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Lahori Fried Fish (Crispy Spiced Fish)

Tender on the inside, crisp on the outside — this Lahori-style fried fish is coated in masala and deep-fried to golden perfection.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marination Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course BBQ & Grilled
Cuisine Pakistani
Servings 2 people
Calories 360 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams boneless fish (rohu, basa, tilapia, or cod)
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp ginger paste
  • 1 tbsp garlic paste
  • 1 tsp red chilli powder
  • 1 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder (for colour)
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1/2 tsp ajwain (carom seeds)
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 medium egg (optional, for binding)
  • 2 tbsp gram flour (besan)
  • 1 tbsp cornflour
  • Oil for deep frying

Instructions
 

Step 1: Marinate the fish

  • Cut the fish into medium-sized strips or chunks.
  • In a bowl, combine lemon juice, ginger, garlic, all spices, and salt.
  • Add fish and mix gently. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour in the fridge.

Step 2: Prepare for frying

  • Just before frying, mix in gram flour and cornflour to coat the fish evenly.
  • If using, beat in one egg to help bind the coating and make it crispier.

Step 3: Fry the fish

  • Heat oil in a deep frying pan on medium heat.
  • Carefully add fish pieces and fry for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  • Drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Serve

  • Serve hot with lemon wedges, green chutney, and thinly sliced onions or kachumber salad.

Notes

  • Marinate longer for deeper flavour. Overnight marination works well too.
  • Make sure oil is medium-hot — too hot will burn the coating, too cold will make it soggy.
  • Always fry in small batches to maintain crispness.
 
Q: Can I air fry or bake instead of deep frying?
Yes. For air fryer, cook at 180°C for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway. For oven, bake at 200°C for 15–18 minutes on a greased tray.
Q: Is this dish spicy?
It’s moderately spicy. You can reduce red chilli powder to make it milder.
Q: What kind of fish works best?
Any firm white fish like basa, tilapia, cod, haddock, or rohu will work well.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
You can marinate and coat the fish ahead, but fry just before serving for best texture.