Ilish Mach Bhaja (Fried Hilsa Fish)
A quintessential Bengali dish, Ilish Mach Bhaja features the prized Hilsa fish, lightly seasoned and pan-fried to crispy perfection. It's a simple yet incredibly flavorful preparation that highlights the rich, oily texture and unique taste of Hilsa.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Hilsa fish (Ilish mach)(cut into medium pieces, scaled and cleaned)
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 0.5 tsp Red chili powder(optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 4 tbsp Mustard oil(for frying)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Wash the Hilsa fish pieces thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels.
💡 Tip: Ensuring the fish is dry helps in achieving a crispier fry. - 2
In a bowl, mix turmeric powder, red chili powder (if using), and salt. Add the fish pieces and coat them evenly with the spice mixture.
- 3
Heat mustard oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
💡 Tip: Mustard oil imparts a distinct flavor to the fish. - 4
Carefully place the marinated fish pieces into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary.
- 5
Fry the fish until golden brown and crispy on both sides. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes per side.
💡 Tip: Adjust heat to prevent burning while ensuring the fish is cooked through. - 6
Remove the fried fish from the pan and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
💡 Tip: Serve immediately.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Hilsa fish is very delicate, so handle it with care.
- ✓Mustard oil is traditional and adds a unique pungency, but other neutral oils can be used if preferred.
- ✓Serve hot with plain rice, dal, and a squeeze of lemon or lime.
🔄 Variations
- Marinate the fish with a little bit of lemon juice for added freshness.
- Add a pinch of kalonji (nigella seeds) to the spice mix for a subtle anise flavor.