Crispy Meen Varuval Recipe: How to Make Authentic South Indian Fish Fry..
Preparing Meen Varuval (Fish Fry) is a delightful culinary adventure that promises a burst of flavors and textures. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare this iconic South Indian dish:
Ingredients:
- 500 grams of fish (preferably pomfret, kingfish, or mackerel), cleaned and cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons of red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon of coriander powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons of ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 2 sprigs of curry leaves
- 2 tablespoons of rice flour (optional, for added crispiness)
- Oil for shallow frying
Instructions:
- Marinate the Fish:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cleaned and cut fish pieces with red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and salt to taste.
- Gently massage the marinade into the fish pieces, ensuring they are evenly coated. Allow the fish to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Heat Oil for Shallow Frying:
- In a wide frying pan or skillet, heat enough oil for shallow frying over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when you add the fish pieces.
- Coat the Fish with Rice Flour (Optional):
- If desired, you can coat the marinated fish pieces with rice flour before frying. This helps in achieving a crispy texture. Simply sprinkle rice flour over the fish pieces and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Fry the Fish:
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the marinated fish pieces in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. Fry the fish in batches if necessary.
- Fry the fish pieces on one side for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Then, carefully flip them over using a spatula and fry the other side until golden brown and cooked through.
- While frying, add a few curry leaves to the hot oil for added flavor and aroma. Remove the fried fish pieces from the oil and drain excess oil by placing them on a plate lined with paper towels.
- Serve Hot:
- Once all the fish pieces are fried to perfection, transfer them to a serving platter.
- Garnish with fresh curry leaves and lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
- Serve the Meen Varuval hot with steamed rice, lemon wedges, and your favorite chutney or dipping sauce.
Enjoy the crispy and flavorful Meen Varuval as a standalone appetizer or as a delicious accompaniment to your South Indian meal. This classic fish fry is sure to delight your taste buds with its irresistible taste and aroma.