Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Clean the Fish

   Place 1 kg Rohu fish steaks in a bowl. Add 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste, 1/2 tsp caraway seeds, 1 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp vinegar. Rub these ingredients thoroughly into the fish. Add enough water to cover the fish and let it soak for 30 minutes to remove any fishy smell.

2. 2.Wash and Dry the Fish

   After 30 minutes, wash the fish 3-4 times until the water runs clear. Transfer the fish to a colander to drain excess water. Then, place the fish on paper towels and pat dry both sides thoroughly. This step is crucial for crispy fish and prevents it from breaking during frying.

3. 3.Prepare the Fish Marinade

   In a bowl, combine 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste, 1 tsp salt (use less as fish already has salt), 1/4 tsp caraway seeds, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp vinegar, 1 tbsp cumin powder, 1 tbsp crushed coriander seeds, 1 tbsp tamarind water, juice from 1/2 lemon, 1 tsp garam masala powder, 1 tsp paprika powder (for red color), 1/2 tsp red chili powder, 1/2 tsp chili flakes, 1 tbsp gram flour (besan), 1 tbsp rice flour, and 1 tbsp yogurt. Mix all ingredients well to form a thick paste. The marinade should not be too thin.

4. 4.Marinate the Fish

   Add the dried fish steaks to the prepared marinade. Ensure each piece is evenly coated. Marinate the fish in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. For best results, you can marinate it overnight.

5. 5.Prepare the Mint Chutney

   In a blender, combine 1 cup mint leaves, 1 cup cilantro, 1/2 tsp whole cumin seeds, 1 green chili, 2 garlic cloves, 2 dry round red chili peppers, 1/2 tbsp tamarind paste, juice from 1/4 lemon, 2 ice cubes (to maintain green color), and 1 tbsp yogurt. Blend until smooth. In a separate bowl, add 3 tbsp yogurt and mix until smooth. Pour the blended green mixture into the yogurt and mix well. Add 1 tsp salt and mix again.

6. 6.Fry the Fish

   Heat sufficient cooking oil in a frying pan on high heat, then reduce the heat to medium. Before adding the fish, give the marinated fish a good mix. Carefully place the marinated fish steaks into the hot oil. Fry for about 7 minutes, turning them once when one side is cooked and golden brown. Hold each fried fish piece with tongs for a few seconds to drain excess oil before removing. Continue frying the remaining fish pieces. Do not turn off the heat until all fish is fried to prevent it from absorbing oil.

7. 7.Prepare and Fry the Fries

   After frying the fish, clean the oil if necessary. Add the sliced potatoes to the leftover fish marinade. Add 1 tbsp cornstarch and 1/2 tsp salt, then mix well to coat the potatoes. Heat the oil again. Carefully add the coated potatoes to the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy. Remove the fries and place them on a separate plate.

8. 8.Serve

   Arrange the fried Lahori fish steaks and crispy fries on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh lettuce, sliced tomatoes, onions, and lemon wedges. Serve immediately with the homemade mint chutney. Enjoy!