Sri Lankan Fish Cutlets
Crispy, golden-brown fritters made with flaked fish, mashed potato, and a blend of aromatic Sri Lankan spices, perfect as a snack or appetizer.
🧂 Ingredients
- 250 g Fish(cooked and flaked (e.g., tuna, mackerel, or white fish))
- 2 medium Potatoes(boiled and mashed)
- 1 small Onion(finely chopped)
- 1-2 medium Green chilies(finely chopped)
- 1 tsp Ginger(grated)
- 1 clove Garlic(minced)
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Curry powder
- 5-6 leaves Curry leaves(finely chopped)
- to taste Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 2 large Eggs(for binding and coating)
- 150 g Breadcrumbs(for coating)
- for deep frying Oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a bowl, combine the flaked fish, mashed potatoes, finely chopped onion, green chilies, grated ginger, minced garlic, turmeric powder, curry powder, chopped curry leaves, salt, and black pepper.
💡 Tip: Ensure all ingredients are well combined. - 2
Mix everything thoroughly until it forms a cohesive mixture. You can use your hands for better integration.
💡 Tip: Taste a small portion of the mixture (if using cooked fish) and adjust seasoning. - 3
Divide the mixture into small portions and shape them into oval or round cutlets.
- 4
Prepare two shallow dishes: one with beaten eggs and another with breadcrumbs.
💡 Tip: Ensure enough egg and breadcrumbs for coating. - 5
Dip each cutlet first into the beaten egg, ensuring it's fully coated, then roll it in the breadcrumbs until evenly covered.
💡 Tip: Press the breadcrumbs gently to adhere. - 6
Heat oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat for deep frying.
💡 Tip: The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when a breadcrumb is dropped in. - 7
Carefully place the breadcrumb-coated cutlets into the hot oil, in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
💡 Tip: Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking. - 8
Remove the fried cutlets with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
💡 Tip: Draining on paper towels prevents greasiness. - 9
Serve hot as a snack or appetizer, often with ketchup or a chili sauce.
💡 Tip: Best served fresh and warm.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use firm white fish for best results, or canned tuna/mackerel for convenience.
- ✓Ensure potatoes are well mashed and not watery.
- ✓Adjust the amount of chili and spices to your preference.
- ✓For a healthier option, cutlets can be baked until golden brown.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add finely chopped leeks or spring onions for extra flavor.
- Incorporate a tablespoon of desiccated coconut for a subtle sweetness.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for extra heat.