Tandoori Fish Tikka
Succulent pieces of firm fish marinated in a classic blend of yogurt and tandoori spices, then grilled to smoky perfection. A fantastic appetizer or light main course that brings the flavor of the tandoor to your home kitchen.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Fish & First Marinade
- b.Cut the fish fillets into 1.5-inch cubes. Pat them completely dry with a paper towel.
- c.In a mixing bowl, gently toss the fish pieces with lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and 0.5 tsp of salt.
- d.Set aside to marinate for 15-20 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare Tandoori Marinade
- b.In a separate large bowl, whisk the hung curd until it's smooth and creamy.
- c.Add the roasted besan, mustard oil, Kashmiri red chilli powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, crushed kasuri methi, and the remaining 1 tsp of salt.
- d.Mix thoroughly to form a thick, lump-free paste.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine & Marinate
- b.Gently add the fish from the first marinade, along with the cubed onion and capsicum, into the tandoori marinade.
- c.Use your hands or a spatula to coat everything evenly, being careful not to break the fish.
- d.Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Preheat & Skewer
- b.Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and set it to the grill or broil mode.
- c.If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- d.Thread the marinated fish, onion, and capsicum pieces alternately onto the skewers. Don't pack them too tightly to ensure even cooking.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Bake the Fish Tikka
- b.Arrange the skewers on a wire rack placed over a foil-lined baking tray.
- c.Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- d.Carefully remove the tray, flip the skewers, and baste them with melted butter.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Final Cook & Serve
- b.Return the skewers to the oven and bake for another 5-8 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through, opaque, and has light char marks on the edges.
- c.Once cooked, remove from the oven and sprinkle with chaat masala.
- d.Serve immediately with lemon wedges and mint chutney.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a firm-fleshed fish like basa, tilapia, kingfish (surmai), or cod to ensure the pieces don't fall apart during marination and grilling.
- 2Patting the fish dry is a crucial step. A dry surface helps the marinade stick better, resulting in more flavor.
- 3Do not over-marinate the fish. The acid from the lemon juice and yogurt can 'cook' the fish and make it mushy if left for too long.
- 4Hung curd is essential for a thick marinade. If you only have regular yogurt, hang it in a cheesecloth for 1-2 hours to drain excess whey.
- 5For an authentic smoky flavor (dhungar method), place a small steel bowl in the center of the marinade, add a piece of red-hot charcoal, drizzle 1 tsp of ghee over it, and immediately cover the bowl for 2-3 minutes to trap the smoke.
- 6For an air fryer version, cook at 180°C (360°F) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Ensure not to overcrowd the basket.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace fish with 400g of paneer cubes for a classic Paneer Tikka. Marinate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to penetrate.
SpicierSpicier
Add 1 tsp of regular red chilli powder and 1-2 finely chopped green chillies to the second marinade for extra heat.
CreamierCreamier
For a milder, creamier 'Malai' version, reduce chilli powder and add 3 tbsp of fresh cream (malai) and 1 tbsp of cashew paste to the marinade.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Fish provides high-quality protein essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function, without the high saturated fat content of some other protein sources.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Many types of fish are a prime source of omega-3s, which are crucial for brain health, reducing inflammation, and lowering the risk of heart disease.
Promotes Gut Health
The use of yogurt (curd) introduces beneficial probiotics into your diet, which help maintain a healthy gut microbiome, aiding digestion and boosting immunity.
Boosts Metabolism
The blend of spices like turmeric, cumin, and chilli powder not only adds flavor but also contains compounds that can give a slight boost to your metabolism.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it's a very healthy dish. It's rich in lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids from the fish. Since it's baked or grilled instead of fried, it's low in unhealthy fats. The use of yogurt also adds beneficial probiotics.