| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins – 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 367 | 21g | 3g | 29g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 1g | 3g | 24g | 2g |
Steeped in flavors reminiscent of both New England’s seafood culture and Irish comfort food, the Fried Fish with Curry Leaves takes me back to my childhood in Boston where I learned to appreciate the art of blending East and West in the simplest of manners.
Growing up in a household with Irish grandparents, comfort food was part and parcel of our way of life. Yet it was the unique, rich flavor combinations of New England that breathes life into this bountiful recipe. The Fried Fish with Curry Leaves is somewhat similar to the battered fish often served in my beloved Boston’s seafood shacks, but carries the exotic undertones of curry leaves, adding a whole new level of gastronomic adventure.
A Journey of Flavor
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and elegance. From the tender white fish fillets to the fragrant curry leaves, every ingredient plays a role in creating a medley of flavors. It’s a perfect fit for those days when all you want is a wholesome, comfort meal. The curry leaves not only infuse the fish with a unique flavor profile, but they also offer a plethora of health benefits thanks to their rich antioxidant properties. Their distinct flavor elevates the crispy fried fish, turning an ordinary comfort food staple into an exotic feast.
Perfect Pairings
This dish doesn’t need much to shine, yet, if you’re looking to create a full-bodied experience, serve this delight alongside a cool and refreshing cucumber raita, whose lightness beautifully contrasts the fried fish’s robust flavors. Or maybe you feel like experimenting with traditional Irish sides, in that case, consider pairing it with a classic colcannon, whose creaminess would complement the crispiness of the fish marvellously. You can find a great colcannon recipe here.
When Laura, my fiancée, and I first crafted this splendid dish, we knew it would be a big hit with our baby boy. After all, what’s not to love about a recipe that pays homage to our heritage whilst embracing the beautiful flavors of multicultural New England? High in protein, this dish is not just a joy to the taste buds, but also a perfect nutritious addition to family meals.
I hope you love this Fried Fish with Curry Leaves as much as we do!
What You’ll Need
- 6 pieces white fish fillets
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 cups vegetable oil for frying
- 4 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 teaspoons turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 cups curry leaves
- 1 lime, juiced
Method
Step One
Start by patting dry the white fish fillets. In a bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, turmeric powder, and chili powder. Use this seasoning to marinate the fish fillets on all sides. Let the fish rest for at least 15 minutes so the flavors can penetrate the fillets.
Step Two
Next, dredge the seasoned fish fillets in the all-purpose flour, making sure they are fully coated. Shake off any excess flour and set the fish aside.
Step Three
In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Test the oil temperature by dropping in a small bit of flour, the oil is ready if the flour sizzles upon contact.
Step Four
Once the oil is heated, carefully place the fish fillets in the pan. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, fry the fish in batches if necessary. Fry each side of the fish until it becomes golden brown and crispy, this should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Use a spatula to gently turn the fish over, be careful to avoid oil splashes.
Step Five
While the fish is frying, rinse the curry leaves and pat them dry. Once the fish is done, remove it from the pan and place it on a layer of paper towels to absorb extra oil. In the same pan, fry the curry leaves until they become crispy, this should only take about 1-2 minutes. Place the fried curry leaves on a separate plate lined with paper towel to absorb the excess oil.
Step Six
Arrange the fried fish on a serving plate, scatter the crispy curry leaves on top. Squeeze the lime juice over the fish and curry leaves. Serve the Fried Fish with Curry Leaves immediately while it’s still hot and enjoy the vibrant flavors!
