Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Prepare the Fish

   Take 1 kg of Kingfish (Vanjiram Meen) pieces. Ensure they are washed thoroughly and drained of excess water. The pieces should be neither too thin nor too thick.

2. 2.Prepare the Marinade Paste

   In a plate, combine 1 tablespoon of chilli powder, 1/4 tablespoon of turmeric powder, 1/2 tablespoon of coriander powder, 1/4 tablespoon of cumin powder, 1/4 tablespoon of garam masala powder, 1/4 tablespoon of pepper powder, 1 tablespoon of ginger garlic paste, 1 tablespoon of ghee, and 1/4 tablespoon of salt. Mix all the dry ingredients and wet ingredients together by hand until a thick paste forms.

3. 3.Adjust Marinade Consistency

   Add 2 tablespoons of water to the paste and mix well. Continue adding water, about 2 more tablespoons (total 4 tablespoons), until the marinade reaches a spreadable consistency that is not too thick or too watery. Taste the marinade; it should be strong in flavor as the fish will absorb less during frying.

4. 4.Marinate the Fish

   Take each fish piece and generously apply the prepared marinade on both sides. Ensure every piece is well coated. Stack the marinated fish pieces on a plate. Let them marinate for 15-30 minutes.

5. 5.Prepare for Frying

   Place a frying pan on a stove and light the flame. Add 50 ml of ghee to the pan and let it heat up. Once the ghee is warm (not smoking hot), add a few curry leaves to infuse their flavor into the ghee.

6. 6.Fry the First Batch of Fish

   Reduce the flame to low. Carefully place 6 marinated fish pieces into the pan. Allow them to cook for about 15 seconds without disturbing. Then, gently move each fish piece with a spatula to prevent it from sticking to the pan. Continue frying on low flame.

7. 7.Flip and Finish Frying

   After about 5 minutes, when one side is golden brown and cooked, gently flip each fish piece to cook the other side. Continue to gently move the fish occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. Fry until both sides are golden brown and the fish is cooked through and soft. This should take approximately 10 minutes per batch.

8. 8.Serve the Fish Fry

   Once the first batch of fish is perfectly fried, carefully remove them from the pan and place them on a serving plate. Repeat the frying process for the remaining fish pieces using the same ghee and curry leaves. Serve hot and enjoy!