The fish fry that is popular in the Malabar region of Kerala has very simple recipe. This Kerala recipe too has its basic aesthetics. For example, you need to use coconut oil to fry the fish. But other than these typically "mallu" features, it is a pretty straight forward dish. This is a deep fried fish recipe.

The fish is first marinated with some aromatic South Indian spices. Then the fillets of fish are deep fried in oil. You can use this Kerala style fish fry recipe as a snack or have it with sambar and rice.

Preparation Time-40 minutes
Cooking Time-20 minutes

Ingredients

    Fish fillets- 8 (King fish or any other fish of the same size)
    Ginger- 1 inch
    Garlic- 8 pods
    Green chillies- 4
    Red chilli powder- 1tsp
    Turmeric- 1 pinch
    Black pepper powder- 1tsp
    Curry leaves- 5-10
    Lemon Juice- 2tbsp
    Coconut oil- 2tbsp
    Onion- 1 (cut into rings)
    Salt- as per taste

Procedure

1. Wash the fish fillets properly and pat them dry. Make deep but small incisions on the fish.

2. Rub the fish thoroughly with salt and lemon juice. Keep the fish fillets on a layer of curry leaves so that they absorb the flavour.

3. Keep the fish aside while you make the rest of the marinade.

4. Grind ginger, garlic and green chillies together. Add red chilli powder, pepper and turmeric to this paste. Mix well.

5. Marinate the fish with this paste and leave it for about 30 minutes.

6. Heat oil in a deep bottomed pan. When the oil is warm enough, add the fish to pan.

7. Lower the flame to minimum and deep fry on both sides. It should take about 10 to 15 minutes to fry the fish well.

Garnish with raw onion rings and serve Kerala style Fish fry to your family.