Fish Varuval

Savor the bold and fiery flavors of South India with Fish Varuval, a spiced pan-fried fish dish that’s a true celebration of aromatic spices and fresh ingredients. This recipe features tender tilapia or king fish fillets coated in a robust marinade made from turmeric, red chili powder, coriander, garam masala, tamarind paste, and ginger-garlic paste, delivering an irresistible balance of heat and tanginess. The addition of curry leaves infused in hot oil brings a fragrant depth to the dish, while the crispy golden crust on the fish makes every bite utterly satisfying. Quick to prepare in just 35 minutes, this crowd-pleaser pairs beautifully with steamed rice or can be savored on its own with a squeeze of fresh lemon. Perfect for spice lovers, Fish Varuval is a must-try for anyone looking to explore authentic South Indian cuisine.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams Fish fillets (preferably tilapia or king fish)
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 2 teaspoons Red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon Garam masala
• 2 teaspoons Ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon Tamarind paste
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 10 leaves Curry leaves
• 100 milliliters Oil (for frying)
• 2 tablespoons Water

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the fish fillets thoroughly under running water and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, ginger-garlic paste, tamarind paste, lemon juice, and salt.

Step 3

Add 2 tablespoons of water to the spice mixture and mix well to form a smooth paste.

Step 4

Coat the fish fillets evenly with the spice paste, ensuring all sides are well covered. Let the fish marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Step 5

Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.

Step 6

Once the oil is hot, add the curry leaves to the oil and let them splutter for a few seconds, infusing the oil with their flavor.

Step 7

Carefully add the marinated fish fillets to the pan, being cautious of hot oil splashes.

Step 8

Fry the fish on medium heat for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 9

Once cooked through, remove the fish from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.

Step 10

Serve the fish varuval hot with steamed rice and lemon wedges on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	698.2 grams (698.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1606

Total Fat 115.20g	148%
Saturated Fat 18.80g	94%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 285mg	95%
Sodium 2658mg	116%
Total Carbohydrate 16.10g	6%
Dietary Fiber 4.90g	18%
Total Sugars 4.40g
Protein 132.20g	264%

Vitamin D 580IU	2900%
Calcium 127mg	10%
Iron 7mg	41%
Potassium 2284mg	49%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 63.6%

Protein: 32.4%

Carbs: 4.0%