your lady fish fry doesn't stick to the pan, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the fish. Use a non-stick pan or a well-seasoned cast iron skillet, and don't overcrowd the pan. Gently shake the pan occasionally to prevent the fish from sticking, and use a spatula to carefully flip the fish over.

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