Main Dishes

Fish Fried Ichra style

This is the recipe for a very popular street fried fish from Ichra Bazaar in Lahore, Pakistan. I spoke to the street vendor about sharing his secret recipe with me, at first he was hesitant, but when I said I would not open up shop next to him, he was very forthcoming!

Fish Fried Ichra style

Print Recipe
Cuisine: Pakistani Serves: 4 Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

    Stage 1

  • 2lb white fish (Cod, Haddock or Coley), de-scaled or de-skinned, cut into 6 inch by 2 inch strips
  • 2 tsp salt
  • Stage 2

  • 2 cups of gram flour
  • 5 tbs plain low fat yoghurt
  • 1 tbs crushed garlic
  • 1 tsp ajwain
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbs red chillies (omit for mild)
  • Enough vinegar to make batter
  • Oil for deep frying
  • Dry flour (optional)

Instructions

Stage 1

1

Wash fish in cold water and place in a colander, sprinkle with the salt and keep for 2 hours or more.

Stage 2

2

Place all ingredients except vinegar and oil in a deep bowl; use enough vinegar to make a batter of medium consistency (similar to pancake batter).

3

Dip fish pieces in dry flour both sides (optional), this will help to fully coat the fish.

4

Then dip in batter and arrange coated fish pieces in a colander to drain off excess (30 minutes).

5

Heat oil to medium heat, gently lower a few pieces of fish, deep fry until cooked.

6

Serve with chapattis or naan with apple and banana salad and tamarind chutney.

Meal: Main Dishes