🐟 Fish Tikka Recipe – Juicy, Smoky, and Packed with Flavor

If you’re a fan of Indian seafood recipes, this Fish Tikka Recipe is going to be your next obsession. Tender chunks of fish are marinated with aromatic spices and grilled to perfection, giving you a smoky, juicy, and irresistible appetizer.

A popular North Indian and coastal Indian delicacy, fish tikka combines the bold flavors of tandoori spices with the freshness of seafood, making it a must-try for any food lover.

🛒 Ingredients for Fish Tikka (Serves 4)

For the Marinade

• Boneless fish fillets (surmai, salmon, basa, or pomfret) – 500g (cut into 2-inch cubes)

• Thick yogurt – ½ cup

• Lemon juice – 2 tbsp

• Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tbsp

• Kashmiri red chili powder – 1 tbsp

• Turmeric powder – ½ tsp

• Garam masala – 1 tsp

• Coriander powder – 1 tsp

• Cumin powder – 1 tsp

• Black pepper powder – ½ tsp

• Mustard oil – 1 tbsp

• Salt – to taste

• Fresh coriander leaves – 2 tbsp (chopped)

For Serving

• Mint chutney – ½ cup

• Onion rings – 1 small onion (sliced into rings)

• Lemon wedges – 4–6 pieces

🍳 Step-by-Step Preparation – Fish Tikka

Step 1 – Prepare the Fish

1. Wash the fish fillets and pat them dry with a kitchen towel.

2. Cut into medium-sized cubes and set aside.

Step 2 – First Marinade

1. In a large bowl, mix lemon juice, salt, and ginger-garlic paste.

2. Add the fish pieces, coat well, and rest for 15 minutes.

   • This step helps remove any fishy odor and tenderizes the fish.

Step 3 – Second Marinade

1. In another bowl, whisk yogurt until smooth.

2. Add Kashmiri red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, coriander powder, cumin powder, black pepper powder, mustard oil, and chopped coriander.

3. Mix well to form a smooth paste.

4. Add the fish pieces to this marinade and coat evenly.

5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best flavor).

Step 4 – Cooking Methods

Option 1 – Tandoor / Barbecue Grill

• Preheat the tandoor or barbecue.

• Skewer the fish pieces and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally until slightly charred.

Option 2 – Oven Baked Fish Tikka

• Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).

• Arrange marinated fish on a greased baking tray.

• Bake for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

• Broil for an additional 2 minutes for a smoky char.

Option 3 – Pan-Grilled Fish Tikka

• Heat a non-stick grill pan with a little oil.

• Cook fish pieces on medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes each side until golden and cooked through.

Step 5 – Serving

1. Serve hot with mint chutney, onion rings, and lemon wedges.

2. Sprinkle a little chaat masala for extra zing.

🍛 Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a starter with green chutney at parties.

• Pair with naan, tandoori roti, or garlic bread for a full meal.

• For a healthy plate, pair with salad and lemon dressing.

📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – approx.)

💡 Tips for Perfect Fish Tikka

• Choose firm, boneless fish so it holds shape while cooking.

• Use Kashmiri red chili powder for bright color without extra heat.

• Do not overcook — fish turns rubbery if cooked too long.

• For a smoky restaurant flavor, give the tikka a charcoal smoke (dhungar method) after cooking.

• Mustard oil adds an authentic Punjabi aroma.

🌟 Why This Recipe Works

• Balanced spice blend for a restaurant-style taste.

• Flexible cooking methods — works in tandoor, oven, or pan.

• Rich in protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

• Perfect for parties, festive dinners, and weekend barbecues.

📍 Location & Origin

• Cuisine: North Indian (Punjabi & Mughlai influence)

• Popular In: Punjab, Delhi, Goa, Mumbai, and coastal regions of India

• Served With: Mint chutney, lemon wedges, onion rings

Background:
Fish tikka is believed to have originated in the Punjab region, where tandoori cooking was a way of life. Traditionally, fish pieces were marinated in yogurt and spices, then cooked in a clay tandoor oven. Today, this dish is enjoyed across India and beyond, with variations like oven-baked fish tikka, pan-grilled fish tikka, and barbecue fish tikka.

Interesting Facts :-
This Fish Tikka Recipe combines the flavors of Indian tandoori cuisine with the natural freshness of seafood. Whether you grill it outdoors, bake it in your oven, or pan-sear it, the result is always mouth-wateringly good.

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