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    The Curry Mommy » Seafood Recipes

    Tandoori Fish Recipe - Oven Baked or Pan Seared

    Published: May 24, 2018 · Modified: Oct 21, 2021 by The Curry Mommy · This post may contain affiliate links ·

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    Jump to Recipe

    This is an easy Indian tandoori fish masala recipe that's low carb and quick to make!

    Whitefish is marinated with a homemade fish masala and then cooked until tender. It pairs well with rice, slaw, or vegetables for a complete meal.

    a round bowl with rice, cooked broccoli, and a oven baked indian catfish

    My favorite types of fish to use for this Indian recipe are catfish, tilapia, halibut, or cod. If those are hard to find, then know that any whitefish will work well.

    Want to try another tasty meal? Give my Lamb Chops a try!


    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Equipment
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • Storage and Reheating
    • Fish Types
    • Pair it with...
    • Top Tips
    • 📖 Recipe
    • FAQ
    • 💬 Community

    Ingredients

    ingredients for fish masala
    • whitefish (catfish, tilapia, cod, halibut, etc)
    • garlic
    • ginger
    • turmeric powder or fresh
    • coriander powder
    • tandoori masala (I like Raja Brand)
    • black pepper
    • red chili powder
    • oil
    • salt
    • cilantro for garnishment

    Instructions

    Combine the fish masala ingredients.

    indian spices in a bowl

    Add the patted dry fish filets one at a time to lightly coat them each.

    • one filet of catfish with fish masala
    • fish being marinated with spices

    Marinate by setting it aside until you are ready to cook (I don't recommend marinating longer than 24 hours).

    catfish being marinated with fish masala in a white bowl

    Place the fish in a crisper pan and cook at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes.

    • large raw catfish filets with indian spices
    • baked catfish in an oven with spices

    Garnish with cilantro and enjoy!

    cooked tandoori fish in a plate with serano chilies on top

    Equipment

    1. Crisper Pan for oven method
    2. Wide flat pan for stove top method
    3. Large bowl for marinating and making the tandoori fish masala
    4. Spatula

    Substitutions

    • Tandoori Masala- Use any brand of tandoori masala available. A little goes a long way in this recipe.
    • Kashmiri Chili Powder- substitute with paprika

    Variations

    • Less Spice- Add very little spices (ginger, garlic, tandoori masala, Kashmiri chili, and red chili powder)
    • More Spice- Garnish with fresh green chili peppers.

    Storage and Reheating

    Marinating- The fish can be marinated for about 24 hours but I do not recommend anything more than that since the fish masala has salt.

    Reheating- Use a toaster or oven to reheat the cooked fish in a pan with a cover until heated through at 350 degrees. Feel free to use foil as a cover.


    Fish Types

    You can use any white fish that is readily available to you. In my experience, I have used the following and all have worked well...

    1. Catfish (Indian Catfish is my favorite)
    2. Halibut
    3. Cod
    4. Dover Sol
    5. Tilapia
    6. Grouper

    Pair it with...

    1. Roti
    2. Slaw, Avocado, and an Onion Salad for Fish Tacos
    3. Onion Salad and lemon wedge
    4. White Rice
    5. Masala Rice
    6. Quinoa
    7. Chutney!

    Top Tips

    • I do not recommend marinating the fish for more than 24 hours.
    • Let the fish sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes before cooking.
    • Oven baked results in a delicious soft flaky texture.
    • When cooking the fish in a pan, I only like to flip it once. Cook the second side for half the time the first time was cooked. Hence, cook for 4 minutes, flip, and cook for 2 minutes.

    📖 Recipe

    a round bowl with rice, cooked broccoli, and a oven baked indian catfish

    Tandoori Fish Recipe- Oven Baked or Pan Seared

    The Curry Mommy
    In this Indian Fish recipe a homemade fish masala is marinated with whitefish and then cooked in the oven or in a pan. It pairs well with roti, white rice, slaw, or roasted vegetables.
    4.94 from 30 votes
    Pin Recipe Print Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 25 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer, Main Course
    Cuisine Indian
    Servings 3

    Ingredients
      

    Fish Masala Ingredients

    • 1 teaspoon fresh grated garlic
    • ½ teaspoon ginger
    • 1 teaspoon turmeric (fresh preferred)
    • 2 tablespoon dry coriander powder
    • 1 teaspoon tandoori masala (I like Raja Brand)
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon Kashmiri chili powder
    • 3 tablespoon water
    • 1 tablespoon oil
    • ¾ teaspoon salt (I use Mortons iodized salt)
    • red chili powder

    Fish Ingredients

    • 1½ lb white fish (catfish, tilapia, cod, halibut, etc)
    • lemon wedge for garnishment.
    • cilantro for garnishment

    Instructions
     

    Making the Fish Masala and Marinating the Fish

    • Combine the fish masala ingredients and set the bowl aside.
    • Add the patted dry fish filets to the bowl and try to cover them all with masala the best you can.
    • Set it aside until you are ready to cook.
    • Before cooking, keep the fish at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.

    Stove Top Cooking Instructions

    • Heat a pan on high heat. After it is heated through, spray a little oil on the pan and then lay the filets flat to cook making sure not to over crowd the pan.
    • Let it cook for about 3-5 minutes on medium-high heat (depending on thickness). If you are unsure when to flip: My tip here is wait until the fish begins to change to a slight white color on the sides and towards the top edges. I only flip the fish one time.
    • Flip each filet over and cook for an additional 2 minutes. SIDE NOTE: Cook the second side of the fish only half the time you cooked the first side. 
    • Remove filets from the pan, garnish with cilantro, and serve with a fresh lemon wedge.

    Oven Cooking Method

    • Heat oven to 400 degrees and place the oven rack at least two settings down from the top.
    • Line the bottom of the crisper pan with parchment paper then place the crisper rack over it.
    • One filet at time lay it on top trying not to overcrowd the pan.
    • Cook the fish in the oven for about 15 minutes. Time will vary based on thickness of the fish. There is no flipping needed when using this method.
    • Remove from the oven, garnish with cilantro, and serve warm.
    Tried this recipe?Share your photo and tag @TheCurryMommy or #thecurrymommy!

    FAQ

    What is Tandoori Fish?

    A tender white flaky fish marinated with herbs and spices that is traditionally made in a Tandoori Oven. Spices like garlic, ginger, red chili powder, and a combination of masala make up the tandoori flavored base.

    Is Indian Fish Healthy?

    You bet! When using the right fish this recipe is perfect for Whole30, paleo, and keto diets.

    What is a Tandoor Oven?

    An oven is made in many shapes and sizes, but normally a cylinder imitating the shape of a beehive.

    How to make Tandoori Fish Masala?

    A mixture of coriander powder, Kashmiri chili, garam masala, cumin powder, turmeric powder, and a few other spices make up the majority of the seasoning.

    How to marinate Tandoori Fish?

    Using the spices listed marinate the fish and set it aside until ready to cook.

    Can I make fish in a microwave?

    With the right kitchen, yes you can cook fish in a microwave. Look into buying a steamer that is made specifically to steam foods such as this Microwave Fish Gadget.

    How to make Tandoori Fish in the oven?

    When you are ready to cook, lay the fish on an oven rack pan and spray some oil on top of the fish. Then bake for 15 minutes at 400.

    What kind of fish is best for Indian Fish?

    I highly recommend a white flaky fish such as catfish, tilapia, halibut, or cod.

    How to clean fish?

    Wash with water and pat it dry before cooking.


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    4.94 from 30 votes (30 ratings without comment)

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