Fish Amritsari is an easy Indian fish recipe where succulent fish slices are dipped in a spicy batter and fried to a golden brown. A popular street food which derives its name from the city of origin, Amritsari Macchi Tikka is an easy fish dish which can be served as an appetizer or a side dish with coriander and mint chutney.
Fish Amritsari Fry is a legendary Punjabi snack that delivers crunch, spice, and irresistible flavour in every bite. Whether you’re craving a bold Punjabi fish fry recipe or want to recreate crispy Amritsari fish just like street vendors, this recipe checks every box.
The iconic Amritsari fish fry comes from the bustling streets of Amritsar. This fish fry Indian style uses gram flour, carom seeds, and chilli to create the perfect crunchy coating. No doubt — this is one of the best fish fry recipes to master at home.
✅ What Is Fish Amritsari?
Fish Amritsari Fry is a traditional Punjabi snack made with boneless fish marinated in spices, coated in a besan (gram flour) batter, and deep-fried until crisp. It’s known for its distinct red-orange hue, soft interior, and tangy, spicy, crunchy outer crust — typically enjoyed with mint chutney.
🐟 Health Benefits of Fish
- ✅ High in lean protein – helps muscle repair and keeps you full.
- ✅ Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids – boosts brain & heart health.
- ✅ Packed with Vitamin D – supports immunity & bone strength.
- ✅ Low in saturated fat – great for clean eating.
- ✅ Improves metabolism – promotes better energy levels.
Punjabi Fish Amritsari:
Amritsari Fish Fry is one of those dishes that instantly steals the spotlight. With its vibrant color, crisp texture, and bold flavors, this iconic delicacy from the streets of Amritsar, Punjab is all about celebrating food that’s simple yet unforgettable. Marinated with warming spices, coated in a light gram-flour batter, and fried till crunchy, it’s a masterpiece in every bite.
This popular signature dish from Punjab is nice and crisp on the outside and deliciously juicy inside. A nicely battered macchi delicacy, infused with Indian spices and light and crunchy is a must have when in Amritsar. The texture is really good and coats the fish well, and turns a great color once it’s done. This is a good basic battered fish recipe and very easy to do.
- To make this delicious fried fish preparation, firstly wash the boneless fish slices and cut them into 1 ½ inch pieces. Then completely pat dry the pieces or else the coating will not stick.
- Next take the fish pieces in a bowl and add salt, red chilli powder, ginger-garlic paste and lemon juice. Mix all the ingredients together and let the marinated fish rest for half-an-hour.
- After 30 minutes, add vinegar, gram flour, rice flour, egg, curd and ajwain to the marinated fish pieces. Mix well, ensuring that all the fish pieces are evenly coated with the marinade. Refrigerate for about half-an-hour.
- Heat oil in a kadai. Drop the marinated fish pieces, a few at a time into the hot oil. Fry the macchi pieces, turning them over, till both sides turn a warm golden brown.
- Then remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towel.
- Sprinkle some chaat masala on top.
- Serve light and crisp Fish Amritsari with onion slices and lemon wedges as an appetizer or as a side with the main course.
If you are searching for more easy fried fish recipes, then do try out Seer Fish Fry
🍋 Amritsari Fish Serving Suggestions
- 🌿 Serve with mint-coriander chutney and lemon wedges.
- 🧅 Add sliced onions tossed with chaat masala.
- 🍛 As a side with dal, roti, and jeera rice.
- 🥗 Pair with fresh salad for a lighter meal.
- 🍺 Makes a fantastic evening snack with hot tea.
🎨 Variations for Punjabi Fish Fry
- 🔸 Air-fried Amritsari Fish: Minimal oil, crisp and guilt-free.
- 🔸 Tandoori Amritsari Fish: Grill instead of frying for smoky flavour.
- 🔸 Spicy version: Increase chilli powder & add crushed black pepper.
- 🔸 Gluten-free: Besan + rice flour is already naturally gluten-free.
🧂 Tips for the Best Fish Amritsari Fry
- ✅ Always use firm, boneless fish for clean, crisp fry.
- ✅ Pat fish dry to prevent soggy batter.
- ✅ Fry at medium heat — low heat makes it oily, high heat burns batter.
- ✅ Serve immediately for the best crunch.
⭐ You Might Also Love
- 🥚 Kolkata Egg Roll – Soft paratha, spiced eggs, and street-style flavours wrapped into the perfect handheld snack.
- 🐟 Fish Chop – Crispy Bengali fish patties with a spiced potato filling—your next tea-time favourite.
- 🍳 Spanish Omelette – A hearty, fluffy, golden tortilla packed with potatoes and onions for a comforting breakfast or brunch.
Macchi Tikka Recipe details below:
Fish Amritsari Recipe
Ingredients
- Boneless Fish – 300gms
- Red chilli powder – 1 tsp
- Lemon juice – 1 tsp
- Ginger-garlic – 1 tbsp
- Salt to taste
- Marinade:
- Egg – 1
- Gram Flour/Besan – 1/3rd cup
- Vinegar – 1/8th cup
- Carom Seeds/Ajwain – ½ tsp
- Curd – ¼ cup
- Rice flour – 1tbsp
- Oil to deep fry
- Chaat masala, optional - to sprinkle on top
Instructions
- Slice the boneless fish into 1 ½ inch pieces. Marinate fish pieces with chilli powder, salt, lemon juice and ginger-garlic paste for 30 minutes.
- Coat the fish fillets with the ingredients listed under marinade. Combine well and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes remove the marinated fish and bring to room temperature.
- Heat sufficient oil for deep frying in a pan. Put a few fish pieces in the hot oil and fry to a golden brown. Remove onto paper towels.
- Sprinkle chaat masala and serve Amritsari Fish with tartar sauce and onion rings.
Notes
- To make the Amritsari Fish extra crisp and airy, you can add a 1/2 can of Soda
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