Tandoori fish is a flavorful and aromatic Indian dish that's marinated in a blend of spices and yogurt before being cooked to perfection. A step-by-step guide on how to make tandoori fish:
Ingredients:
For the Marinade:
- 4-6 fish fillets (such as tilapia, cod, or salmon)
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons tandoori masala powder
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (for color, optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For Cooking:
- Skewers (wooden skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes or metal skewers)
- Cooking oil or non-stick cooking spray (for grilling or broiling)
- Lemon wedges and fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt, tandoori masala powder, ginger-garlic paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, paprika (for color, optional), cayenne pepper, lemon juice, salt, and vegetable oil. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
2. Score the Fish:
- To allow the marinade to penetrate the fish, score the fish fillets by making shallow cuts on both sides.
3. Marinate the Fish:
- Place the fish fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Make sure the fish is coated evenly with the marinade. You can use your hands to rub the marinade onto the fish.
4. Refrigerate:
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For the best flavor, marinate the fish for up to 4 hours, turning them occasionally to ensure even marination.
5. Preheat the Grill or Broiler:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or set your broiler to high.
6. Thread the Fish onto Skewers:
- Thread the marinated fish fillets onto skewers. If you're using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading to prevent them from burning.
7. Grill or Broil:
- Brush the grill grates with a little oil or use a non-stick cooking spray. Place the fish skewers on the grill or under the broiler.
8. Cook the Fish:
- Grill or broil the fish for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until the fish is cooked through and has a nice charred exterior. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets, so keep an eye on them.
9. Garnish and Serve:
- Once the fish is cooked, remove it from the skewers and garnish with lemon wedges and fresh cilantro, if desired.
10. Serve:
- Serve your tandoori fish hot with naan, rice, or a side salad.
Enjoy your homemade tandoori fish, a delicious and aromatic dish with the perfect blend of spices and yogurt!