Fried Mackerel is a simple and flavourful fish recipe made with a few basic spices, ginger-garlic paste, and vinegar. We marinate the fish in a spicy masala and shallow-fry it until cooked and beautifully browned.
This easy homemade mackerel fry pairs well with steamed rice, dal, and curry. If you enjoy simple Indian fish recipes, this is a delicious addition to your everyday meals. Enjoy homemade fried mackerel prepared with simple Indian spices and vinegar.
If you love fried fish recipes, I am sure you will also like my Green Masala Rawas Fish Fry.
Ingredients
- Mackerels – 03, cleaned
- Chilli powder – 1½ tablespoons
- Cumin powder – ½ teaspoon
- Turmeric powder – ½ teaspoon
- Ginger-garlic paste – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – to taste
- Vinegar – 2 tablespoons
- Oil – for shallow frying
Method
- Clean the mackerel thoroughly and make a few shallow cuts on both sides to help the masala coat the fish.
- Add salt and vinegar to the mackerel. Set aside for 10 minutes.
- Rinse the fish and drain well.
- Next, add the chilli powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, ginger-garlic paste, salt, and vinegar. Mix well, ensuring the masala coats the fish evenly.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Preferably use a cast iron pan for crispy fried fish
- Carefully place the marinated mackerel in the hot oil and shallow-fry them until browned and cooked through.
- Turn the fish gently and fry the other side.
- Once cooked, remove the mackerel and serve hot.
Tips for Making Fried Mackerel
- Clean the fish well: Properly cleaned mackerel makes a delicious fish fry.
- Adjust the chilli powder: Reduce the quantity if you prefer a milder flavour.
- Drain the fish: After rinsing, drain the mackerel well so excess water does not affect the frying.
- Fry over medium heat: This allows the fish to cook evenly without burning the masala.
What to Serve with Fried Mackerel
Fried Mackerel tastes delicious on its own with some salad. You could also serve with steamed rice and dal. You can also serve it alongside your favourite fish curry or a simple vegetable dish for a satisfying homemade meal.
Final Thoughts
This easy Fried Mackerel recipe uses everyday spices to create a flavourful and satisfying fish fry. With chilli powder, cumin, turmeric, ginger-garlic paste and vinegar, you can prepare a delicious homemade dish without an elaborate marinade.
Try this simple Indian-style mackerel fry and enjoy it fresh off the pan!
If you enjoy traditional home-style recipes, do explore more recipes on Flavours by AR, where I share the flavours of Indian and regional cooking.
Other Seafood Recipes You May Like
Stuffed Pomfret |Stuffed Pomfret Fry Recipe
Spicy Mackerel Recipe
Green Masala Pan-Fried Mackerel Fish Recipe
Mackerel Whole Fish Recipe
Printable Recipe Card

Fried Mackerel Recipe – Easy Indian Mackerel Fry
Equipment
- Fry pan
Ingredients
- 03 Mackerels cleaned
- 1½ tbsp Kashmiri Red Chilli powder
- ½ tsp Cumin powder
- ½ tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Ginger-garlic paste
- Salt – to taste
- 2 tbsp Vinegar
- Oil – for shallow frying
Instructions
- Clean the mackerel thoroughly and make a few shallow cuts on both sides to help the masala coat the fish.
- Add salt and vinegar to the mackerel. Set aside for 10 minutes.
- Rinse the fish and drain well.
- Next, add the chilli powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, ginger-garlic paste, salt, and vinegar. Mix well, ensuring the masala coats the fish evenly.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Preferably use a cast iron pan for crispy fried fish
- Carefully place the marinated mackerel in the hot oil and shallow-fry them until browned and cooked through.
- Turn the fish gently and fry the other side.
- Once cooked, remove the mackerel and serve hot.
Notes
- Drain the fish thoroughly.
- Adjust salt, chilli powder, and vinegar to suit your taste.
- Use red Kashmiri chilli powder for the fiery red colour.
- Preferably fry in a cast-iron pan for a crispy fish fry.
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