Chilli Fish with crispy fried fish coated in a spicy, tangy sauce. It is a popular dish in Indo-Chinese cuisine, loved for its bold flavors. The fish is marinated, coated in flour, and fried until golden. Then, it is tossed in a flavorful sauce made with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and chilies. There are different versions like dry Chilli Fish, which is crispy, and Chilli Lime Fish, which has a fresh, tangy taste. Some people also enjoy Apollo Fish, which is another spicy fish dish. If you love spicy food, you will enjoy this dish! Chilli Padi (small hot chilies) is often used in this recipe and is known for its health benefits. You can also pan-fry cod or marinate it in lemon juice, but not for too long. Marinating meat overnight makes it softer and tastier. If you enjoy spicy, crispy, and flavorful food, Chilli Fish is a must-try! 🍽🔥
Ingredients
| Ingredient | 0.5 kg | 1 kg | 2 kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| White fish fillets | 500g | 1kg | 2kg |
| Cooking/kosher salt | 3/8 tsp | 3/4 tsp | 1 1/2 tsp |
| Rice flour / ordinary flour | 3 tbsp | 6 tbsp | 3/4 cup |
| Canola oil | 3 tbsp | 6 tbsp | 12 tbsp |
| Sesame oil | 3 tsp | 6 tsp | 12 tsp |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 cloves | 6 cloves | 12 cloves |
| Ginger, minced | 3 tsp | 6 tsp | 12 tsp |
| Chilli flakes | 1 1/2 tsp | 3 tsp | 6 tsp |
| Sriracha | 3 tbsp | 6 tbsp | 12 tbsp |
| Light soy sauce / fish sauce | 3 tsp | 6 tsp | 12 tsp |
| Brown sugar | 4 1/2 tbsp | 9 tbsp | 18 tbsp |
| Water | 3/4 cup | 1 1/2 cup | 3 cups |
| Lime juice | 3 tbsp | 6 tbsp | 12 tbsp |
| Coriander leaves | 3 tbsp | 6 tbsp | 12 tbsp |
| Large red chilli, sliced | 1 1/2 tbsp | 3 tbsp | 6 tbsp |
| Lime wedges | As needed | As needed | As needed |
| Rice (jasmine, white, brown) | As needed | As needed | As needed |
| Steamed Asian greens | As needed | As needed | As needed |
How to Make
Prepare Fish
- Sprinkle salt on the fish.
- Coat the fish with rice flour and shake off extra flour.
Cook Fish
- Heat canola oil in a pan on medium-high heat.
- Cook the fish until golden on both sides:
- Thin fish (1 cm): Cook for 1.5 minutes per side.
- Thicker fish (1.5 cm+): Cook for 2 minutes per side.
- Remove fish from the pan and set aside.
Make Sauce
- In the same pan, add sesame oil and keep the heat on medium.
- Add garlic, ginger, and chilli flakes. Cook for 20 seconds until golden.
- Add sriracha, soy sauce, brown sugar, and water. Stir well.
- Let it cook for 2 minutes until it becomes thick like syrup.
- Add lime juice and stir. If too thick, add a little water.
Coat Fish
- Put the fish back in the pan.
- Turn it in the sauce so it gets coated well.
Serve
- Serve the fish over rice.
- Garnish with coriander leaves, sliced red chilli, and lime wedges.
- Serve with steamed greens if you like.
History of Chilli Fish Recipe
How Chilli Fish Was Created
Chilli Fish is a popular and tasty dish that comes from a mix of Chinese and Indian cooking styles. It is part of Indo-Chinese cuisine, which is a blend of Chinese flavors with Indian spices. This dish was made for people who love spicy and flavorful food.
The Beginning of Indo-Chinese Cuisine
In the 19th century, Chinese people came to Kolkata (then called Calcutta), India. They brought their cooking methods and ingredients with them. Over time, they started using Indian spices to match the local taste. This mix of Chinese techniques and Indian flavors created many delicious dishes, including Chilli Fish.
How Chilli Fish Became Famous
At first, this dish was mainly made in Chinese restaurants in India. But as more people tasted it, they fell in love with the crispy fried fish coated in a spicy, tangy sauce. It soon became a favorite street food and a must-have item in Indo-Chinese restaurants.
The Unique Taste of Chilli Fish
Chilli Fish is special because it combines different flavors—spicy, sweet, sour, and salty. The crispy fish is fried and then mixed with a rich sauce made of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and chili. Some versions also add capsicum, onions, or spring onions to enhance the taste.
Chilli Fish Around the World
Today, Chilli Fish is enjoyed not only in India but in many other countries. It is a favorite in Indian-Chinese restaurants in the USA, UK, Canada, and other parts of the world. People love it as a starter, a side dish, or even a main course with fried rice or noodles.
Why People Love Chilli Fish
This dish is loved because it is easy to make and full of bold flavors. Whether it is cooked dry or with gravy, Chilli Fish always tastes amazing. The mix of crispy fried fish with spicy sauce makes it a perfect dish for seafood lovers.
Chilli Fish has come a long way from its early days in Kolkata’s Chinatown. Today, it is a global favorite, proving that good food has no boundaries!
FAQ’s
What is Chilli Fish made of?
Chilli Fish is made of boneless fish pieces, usually coated in flour, fried until crispy, and then mixed with a spicy sauce made of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and chilies.
How to make Dry Fish Chilli?
To make dry Chilli Fish, fry the fish pieces until crispy. Then, stir-fry them with garlic, ginger, chilies, soy sauce, and capsicum. Cook for a few minutes until the fish is well coated with the sauce.
What is Chilli Lime Fish?
Chilli Lime Fish is a dish where fish is cooked with spicy chili sauce and fresh lime juice. The lime gives a tangy taste, making the dish spicy and sour at the same time.
Can we eat Apollo Fish?
Yes, Apollo Fish is safe and tasty to eat. It is often used in spicy Indian and Indo-Chinese dishes, usually deep-fried and coated with flavorful spices.
Is Chilli Padi good for health?
Yes, Chilli Padi (small spicy chili) is good for health. It helps in digestion, boosts metabolism, and contains vitamins that are good for the body. But eating too much can cause stomach irritation.
What is chili made of?
Chili is made of chili peppers, meat (like beef or chicken), tomatoes, beans, and spices like garlic, cumin, and onion. It is a thick, spicy dish loved by many.
What is Sili Fish in English?
“Sili Fish” is not a common name in English. If you are referring to a specific type of fish, please check its local name or scientific name for the correct translation.
Can I marinate cod overnight?
Yes, you can marinate cod overnight, but it’s best to keep the marination time short (2-4 hours). If you use a strong acidic marinade, like lemon juice or vinegar, do not marinate for too long, as it can make the fish mushy.
Is Chilli Padi a vegetable?
Yes, Chilli Padi (bird’s eye chili) is a type of vegetable. It is a small, very spicy chili used in many Asian dishes to add heat and flavor.
Can I pan-fry cod?
Yes, you can pan-fry cod. Just season the fish, heat oil in a pan, and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Can you marinate fish in lemon juice?
Yes, you can marinate fish in lemon juice, but not for too long. Lemon juice is acidic and can start cooking the fish, making it soft or mushy if left for too many hours.
Why marinate meat overnight?
Marinating meat overnight helps it absorb flavors better, making it tastier and more tender. The spices and liquids in the marinade break down tough fibers, making the meat juicy when cooked.
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