Fish Fry ( using King Mackerel Steaks )

Things you will need:

• King Mackerel Steaks - 1 lb;
• Coriander Powder- 1 tbsp
• Red Chilli Powder- 2 tbsp, adjust according to your taste and tolerance
• Black Pepper Powder- 1 tsp
• Curry Leaves- few;chopped
• Onion Paste- 2 tbsp;
• Lime Juice-1 tsp
• Salt to taste
• Oil- 1 cup

Preparation Method:

• Wash the the steaks well.
• In a bowl add salt ,lime juice,onion paste,curry leaves,coriander powder,red chilli powder and black pepper powder.
• Using about 1 tbsp water mix the powders into a smooth paste.
• Marinate the pieces with this paste and set aside for 30 mins.
• Heat oil in a deep-frying pan.
• Add the pieces one at a time and deep fry in medium flame.
• Turn the pieces over and fry .
• Once done the steaks will have nice brown color on both sides.
• Fried King Mackerel Steaks are now ready to serve.

Simple Fish Fry / Meen Varuthathu

Things you will need:

Catfish Fillets - 1 lb;boneless, skinless
Coriander Powder- 2 tbsp
Red Chilli Powder- 1 tbsp, adjust according to your taste and tolerance
Black Pepper Powder- 1 tsp
Lime Juice-1 tsp
Salt to taste
Oil- 1/4 cup

Preparation Method:

Wash the fillets well, and cut it into 1 inch square pieces.
In a bowl add salt ,lime juice,coriander,red chilli and black pepper powder.
Using about 1 tbsp water mix the powders into a smooth paste.
Marinate the pieces with this paste and set aside for 30 mins.
Heat oil in a frying pan.
Add the pieces one at a time and fry in low-medium flame.
After about 3 or 4 mins turn the pieces over and fry for 4 mins on low-medium flame.
Be careful not to break the pieces when turning them over.
Once done the fillet pieces will have nice brown color on both sides.

Serve hot with steamed rice and a curry like Mango Curry.

Chemmeen (aka Shrimp or Prawn) Masala

Things you will need:

Chemmeen/Shrimp/Prawn: 2 lbs (You can use the frozen kind) peeled , deveined, cleaned well
Onion- 2 diced
Curry Leaves
Ginger- 1 inch piece, grated
Garlic- 4 or 5 pods minced
Turmeric Powder- 1 tsp
Coriander powder- 1 tbsp
Red Chilli powder – 1 tsp
Green Chillies- 4 or 5 slit in half lengthwise
Cilantro – chopped
Ketchup- 1 tsp
Lime juice – 1 tsp
Oil -1 tbsp
Butter- half stick
Water – 1 cup
Salt to taste

Preparation Method:

Heat oil. Add ginger and garlic.
Once brown , add butter ,onion, curry leaves and green chillies and sauté .
Then add turmeric, coriander, and red chilli powder and stir until it looses its raw smell.
Now add the shrimp ( chemmeen) , salt and water.
Bring this to a boil and cook until shrimp is nice and tender .
Then add ketchup, and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
Now add lime juice and garnish with cilantro.

Chemmeen masala is now ready to be served with hot steamed rice and raita (yoghurt salad).