Mandeli Fry
Crispy, spicy, and utterly addictive, this Maharashtrian-style Mandeli Fry is a coastal classic. Small golden anchovies are marinated in bold spices and shallow-fried to perfection, making for a perfect appetizer or side dish with dal and rice.
For 4 servings
Marinate the fish
- In a bowl, combine the cleaned mandeli fish, ginger-garlic paste, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, salt, and lemon juice.
- Mix gently with your hands to coat the fish evenly without breaking them.
- Set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Coat the marinated fish
- Spread the rice flour on a flat plate or tray.
- Take each marinated fish individually and dredge it in the rice flour, ensuring a light, even coating on all sides.
- Gently shake off any excess flour and place the coated fish on a separate plate.
Shallow fry the mandeli
- Heat oil in a wide, flat pan or skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 1/4 inch deep.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully arrange the coated fish in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in 2-3 batches if needed.
- Fry for 3-4 minutes on the first side until golden brown and crisp.
- Flip carefully with a spatula and fry for another 2-3 minutes on the other side until cooked through and equally crispy.
Drain and serve hot
- Remove the fried fish from the pan and place them on a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve immediately with sliced onion rings and lemon wedges on the side.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure the fish are completely dry before marinating for a crispier coating.
- 2The oil must be sufficiently hot before adding the fish, otherwise they will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
- 3Fry in a single layer to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Overcrowding the pan will steam the fish instead of frying them.
- 4For an extra crispy coating, you can use a mix of rice flour and fine semolina (rava) in a 1:1 ratio.
- 5Serve hot right off the pan, as they tend to lose their crispness as they cool down.
- 6Mandeli are small and delicate, so handle them gently during marination and frying to prevent them from breaking.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthy
For a healthier option, air fry the coated fish at 200°C (400°F) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. Lightly spray with oil before cooking for best results.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Reduce the red chilli powder to 1/2 tsp to make the fish milder and more suitable for children.
quickQuick
If you are short on time, you can skip the 15-minute marination. The flavour will be less absorbed but still delicious and crispy.
high proteinHigh protein
Add 1 tablespoon of chickpea flour (besan) to the rice flour coating for an extra protein boost and a slightly nuttier flavor.