Best homemade Mackerel fish ( bangda ) tawa fry Recipe
Indian Mackerel (bangda) fish Tawa fry Recipe
Mackerel fish fry recipe Indian style is very easy. You can read the full recipe with step by step instructions, how to fry bangda fish on a tawa with spices. Fish fry like bangda is always a great treat for me and many who loves fish fry. These bangda fry is a great side dish with a fish thali in most of the local Maharashtra's food ventures.
There is another popular version for this where the batter coated marinated bangdas are deep fried. But this is a shallow fry recipe on a pan or tawa. Bangda fish fry, also known as Mackerel fry Indian style, is a popular coastal seafood recipe often enjoyed in South Indian and Maharashtrian households.
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What is tawa fry?
Tawa is a flat disc shaped frying pan made from metal, ither from cast iron, sheet iron or aluminum. So tawa fry means frying food items over it using oil on medium to high flame heat. One type special masala paste is made using various types of spices, herbs and lemon juice to coat and marinate the fish. This masala also known as tawa fry masala. So tawa fry is a process of frying fish or other types of foods a a tawa by coating and marinating with tawa fry masala.
Tawa is a flat disc shaped frying pan made from metal, ither from cast iron, sheet iron or aluminum. So tawa fry means frying food items over it using oil on medium to high flame heat. One type special masala paste is made using various types of spices, herbs and lemon juice to coat and marinate the fish. This masala also known as tawa fry masala. So tawa fry is a process of frying fish or other types of foods a a tawa by coating and marinating with tawa fry masala.
What is Bangda fish?
Bangda is a type of fish commonly found in the coastal regions of the Indian subcontinent
and other parts of the Indian Ocean. They are small to medium in sized with a
streamlined shape,have a silvery-blue color with dark, wavy lines on
their upper bodies. Bangda fish have a distinctive and robust flavor that many people enjoy. Their meat is oily and rich, making them suitable for various cooking methods. A good source of essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and various vitamins and minerals.
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Bangda Fish in English
Bangda fish in English is called as Mackerel fish. It is very popular in the coastal part of India mainly Maharashtra, Goa, Banglore and other coastal parts. Bangda fish is full of meats and has bones which can easily be removed. It has a distinct flavour, very tasty and easily digestible.
There are many recipes out there for mackerel fish but my personal favorite is the shallow tawa fry one. In these recipe you can fry the full fish quite comfortably. With very few ingredients you can prepare it at home and enjoy your meal. It goes well with both Rotis and Rice.
Bangda Tawa fry is my wife's favorite recipe and she made it just so perfectly that everyone loves it at our home. She also make surmai fry like this way that are so yummy and delicious. Today I am sharing my wife's personal recipe for Mackerel ( bangda) tawa fry. If you love seafood recipes Indian then I am sure you would love this fish fry recipe. This is her homemade fish fry recipe which she prepare so nicely that we all love those delicious pieces of bangda with our meals. There is another seafood recipe called prawns fry which she make so perfectly crisp and delicious. Our Sous chef alway love this fish fry and recommened to their guest as well.
Steps to make the recipe
A. How to clean bangda fish
1. First cut and remove the fin of the fish from all sides by using a sharp knife. Cut the tail part as well.
2. Then cut and remove the mouth part along with the eyes. You need to cut at around 45 degree angle with the eyes.
3. Remove all the inner organs from inside the belly of bangda fish. Then wash them properly from all sides . Clean inside the belly two to three times with your fingers tips to remove extra dirt.
2. Then cut and remove the mouth part along with the eyes. You need to cut at around 45 degree angle with the eyes.
3. Remove all the inner organs from inside the belly of bangda fish. Then wash them properly from all sides . Clean inside the belly two to three times with your fingers tips to remove extra dirt.
4. Then make 3 deep incision both side of the fish . It will help to absorb all the ingredients flavours
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Next fry the curry leaves and let it cool down.
5. Take a mixing bowl and add all the ingredients one by one. Then add one teaspoon of cooking oil and fried curry leaves to the mixture. Curry leaves gives an aromatic flavour to the fish. Mix well to form a smooth masala mixture like this.
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6. Now apply this mixture into the bangda fishes to coat completely. Note that the mixture need to enter inside the incision part as well.
7. Keep the masala coated bangda fish refrigerated for about 60 minutes.
8. Heat 2 teaspoon oil in a heavy cast iron skillet in medium flame. Add two to three pieces of bangda fish in one batch over the tawa and shallow fry them.
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9. Flip over when one side is crisp golden and cook the other side till crisp golden.
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10. Repeat the same tawa fry procedure with the remaining fishes in next batches till crisp golden on both sides.
11. Remove them over a kitchen paper to absorb any excess oil and serve and enjoy the beautiful tasty mackerel tawa fry recipe with your family tonight at your home.
How do you know when Mackerel is cooked?
To check if the Mackerel fish is cooked properly check if the incision mark parts are moist and firm but slightly opaque. You can use a thermometer to check the internal temperature as well to confirm it.
Bangda masala fry (mangalore)
You can make this bangda fry with a masala known as tawa fry masala to make it bangda masala fry. This popular tawa fry masala is found in Mangalore and used to fry fishes like pomfret, bangda , prawns and king fish( surmai).
To make this tawa fry masala like mangalore style you need kashmiri chilly, betki chilly, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, curry leaves, garlic and fresh coconut. These all are grind to a fine paste known as tawa fry masala.
You can fry a bangda fish with these masala to make bangda masala fry recipe like mangalore. “For a crispier version, many people prepare this as a rava fried fish, especially in Konkani style bangda fry recipes.”
For step by step method to make this you can read the recipe of pomfret tawa masala fry recipe.
Health benefits of mackerel fish
- Mackerel belong to a group of fish like Salmon and Sardines which contains full nutrients to prevent a host of diseases like cardiovascular disease, prostate cancer, stress and dementia.
- They are rich source of Vitamins and Selenium.
- The Selenium is particularly effective against free radicals and help to fight Cancer
If you like this recipe I am sure you would also love to read this article in Hindi as well चिया सीड्स के फायदे, उपयोग और नुकसान हिंदी में जानें – पूरा आर्टिकल यहाँ पढ़ें।"
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is bangda fish good for pregnancy?
Eating fish like bangda during pregnancy can be a healthy choice but it is important to do so with some considerations. Here some benefits of eating bangda fish during pregnancy are
- Bangda fish is a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, which is crucial for the development of baby's brain and eyes.
- Rich in high quality protein which is essential for fetal growth and development.
- Provides essential Vitamins like vitamin D, Iodine and selenium which are important for overall heath during pregnancy.
Consideration : Bangda fish contains Mercuty, High levels of mercury can harm the developing baby's nervous system. It is essential to choose fish with lower mercury level during pregnancy.
2.. How do you know when Mackerel is cooked?
To check if the Mackerel fish is cooked properly check if the incision mark parts are moist and firm but slightly opaque. You can use a thermometer to check the internal temperature as well to confirm it.
4. Bangda fish protein per 100 gm?
On
average, Bangda fish contains about 18 to 20 grams of protein per 100
grams of edible portion. This makes it a good source of high-quality protein
for a balanced diet
Bangda (Mackerel) Fish Fry Recipe
Crispy golden Bangda fish fry made with fresh Indian Mackerel marinated in spices and shallow fried on tawa. A simple, traditional seafood dish full of flavor and crunch.
Ingredients
- 4 – 5 Indian Mackerel (Bangda) fish
- 2 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon red chilli powder (paprika)
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/3 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 3 – 4 curry leaves
- 1/3 teaspoon salt
- 3 teaspoon cooking oil (or olive oil)
Instructions
- Clean the fish: remove fins, tails, and head, discard inner organs, and wash well 3–4 times.
- Make 3–4 deep incisions on both sides of the fish to allow masala to penetrate.
- Prepare marinade: mix ginger garlic paste, chilli powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, lemon juice, oil, and salt.
- Coat the fish evenly with the marinade, making sure it goes into the incisions. Marinate for 60–90 minutes.
- Heat 1 tsp oil on a tawa or pan at high flame for 1 min to make it non-stick. Reduce flame to low.
- Place marinated fish carefully on the tawa and fry 3–4 mins per side until golden crisp and fully cooked.
- Remove and serve hot with onion slices and lemon wedges.
Nutritional Value (per serving)
- Calories: ~250–280 kcal
- Protein: ~24 g
- Fat: ~14 g
- Carbohydrates: ~6 g
Chef Notes
- Always marinate fish for at least 1 hour for best flavor.
- Heating the tawa well before frying prevents sticking.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy texture.
FAQs
Q. Can I use other fish instead of Bangda?
Yes, this recipe works well with Pomfret, Sardine, or Tilapia.
Q. How to make the fish extra crispy?
Coat the fish lightly with rice flour before frying for a crunchier texture.
Q. Can I shallow fry without a tawa?
Yes, you can use a non-stick pan or skillet with minimal oil.
Video
Mackerel (bangda) fish fry recipe video
- Mackerel fish fry can be served as a starter or appetizer and also as a side dish with your main course.
- If using as an appetizer, you can serve green mint sauce or Chutney ( Cilantro mint sauce) , few onion slices and lemon wedges with Mackerel ( bangda) fish fry.
- It is best to serve with Indian breads like Roti , chapati, Tandoori naan or Tandoori roti.
- You can also take it with curry (fish ) and steam Rice as a side dish.
RECIPE NOTES
- Curry leafs add a aromatic flavour to the fish.
- Mackerel fish has small bones at its belly part. While frying , you can remove them with a spoon
- Make you pan or skillet hot enough while frying otherwise the fish will get stuck on the pan .
- For best taste , marinate Mackerel fish for more than 3 hours to absorb all the flavours.
- Mackerel fish has full of meat, so fry them till crisp to taste better. Carefully eat them as they have bones inside.
You can try some of the best recipes of Indian Cuisines at home.....
Mouth watering fish recipe! Tried it yesterday for dinner & my family loved it. Day before yesterday I tried fish finger recipe and it was delectable. Thanks guys for sharing delectable recipes with us.
Thanks a lot for mouth watering recipe. I was wondering if you can share method to debone (remove all bones) from Mackerel.
Thanks for recipe. Delicious