How to Make Fish Tikka in Detail

Would you like to prepare restaurant-style Fish Tikka at home? This recipe, brought to you by Tawabel India, guarantees tender, well-seasoned, and perfectly grilled fish with a delicious smoky flavor. You can make this Tikka on the grill, in the oven, or using an air fryer. Tandoori Fish Tikka is traditionally served with Kachumber (Indian salad) and Raita as tasty appetizers.

What is Tandoori Fish Tikka?

Fish Tikka is a popular dish on Indian restaurant menus, consisting of boneless fish fillets marinated in a rich Tandoori spice blend, then grilled in a traditional Indian Tandoor oven. The Tandoor can reach temperatures of 900°F (480°C), allowing the food to cook quickly while retaining its natural juices. As the fish grills, its fat drips onto the hot coals, creating a distinctive smoky flavor.

Since a Tandoor oven is not available in most homes, you can easily prepare Fish Tikka using a grill, oven, or air fryer. To achieve the same smoky flavor found in restaurants, heat a small piece of charcoal, place it in a foil cup inside the marinated fish bowl, add a drop of ghee on the charcoal, then cover the bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Ingredients for Fish Tikka

1. Choosing the Right Fish

For the best results, use boneless fish fillets such as:

• Salmon
• Hamour (Grouper)
• Mackerel

2. Greek Yogurt (Strained Yogurt)

To achieve a thick and creamy marinade, use Greek yogurt (strained yogurt). Regular yogurt contains too much water, which can cause excess moisture during grilling and result in the marinade falling off the fish.

3. Spices and Herbs

This recipe relies on the following spices:

• Garam Masala (which generally includes cumin, coriander, cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg)
• Kashmiri Red Chili Powder (or Smoked Paprika)
• Black Pepper Powder
• Turmeric (Optional)
• Cumin Powder (Optional, adds extra flavor)
• Coriander Powder (Optional)
• Dried Fenugreek Leaves (Optional, or use your favorite herbs)

4. Flavorings and Oils

✔ Ground Garlic ✔ Ground Ginger ✔ Olive Oil or Ghee – Adds a rich flavor and gives the fish a beautiful color. ✔ Lemon Juice – Balances the marinade with acidity.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Fish Tikka

1. Preparing the Marinade

1.If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Metal skewers do not require soaking. 2.In a large bowl, mix the following ingredients to prepare the marinade:

• 1 to 1½ tsp Kashmiri Red Chili Powder (or Smoked Paprika)
• ¼ tsp Black Pepper
• ¼ tsp Turmeric (Optional)
• 1 to 1½ tsp Garam Masala
• ½ tsp Cumin Powder (Optional)
• 1 tsp Coriander Powder (Optional)
• ½ tsp garlic powder + ¼ tsp ground ginger
• 4 tbsp Greek Yogurt
• 1½ tbsp Lemon Juice
• ½ to 1 tbsp Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves, Optional)
• ⅓ to ½ tsp Salt (Adjust to taste)

3.Add 1 tbsp Olive Oil and mix all ingredients well until smooth. 4.(Optional) Chop 1 onion and 1 bell pepper into 1½-inch cubes. 5. If the fish skin is still attached, remove it with a knife or let it naturally separate after cooking. 6. Pat dry the fish fillets using paper towels to remove excess moisture.

2. Marinating and Cooking

• Coat the fish pieces well with the marinade and let them rest for 15 to 60 minutes (but not more than an hour, as the lemon juice can break down the texture).
• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) for at least 15 minutes.
• Before cooking, toss the onion and bell pepper in the remaining marinade. Thread the fish, onion, and bell pepper onto the skewers, leaving a ½ cm gap between each piece.
• Place the skewers on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, then bake for 8-9 minutes.
• Turn the skewers using tongs, then bake for an additional 4-5 minutes until fully cooked.
• To achieve a charred grilling effect, place the tray on the top rack and broil for 2 minutes at high heat.

Top Tips for Making Fish Tikka

Here are the best tips for preparing Fish Tikka:

• Use fresh fish for the best texture and taste.
• Do not marinate for too long – marinate for a maximum of one hour to maintain the right fish texture
• For a smoky flavor, heat a small piece of charcoal, place it in a foil cup inside the marinated fish bowl, add a drop of ghee on top, cover the bowl, and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Now that you’ve learned how to make Fish Tikka, will you try it from our restaurant “Tawabel India”, cook it yourself, or do both?