Recipe
South African Spiced Fish Fry
Savory Spices and Fresh Fish: A South African Delight
4.5 out of 5
Indulge in the flavors of South Africa with this delectable Spiced Fish Fry. Bursting with aromatic spices and tender fish, this dish is a staple in South African cuisine.
Metadata
Preparation time
15 minutes
Cooking time
8 minutes
Total time
23 minutes
Yields
4 servings
Preparation difficulty
Easy
Suitable for
Pescatarian, Gluten-free (if using gluten-free flour), Dairy-free, Nut-free, Low-carb (moderate consumption)
Allergens
Fish, Wheat (if using regular flour)
Not suitable for
Vegan, Vegetarian, Paleo, Keto, High-carb
Ingredients
In this South African adaptation of the Fish Fry, we incorporate traditional South African spices such as paprika, cumin, coriander, and turmeric to infuse the dish with a unique flavor profile. Additionally, we use a crispy batter to give the fish a crunchy texture, which is a departure from the original American version that often uses a breaded coating. We alse have the original recipe for Fish Fry, so you can check it out.
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500g (1.1 lb) white fish fillets 500g (1.1 lb) white fish fillets
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1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
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1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
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1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat) 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
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1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
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Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
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Lemon wedges, for serving Lemon wedges, for serving
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Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Nutrition
- Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
- Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
- Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Salt: 1.5g
Preparation
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1.In a small bowl, combine the paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
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2.Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel and rub the spice mixture evenly onto both sides of the fish.
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3.In a shallow dish, place the flour and season it with salt and pepper.
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4.Dredge each fish fillet in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
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5.Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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6.Fry the fish fillets for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
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7.Remove the fish from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
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8.Serve the South African Spiced Fish Fry hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and accompanied by lemon wedges for squeezing over the fish.
Treat your ingredients with care...
- Fish — Choose firm white fish fillets such as cod, haddock, or tilapia for the best results. Ensure the fish is fresh and free from any unpleasant odors.
- Paprika — Opt for a good quality paprika to enhance the flavor of the dish.
- Fresh cilantro — Rinse the cilantro thoroughly and pat it dry before using it as a garnish.
Tips & Tricks
- For an extra crispy coating, refrigerate the fish fillets for 30 minutes after coating them in the flour mixture before frying.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your spice preference.
- Serve the South African Spiced Fish Fry with a side of traditional South African chakalaka relish for an authentic experience.
- If you prefer a healthier alternative, you can bake the fish fillets in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
Serving advice
Serve the South African Spiced Fish Fry as a main course alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. Accompany it with lemon wedges for squeezing over the fish to add a tangy flavor.
Presentation advice
Arrange the golden-brown fish fillets on a platter and garnish them with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve them with lemon wedges on the side for an appealing presentation.
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