Simple Crispy Sardine Fry at Home

Crispy Fish Fry is a much-loved home-style preparation where fresh fish is marinated with spices and shallow fried until the outside turns crisp while the inside remains juicy. Sardines are commonly used for this dish due to their rich flavour and natural fat content, though other fish varieties can also be used.

This recipe focuses on achieving crispiness using rice flour and minimal oil.

Why Sardine Works Well for Fish Fry

Naturally Flavourful

Sardines have a strong, rich taste that pairs well with spices.

Crisps Easily

Their natural oil helps achieve crisp edges without deep frying.

Cooks Quickly

Ideal for quick pan-frying methods.

Crispy Sardine Fish Fry Recipe

Ingredients

• 9 sardines, cleaned
• ½ teaspoon chilli powder
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon pepper powder
• ½ inch ginger
• 4 garlic cloves
• 3 curry leaves
• 3 small onions
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt – to taste
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons rice flour

Method

1. Wash the sardines thoroughly using salt and turmeric powder.
2. Rinse well and drain completely.
3. Make 3–4 cuts on both sides of each fish to help the masala penetrate.
4. In a bowl, mix salt, chilli powder, turmeric powder, and lemon juice.
5. Apply this mixture evenly over the sardines and keep covered.
6. Grind ginger, garlic, small onions, curry leaves, and pepper powder into a smooth paste.
   Use very little or no water.
7. Apply the ground paste over the fish.
8. Allow to marinate for 15–30 minutes.
9. Roll each marinated fish lightly in rice flour to coat evenly.
10. Heat coconut oil in a pan.
    If sardines are fatty, extra oil may not be required.
11. Add curry leaves to the oil if desired.
12. Fry the fish on medium heat until one side turns crispy.
13. Flip gently and fry the other side until equally crisp.
14. Remove and serve hot.

How to Serve

• With steamed rice and simple curry
• As a side dish with kanji
• With sliced onion and lemon

Tips for Extra Crispiness

• Ensure fish is fully dry before marinating
• Do not overcrowd the pan
• Fry on medium heat for even crisping
• Rice flour gives better crunch than wheat flour

Who Should Be Careful

• Reduce chilli for sensitive digestion
• Sardines are strong-flavoured; consume in moderation
• Best eaten fresh, avoid reheating

A Simple, Crispy Home-Style Dish

Crispy Sardine Fish Fry shows how basic spices and careful pan-frying can transform fresh fish into a satisfying, flavour-packed dish without complicated steps.