RecipesSri LankaSri Lankan Fish Cutlets

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.

Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Servings12
DifficultyMedium
Sri Lankan Fish Cutlets - Sri Lanka traditional dish

🧂 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. 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. 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. 3

    Divide the mixture into small portions and shape them into oval or round cutlets.

  4. 4

    Prepare two shallow dishes: one with beaten eggs and another with breadcrumbs.

    💡 Tip: Ensure enough egg and breadcrumbs for coating.
  5. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

🔄 Variations

  • 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.

🏷️ Tags