Sura Puttu
A traditional Chettinad and coastal Tamil Nadu delicacy. Flaky, steamed shark meat is scrambled with onions, green chilies, and fragrant spices. This unique seafood dish is dry, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with rice and sambar.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Boil the Shark
- b.Clean the shark pieces thoroughly under running water.
- c.In a medium pot, combine the shark pieces, 4 cups of water, 0.5 tsp of turmeric powder, and 0.5 tsp of salt.
- d.Bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
- e.Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the shark meat is firm, opaque, and cooked through.
- f.Drain the water completely using a colander and set the shark aside to cool down to room temperature.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Shark Meat
- b.Once the shark is cool enough to handle, carefully peel off and discard the skin.
- c.Remove the central bone and any other small bones you may find.
- d.Using your fingers, crumble the cooked shark meat into a fine, flaky texture, similar to scrambled eggs. Set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Temper and Sauté Aromatics
- b.Heat the gingelly oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat.
- c.Add the mustard seeds and allow them to splutter completely.
- d.Add the urad dal and sauté for about 30 seconds until it turns a light golden brown.
- e.Add the finely chopped small onions, green chilies, ginger, garlic, and curry leaves.
- f.Sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions become soft, translucent, and start to brown at the edges.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Sura Puttu
- b.Add the remaining 0.25 tsp of turmeric powder and mix well with the sautéed onions.
- c.Add the crumbled shark meat to the pan along with the remaining 0.75 tsp of salt.
- d.Gently mix everything together, ensuring the shark meat is evenly coated with the spices.
- e.Cook on medium-low heat for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is to let all the moisture evaporate, resulting in a dry, fragrant 'puttu'.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Sprinkle the freshly ground black pepper powder and chopped coriander leaves over the puttu.
- c.Mix well and cook for one final minute to incorporate the flavors.
- d.Turn off the heat. If using, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and give it a final toss.
- e.Serve Sura Puttu hot as a side dish with rice and sambar or rasam.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, use 'Paal Sura' (Milk Shark), which is tender and flakes easily.
- 2Do not overcook the shark during the boiling stage, as it can become tough and rubbery.
- 3Ensure the crumbled shark meat is as dry as possible before adding it to the pan to achieve the perfect 'puttu' texture.
- 4Using small onions (shallots) provides a unique sweetness and depth of flavor that is traditional to this dish.
- 5A non-stick or well-seasoned cast iron pan is ideal for this recipe to prevent the shark meat from sticking.
- 6Freshly ground black pepper offers a much more potent and aromatic flavor than pre-ground pepper.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Coconut
For a richer flavor, add 2-3 tablespoons of freshly grated coconut along with the black pepper in the final step and sauté for a minute.
Different FishDifferent Fish
If shark is unavailable, you can make this dish with other firm-fleshed fish like tuna, kingfish (seer fish), or cod. Adjust boiling time accordingly.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the number of green chilies or add 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder along with the turmeric for extra heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
Shark meat is an excellent source of high-quality, lean protein, which is essential for muscle building, tissue repair, and overall body function.
Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
This dish provides beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, known to support heart health, reduce inflammation, and improve brain function.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
The inclusion of spices like turmeric (containing curcumin) and ginger lends natural anti-inflammatory properties to the dish, which can help combat chronic inflammation.
Boosts Metabolism
Spices like black pepper contain piperine, which can enhance nutrient absorption and help boost the body's metabolic rate.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of Sura Puttu (approximately 170g) contains around 240-260 calories, making it a relatively light and protein-rich dish.