- 1
Start with 500 gms of boneless fish, either salmon or tilapia.
- 2
Cut the fillets into 2-inch cubes. Pat the pieces of fish dry with a paper towel to get rid of the excess moisture.
- 3
This ensures that marinade clings well to the fish and gives the right grilled texture.
- 4
Take a mixing bowl and add 200 gms of thick curd (yoghurt) to it.
- 5
The yoghurt will act as a tenderiser and give the fish a smooth creamy texture.
- 6
Add to the yoghurt 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste for aromatic depth, then 1 teaspoon of red chilli powder for heat, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder for colour, 1 teaspoon of garam masala for warmth, 1 teaspoon of coriander powder for earthiness, and 1/2 teaspoon of cumin powder for a hint of nuttiness.
- 7
Combine all the ingredients and mix well so that it forms a smooth marinate, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and salt to taste.
- 8
Put all your prepared pieces into your prepared marinade and gently toss to coat each piece well.
- 9
Toss gently as the cubes of fish may break if tossed roughly.
- 10
Then cover the bowl, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or better still, overnight so that flavours settle into the fish and make for a tastier dish.
- 11
Preheat your grill or oven to 200 C (392 F) - about 20 minutes before you plan to cook.
- 12
The fish will acquire that taut, pink, charred outside over the top of the perfectly cooked pink flesh if you preheat well.
- 13
Once marinated time to put the pieces of fish into metal or wooden skewers, and keep a little space in between.
- 14
Now, this is to let each piece sit being cooked evenly without steaming, therefore giving it that perfect char.
- 15
Place skewers on a preheated grill or oven.
- 16
Cooking time will be about 15-20 minutes with each side. Do not forget to turn the fish. Fish will be done when it is fully cooked with a slight charring at the edges.
- 17
Please monitor closely because fish dries out easily and becomes mushy if overcooked.
- 18
Cooked, the fish tikka is removed tenderly from the skewers and served steaming hot with bright mint chutney and wedges of lemon.
- 19
The flashes of flavour across the mint chutney cut through the richness, while wedges of lemon add their ephemeral sourness, which brightens all the richer elements.
- 20
Salmon and tilapia would make the perfect choices, but a firm-fleshed cod or even halibut would be perfectly workable.
- 21
The best flavour comes when you allow the fish to marinate overnight.
- 22
However, in case of urgency, it still can make a good difference when marinated for half an hour.
- 23
Using an oven and instead going for a grill would be perfect at the end of the cooking time- that charred effect.
- 24
Indeed, this Fish Tikka is a good dish to impress your guests or just enjoy a delightful meal at home.
- 25
The aromatic spices and tender fish yield a unique flavour that everyone would love to have more of.
- 26
This can be an enjoyable appetizer or served with basmati rice for a filling meal. Happy cooking!