Degchi
Maach Bhaja (Fried Fish)
Serves 4 · Total 30 min · Prep 15 min · Cook 15 min
Fish steaks rubbed with turmeric, chilli and salt, then shallow-fried in mustard oil until the edges turn deep brown and crisp. It is the fixed starting point of almost every Bengali meal — a side that comes before the main curry, rice and dal.
Quick answer: 30 min in total · serves 4 · main ingredients: Rohu fish, Turmeric, Red chilli powder, Mustard oil · amounts in metric and US
Ingredients
- 600 g 1.3 lb Rohu fish, cut into steaks
- 1 tsp 1 tsp Turmeric
- 1 tsp 1 tsp Red chilli powder
- 5 tbsp 5 tbsp Mustard oil
- to taste to taste Salt
Steps
Timers run only while this tab is open. The Degchi app keeps them running on a locked phone.
- Clean the fish steaks and pat them completely dry with a paper towel.
- Rub the fish steaks all over with turmeric, red chilli powder and salt; let sit for 10 minutes.⏱ Marinating · 10 min
- Heat the mustard oil in a flat pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers.⏱ Heating the oil · 2 min
- Lay the fish pieces in gently, without crowding the pan; fry undisturbed until the underside is deep golden-brown.⏱ Frying one side · 5 min
- Flip carefully and fry the other side until equally crisp and browned.⏱ Frying the other side · 4 min
- Drain on a paper towel and serve hot as a side with rice, dal and a vegetable.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Maach Bhaja (Fried Fish) take?
30 minutes in total: about 15 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking.
Is Maach Bhaja (Fried Fish) hard to make?
Degchi rates it easy. The method has 6 steps, and 4 of them have a timer you can start on this page.
How many people does Maach Bhaja (Fried Fish) serve?
This recipe serves 4. Use the toggle above the ingredient list to see the amounts in metric or US measures. For more or fewer portions, scale every amount in the same proportion, or use the servings control in the Degchi app.
Is Maach Bhaja (Fried Fish) halal, vegetarian or eggless?
It is marked halal in our recipe data. It is not vegetarian. It has no egg. It has no beef. Check the labels on any packaged ingredients for your own needs.
What will I probably need to buy for Maach Bhaja (Fried Fish)?
Everyday staples that Degchi counts as pantry basics: turmeric, red chilli powder, salt. Fresh items you will probably need to buy: rohu fish. Lentils, grains and other dry goods: mustard oil.
Any tips for making Maach Bhaja (Fried Fish)?
Pat the fish fully dry before frying so it does not splatter or stick to the pan.
Notes and questions
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