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Tenggiri Fish Recipe: A Deliciously Simple Way to Cook this Malaysian Favourite

By Gabriela Esteban  •   4 minute read

If you're looking for a new fish recipe to try out, you might want to consider cooking with Tenggiri fish.

Tenggiri, also known as Mackerel or Ikan Tenggiri, is a popular fish in Southeast Asia, especially in Malaysia and Singapore.

This fish is known for its firm and flavorful flesh, making it a great ingredient for a variety of dishes.

Preparing the Tenggiri fish for cooking is relatively simple.

You'll want to clean and gut the fish before filleting it. You can also leave the fish whole if you prefer.

Once the fish is prepped, you can start experimenting with different cooking techniques to find the one that suits your tastes.

Some popular cooking techniques for Tenggiri fish include frying, steaming, and grilling.

Key Takeaways

  • Tenggiri, also known as Mackerel or Ikan Tenggiri, is a popular fish in Southeast Asia with firm and flavorful flesh.
  • Preparing the Tenggiri fish for cooking involves cleaning, gutting, and filleting the fish.
  • Cooking techniques for Tenggiri fish include frying, steaming, and grilling.

Preparing the Tenggiri

A cutting board with tenggiri fish, garlic, and lime. A bowl of spices and herbs next to a skillet on a stovetop

If you want to make a delicious Tenggiri fish recipe, it's essential to start with fresh fish and prepare it properly. Here are the steps to prepare Tenggiri fish for cooking:

Selecting Fresh Fish

When selecting Tenggiri fish, look for firm, shiny skin with a metallic hue. The eyes should be clear and bulging, and the gills should be bright red.

Avoid fish with a dull, greyish skin, sunken eyes, or brown gills, as these are signs that the fish is not fresh.

Cleaning and Filleting

Before cooking, clean the fish by removing the scales, gutting it, and removing the head.

To fillet the fish, use a sharp knife to cut along the spine, starting from the head and working towards the tail. Then, remove the fillet from the bone and repeat on the other side.

Cut the fillets into small pieces, about 2-3 inches long.

Marinating the Tenggiri

To add flavour to the Tenggiri fish, marinate it with salt, turmeric powder, garlic, and lime juice.

Mix the ingredients in a bowl and coat the fish pieces with the mixture.

Cover the bowl with cling film and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to penetrate the fish.

Cooking Techniques

The tenggiri fish is being marinated in a mixture of spices and herbs, then placed on a hot grill to cook. The aroma of sizzling fish fills the air as it turns golden brown

Pan Frying

Pan frying is a quick and easy way to cook tenggiri fish.

Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat, add cooking oil, and wait for it to get hot.

Then, place the fish in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

You can add salt and pepper to taste. Serve the fish with a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavour.

Deep Frying

Deep frying tenggiri fish gives it a crispy texture and delicious flavour.

Heat up oil in a deep fryer or a deep pot until it reaches 350°F.

Coat the fish in a mixture of flour, salt, and pepper, then carefully place it in the hot oil.

Cook for about 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Remove the fish from the oil and let it rest on a paper towel to remove excess oil.

Simmering in Curry

Simmering tenggiri fish in a curry is a popular way to cook it in Southeast Asia.

In a pot, heat up some oil and sauté onions until they are translucent.

Add curry powder and cook for a minute until fragrant.

Then, add coconut milk and bring to a simmer.

Add the fish and simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the fish is cooked through. Serve with rice or roti.

Frequently Asked Questions

A fresh tenggiri fish being prepared with various ingredients for a recipe, surrounded by cooking utensils and spices on a kitchen counter

How do you prepare a simple pan-fried tenggiri?

To prepare a simple pan-fried tenggiri, sprinkle a bit of salt over both sides of the fish.

Heat some oil in a pan and add the fish fillets. Pan-fry the fish until golden brown and crispy. Serve with your favourite side dish.

What's the best way to bake tenggiri in the oven?

To bake tenggiri in the oven, preheat the oven to 180°C.

Season the fish with salt and pepper, and place it in a baking dish.

Drizzle some olive oil over the fish and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through. Serve with lemon wedges.

Can you share a traditional Indian recipe for tenggiri fish?

One traditional Indian recipe for tenggiri fish is Tenggiri Masala.

Marinate the fish with a mixture of ginger, garlic, turmeric, chilli powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and salt.

Fry the fish until golden brown.

In a separate pan, sauté onions, tomatoes, and green chillies until soft.

Add the fried fish to the pan and cook for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve with rice.

What are some popular Chinese seasonings for tenggiri fish dishes?

Some popular Chinese seasonings for tenggiri fish dishes include soy sauce, oyster sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil.

You can also add some vegetables like bok choy, mushrooms, and carrots to make a delicious stir-fry.

How can you tell if tenggiri and batang fish are the same?

Tenggiri and batang fish are not the same. Tenggiri fish is also known as Spanish mackerel, while batang fish is a type of threadfin. Tenggiri fish has a more pronounced flavour than batang fish.

What's the English name for tenggiri fish?

The English name for tenggiri fish is Spanish mackerel. It is a popular fish in Southeast Asian cuisine. It is known for its firm, meaty texture and rich flavour.

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