Amritsari Fish Curry: The Ultimate Punjabi Street Food Delight

If you’re a seafood lover, Amritsari Fish Curry is a must-try! This Punjabi delicacy brings together the best of Amritsari Fish Fry and a rich, flavorful curry, making it a lip-smacking dish loved across India, including West Bengal. While the crispy Amritsari Fish Fry is famous as a street food sensation, the curry version takes things up a notch with a luscious, spiced gravy that elevates the entire experience. With its roots in Amritsar, this dish has gained popularity in regions where seafood is cherished. Therefore, if you enjoy Bhetki fish, Surmai (Seer Fish), or Rohu, this Punjabi twist on fish curry will quickly become your new favorite!

What is Amritsari Fish Curry?

Amritsari Fish Curry is a traditional dish in which crispy fried fish is simmered in a rich, spiced tomato-based gravy. As a result, the fish absorbs the deep, aromatic flavors of the curry, creating a dish that is both comforting and indulgent. Unlike Bengali fish curries, which often use mustard, this Punjabi version relies on gram flour (besan), yogurt, and ajwain (carom seeds) to enhance the flavor. These ingredients come together to create a unique and delectable experience.

1. Why is Amritsari Fish Curry So Special?

Amritsari Fish Curry is cherished for its authentic Punjabi flavors, tender fish pieces, and comforting nature. Additionally, it perfectly combines crispy fried fish with a rich curry, making it ideal for family meals, special occasions, or a satisfying weeknight dinner. Moreover, the dish resonates with Bengali preferences due to its bold, tangy flavors. For a personal twist, you can use local fish varieties like Bhetki or Katla, which gives it a unique fusion of Punjabi and Bengali culinary traditions.

2. Authentic Amritsari Fish Curry Recipe

• Ingredients:

For the Fried Fish:

1. 500g boneless Bhetki, Rohu, or Surmai fish fillets
2. ½ cup gram flour (besan)
3. 1 cup yogurt
4. 1 tsp red chili powder
5. ½ tsp turmeric powder
6. 1 tsp ajwain (carom seeds)
7. 1 tbsp lemon juice
8. Salt to taste
9. Mustard oil for frying

For the Curry:

1. 2 onions (finely chopped)
2. 2 tomatoes (pureed)
3. 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
4. 1 tsp garam masala
5. ½ tsp cumin seeds
6. 1 cup water
7. Fresh coriander for garnish

3. Step-by-Step Cooking Method

• Step 1: Marinate the Fish In a bowl, mix gram flour, yogurt, red chili powder, turmeric, ajwain, lemon juice, and salt. Coat the fish fillets in the marinade and let them rest for 30 minutes.

• Step 2: Fry the Fish Heat mustard oil in a pan until smoking hot, then reduce the heat. Deep-fry the fish fillets until golden brown and crispy.

• Step 3: Prepare the Curry Heat oil in a separate pan and add cumin seeds. Let them splutter. Add chopped onions and ginger-garlic paste, sauté until golden brown. Stir in the pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil separates. Add garam masala, salt, and water, then let the curry simmer for 10 minutes.

• Step 4: Combine & Serve Gently place the fried fish in the curry and simmer for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot with steamed rice or naan.

4. Health Benefits of Amritsari Fish Curry

Eating fish regularly is one of the best things you can do for your health. Here’s why this dish is a great choice:

• Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Supports heart and brain health.
• High in Protein: Essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Boosts Immunity: Turmeric and other spices provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Great for Digestion: Ajwain aids in digestion and prevents bloating.
• Packed with Nutrients: Provides essential vitamins like B12 and minerals like selenium and phosphorus.

5. Amritsari Fish Curry vs. Bengali Fish Curry

While both Bengali and Punjabi fish curries are delicious, they have distinct characteristics:

• Amritsari Fish Curry: Uses tomato, yogurt, and garam masala as the base flavor. It’s made with fish like Bhetki, Surmai, or Rohu and has a crispy texture from the fried fish.
• Bengali Fish Curry: Uses mustard paste, poppy seeds, and panch phoron as the key spices. It typically uses Hilsa, Katla, or Rohu and involves cooking the fish directly in the curry.
  

For those in West Bengal, using locally available fish like Bhetki or Katla can add a regional twist to this Punjabi classic!

Final Thoughts

Amritsari Fish Curry is the perfect combination of crispiness and rich Punjabi flavors. Whether you’re a die-hard seafood lover or just looking for a new way to enjoy Bhetki or Surmai, this dish is worth trying. With fresh fish from Benfarmm, you can recreate this street food delight in your kitchen anytime!

Where to Buy the Best Fish for Amritsari Fish Curry?

For the freshest and highest-quality fish, trust Benfarmm Pvt Ltd! We provide:

• Fresh Bhetki, Surmai, and Rohu, sourced directly from farms.
• Ready-to-cook fillets, perfect for this recipe.
• Bulk Orders for HORECA (Hotels, Restaurants, and Caterers).
• Available on Swiggy, Zomato, and Spencer’s.

Contact: +91 9874709182
Email: info@benfarmm.com