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- 500g firm white fish fillets (like cod or haddock) - 1 cup chickpea flour (besan) - 1/4 cup rice flour - 1 teaspoon turmeric powder - 1 teaspoon red chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin powder - Salt to taste - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Fresh coriander leaves for garnish - Oil for deep frying When making crispy fish pakora, choose firm white fish. Cod or haddock works best. Cut the fish into bite-sized pieces. This size helps with even cooking and easy eating. For the batter, we use chickpea flour, known as besan. It gives a nice flavor and crispiness. Adding rice flour enhances the crunch even more. Mix these flours well in a bowl. Next, we add spices. Turmeric gives a lovely color. Red chili powder adds heat, so adjust it to your taste. Cumin powder gives warmth and depth. Don’t forget to add salt! It brings out all the flavors. We also need a few extra items. Baking powder helps the batter puff up. Lemon juice adds a fresh zing. Finally, fresh coriander leaves make a pretty garnish. Oil is essential for deep frying. Use a good quality oil that can handle high heat. With these ingredients ready, you are set to make delicious crispy fish pakora. Check the full recipe for more detailed steps! - Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of chickpea flour, 1/4 cup of rice flour, 1 teaspoon of turmeric, 1 teaspoon of red chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and salt. This mix will coat the fish well. - Add Fish: Cut 500g of firm white fish into bite-sized pieces. Toss the fish in the flour mix until each piece is well coated. This helps the flavors stick to the fish. - Create Batter: Gradually add water to the dry mix while whisking. Aim for a thick batter that coats the back of a spoon. This will help the fish stay crispy. - Add Lemon Juice: Mix in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. This adds a nice tangy flavor and enhances the taste of the fish. - Heat Oil: In a deep pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. To check if it’s hot enough, drop a bit of batter in. If it sizzles and rises, you're ready to fry! - Fry Fish Pakoras: Dip each fish piece in the batter, then gently place it in the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid crowding. Cook until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes, turning them occasionally. - Drain Excess Oil: Use a slotted spoon to take out the pakoras. Place them on paper towels to absorb any extra oil. This keeps your pakoras crispy and not greasy. Enjoy your crispy fish pakoras right away! For the complete recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. To get crispy fish pakoras, oil temperature matters. Heat your oil to about 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too cool, the pakoras will soak up oil and become soggy. Test it by dropping in a bit of batter; it should sizzle and rise. The batter should be thick enough to coat the fish. If it is too thin, it won’t stick well. You want your batter to be smooth but not runny. A good test is to dip a fish piece and see if it clings nicely. Pair your pakoras with tasty dips. Mint chutney is a great choice. You can also try tamarind sauce for a sweet touch. Serve them hot for the best taste. Garnishing adds charm to your dish. Sprinkle fresh coriander on top for color and flavor. You can also add lemon wedges for a zesty finish. To avoid soggy pakoras, fry in small batches. This keeps the oil hot and helps them crisp up. If you crowd the pan, the temperature drops, and you end up with soft fish. Be careful with spices. Too many can overpower the fish flavor. Stick to the recipe’s amounts for a balanced taste. This way, each bite is flavorful without being overwhelming. {{image_2}} For crispy fish pakora, some of the best fish are cod, haddock, or tilapia. These fish have a firm texture that holds up well during frying. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try using paneer or your favorite vegetables. Cauliflower or zucchini can also work well, giving a nice crunch and flavor. If you want a milder version, simply reduce the amount of red chili powder. You can also skip it altogether for a light taste. To add new flavors, think about including herbs like parsley or dill. You can also try spices like garlic powder or paprika for a twist. If you have an air fryer, you can adapt this recipe for a healthier option. Just coat the fish as usual, then place it in the air fryer basket. Cook at 200°C (400°F) for about 10-12 minutes. For oven-baked crispy pakoras, preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Place the coated fish on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through for even crispiness. These variations make your crispy fish pakora fun and unique! For the full recipe, check the section above. To keep your leftover crispy fish pakora fresh, store them in the fridge. Place the pakoras in an airtight container. They will stay good for about two days. When you want to eat them again, you can reheat them. The best way is to use an oven or air fryer. This method helps keep them crispy. Just set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes. If you want to keep pakoras for longer, you can freeze them. You can freeze both uncooked and cooked pakoras. For uncooked, place the battered fish on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag. For cooked pakoras, let them cool first. Then, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. To thaw, simply take them out and let them sit in the fridge overnight. You can also use a microwave for quick thawing, but this might make them soggy. When stored properly, crispy fish pakora can last up to two days in the fridge and about one month in the freezer. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Following these tips helps keep your delicious snack fresh and tasty for longer! For the full recipe, check out the full recipe section. For fish pakora, firm white fish works best. I recommend using cod or haddock. These fish have a nice texture and flavor. They hold up well when fried. You can also try tilapia if you want. The key is to choose fish that won’t fall apart during cooking. Yes, you can! If you want a healthier option, try baking or air frying. For baking, arrange the battered fish on a greased tray. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes. If you use an air fryer, cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Both methods give a nice crisp without the oil. To make your fish pakora spicier, add more red chili powder. You can also include fresh green chilies in the batter. If you like heat, try adding black pepper or even a pinch of cayenne. Just remember to adjust the spices slowly. This way, you can find the perfect spice level for your taste. Crispy fish pakora pairs well with many sides. I suggest serving it with mint chutney or tamarind sauce. These dips add a refreshing touch. You can also serve it with a simple salad or roasted vegetables. They balance the richness of the pakora. Enjoy your meal with a squeeze of lemon for a burst of flavor. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above! This blog post offers a clear guide on making delicious fish pakoras. You learned about the main ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for perfect results. Remember, proper oil temperature and batter consistency are key to crispiness. You can also try different fish or spices to suit your taste. Whether frying or baking, these pakoras can be easily stored and reheated. Enjoy making and sharing this tasty dish!

Crispy Fish Pakora

Get ready to delight your taste buds with these Crispy Fish Pakora! This easy recipe features tender fish fillets coated in a flavorful chickpea batter and fried to golden perfection. Perfect for a snack or appetizer, these pakoras are sure to impress your guests. Follow our step-by-step guide and enjoy every crispy bite. Click to explore this delicious recipe and elevate your cooking skills today!

Ingredients
  

500g firm white fish fillets (like cod or haddock), cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup chickpea flour (besan)

1/4 cup rice flour

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon cumin powder

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Salt to taste

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Water (as needed)

Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Oil (for deep frying)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpea flour, rice flour, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, baking powder, and salt.

    Add Fish: Toss the fish pieces in the flour mixture until they are well coated.

      Create Batter: Gradually add water to the dry ingredients while whisking to form a smooth, thick batter. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Add lemon juice and mix well.

        Heat Oil: In a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small amount of batter into the oil; it should sizzle and rise to the surface.

          Fry Fish Pakoras: Carefully dip each marinated fish piece into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated, then gently place it in the hot oil. Do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally.

            Drain Excess Oil: Use a slotted spoon to remove the pakoras from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.

              Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh coriander over the hot pakoras for a burst of freshness. Serve immediately with mint chutney or tamarind sauce.

                - Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6