Tasty Tandoori Fish Skewers: Easy Indian-Inspired Recipe

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The smell of spices filled my kitchen, reminding me of Mumbai’s busy streets. As I made Tandoori Fish Skewers, memories of India came back. This dish is more than food; it’s a trip through flavors and cultures you can take at home.

Tandoori Fish Skewers mix Indian flavors with grilled seafood. With 1820 shares, it’s clear many love it. It’s tasty and healthy, with only 134 calories per serving.

This dish is special because you can try different fish. You can use tilapia, Mahi-Mahi, Cod, or even rooster fish for a unique taste. The secret is the marinade, which adds amazing flavor in just an hour.

These skewers are perfect for any meal. They’re quick to prepare and cook, making them a hit for any occasion. You’ll have a meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant in no time.

Key Takeaways

• Low in calories (134 per serving) and gluten-free
• Versatile recipe allowing various fish options
• Quick prep time of 10 minutes
• Only 15 minutes of baking time
• Marinate for at least an hour for best flavor
• Can be cooked in oven, air fryer, or on grill
• Pairs well with mint chutney and turmeric rice

Introduction to Tandoori Fish Skewers

Tandoori fish skewers mix marinated fish with tandoor oven cooking. They are a healthy, tasty dish. Fresh tuna makes these skewers even more special.

What are Tandoori Fish Skewers?

Tandoori fish skewers are fish marinated in yogurt and spices, then grilled. The marinade adds deep flavors. The grilling makes the fish tender and slightly charred.

Origin of Tandoori Cooking

Tandoori cooking comes from India, using a clay oven called a tandoor. Homdoor, a leading tandoor maker, has been making these ovens for over 20 years. Their tandoors are found in many Indian and Afghani restaurants in the US.

Health Benefits of Fish in Indian Cuisine

Fish is key in Indian cuisine, offering many health benefits. Tandoori fish skewers have about 24.9g of protein, great for a balanced diet. Here’s a nutritional breakdown per serving:

Choosing the Right Fish for Your Skewers

Choosing the right fish is crucial for making spicy fish kebabs that will impress you. For tandoori fish skewers, firm white fish is best. It stays firm during marination and cooking, keeping your dish intact.

Swordfish and halibut are excellent choices for tandoori skewers. Their lean flesh can handle the bold marinade flavors. Tilapia, mahi-mahi, and wild-caught salmon are also great options. If you’re going on a Mediterranean fishing adventure, you might catch fresh fish for skewers!

Avoid fatty fish like cod, haddock, or grouper. They break apart easily and don’t stay on skewers well. Cut your fish into 1.5-inch chunks for even cooking. Fresh fish is best, but thawed frozen fish works too.

Marination time is important. Soak your fish in tandoori marinade for 1-2 hours max. This keeps the fish firm. For salmon, marinate for 10-30 minutes to avoid a soft texture.

Essential Ingredients for Tandoori Fish Marinade

Making the perfect tandoori fish marinade is crucial for the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine. The marinade adds delicious spices and tenderizes the fish. This results in a moist and flavorful dish.

Yogurt Base

The base of any tandoori marinade is yogurt. Use 3 tablespoons of plain yogurt or curd. This tenderizes the fish and adds a creamy texture. Mix in 3 tablespoons of oil to help the marinade stick to the fish.

Spices and Herbs

The spice blend is what makes tandoori fish so special. Here’s a list of the spices used:

• 4 tablespoons Kashmiri Chilli Powder
• 1 tablespoon Garam Masala Powder
• 2 teaspoons Cumin Powder
• 2 teaspoons Turmeric Powder
• 1 tablespoon Red Chilli Flakes
• 1 teaspoon Chaat Masala Powder
• 1-2 tablespoons Tandoori Masala

Aromatics

To boost the flavor, add these aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons Ginger Garlic Paste
• ¼ cup Lemon Juice or Vinegar

Combine all these ingredients for a marinade that will turn your fish into a tandoori delight. For the best taste, marinate the fish for at least 1 hour. Or, marinate it overnight for even more flavor.

This marinade works well with various firm white-fleshed fish. The spices and aromatics make the dish spicy, tangy, and full of flavor. With a rating of 3.8/5 from 84 votes, this tandoori fish recipe is a hit.

Step-by-Step Marination Process

Starting with marination is key to making tasty fish dishes. It’s a simple yet important step to add delicious tandoori flavors to your fish. Let’s explore how to marinate fish perfectly for your skewers.

First, mix your marinade ingredients in a big bowl. You’ll need Greek yogurt, garlic paste, ginger paste, lemon juice, and spices like coriander, turmeric, and red chili powder. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and vibrant.

Then, add your fish to the marinade. You can use tilapia, grouper, or mahi-mahi. Make sure each piece is well-coated for the best flavor. Cover the bowl and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. You can marinate for up to 3 hours for even stronger flavors.

Here’s a quick guide for marination times:

Before cooking, let your marinated fish warm up at room temperature for 15 minutes. This helps it cook evenly and reach the perfect internal temperature of 145°F. Follow these steps to make delicious tandoori fish skewers!

Preparing Your Skewers

Get ready to make delicious grilled seafood with this easy recipe. Preparing tandoori fish skewers is simple when you follow these steps.

Soaking Wooden Skewers

Begin by soaking 8 wooden skewers (20 cm each) in water for 30 minutes. This keeps them from burning and makes your recipe perfect.

Cutting Fish and Vegetables

While the skewers soak, get your ingredients ready. Cut 1 kg of firm white fish fillets into 1.5-inch chunks. Also, slice 3 vegetables: courgettes, baby tomatoes, and red onions. This mix is great for grilled seafood.

Assembling the Skewers

Now, it’s time to have fun! Alternate fish pieces with vegetables on each skewer, leaving small gaps. This ensures even cooking and a nice look.

• Thread a piece of fish onto the skewer
• Add a slice of courgette
• Follow with a baby tomato
• Add a piece of red onion
• Repeat the pattern until the skewer is full

This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 30 minutes to prepare. After assembling, marinate the skewers for 1 hour before cooking. For a twist, try substituting fish with chicken or cauliflower for a vegetarian option.

Cooking Methods for Tandoori Fish Skewers

Tandoor oven cooking makes fish skewers taste amazing. It gives them a smoky flavor and a crispy outside. But, you can still make tasty skewers without a tandoor.

Grilling is a great summer choice. Heat your grill to medium-high. Cook the skewers for 4-5 minutes on each side. This method adds char marks and a smoky taste.

Oven-baking is another good option. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Cook the skewers for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway. For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes.

Air frying is a modern way to cook tandoori skewers. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway. This method is crispy and uses less oil.

Choose your cooking method wisely. Make sure the fish reaches 145°F (63°C) for the best taste. Cooking times can change based on the fish’s thickness.

Oven-Baked Tandoori Fish Skewers

Oven-baked tandoori fish skewers are a tasty way to enjoy fish at home. This method brings the taste of tandoor oven cooking right to your kitchen, without needing special equipment.

Preheating and Rack Positioning

First, heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Put the rack in the top third of the oven. This spot helps cook the skewers evenly and gets them nicely charred.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Put your marinated fish skewers on a lined baking sheet. Cook them for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway. For well-done fish, aim for 145°F (63°C). For medium-rare, go for 125°F (52°C).

Broiling for Char Marks

To get those real tandoori char marks, broil the skewers for 2-3 minutes at the end. Watch them closely to avoid burning. This step makes your dish look and taste amazing.

Perfect tandoori fish skewers come from balancing flavors and not overcooking. Serve with mint chutney or cucumber salad for a full meal. For a unique fishing experience, check out top roosterfish spots before cooking your catch.

Grilling Tandoori Fish Skewers

Grilling tandoori fish skewers is a great choice for summer barbecues. It adds a smoky taste, just like traditional tandoor cooking. First, heat your grill to medium-high. Then, lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes on each side. This ensures the fish is cooked and gets nice grill marks. Baste with oil or marinade for extra moisture and flavor. Keep an eye on them to avoid drying out.

Looking for summer grilling ideas? Try monkfish instead of pomfret. It’s firm and great for skewers. Marinate the fish cubes for 15-20 minutes before grilling. Grill for 10-12 minutes for a tasty meal.

This recipe makes 8 servings, perfect for family or parties. Each serving is about 125g of salmon fillet, marinated in yogurt and spices. Serve with pickled red onions for a tangy touch. Follow these tips to master this Indian-inspired grilling method.