Lahori-style fried fish, especially made with Chira (sole fish), is one of the most iconic street foods of Lahore. It is known for its crispy golden coating, bold spices, and aromatic masala that makes every bite irresistible. Unlike simple fried fish, Lahori fried Chira is coated in a spiced gram flour batter that gives it its signature crunch. Traditionally served hot with mint chutney, lemon wedges, and hot naan, this recipe captures the true flavor of Lahore right in your kitchen.
Quick Recipe Overview
Dish Name: Lahori-Style Fried Chira Fish
Cuisine: Pakistani / Lahori Street Food
Cooking Method: Deep Frying
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Marination Time: 1–2 hours
Cooking Time: 12–15 minutes
Serving Size: 4 persons
Ingredients Breakdown Lahori-Style Fried Chira Fish
The star of this dish is Chira fish, chosen for its tender flesh and ability to absorb spices beautifully. The marinade is made using gram flour (besan) for crunch, along with rice flour for an extra crispy texture. Spices like red chili powder, coriander, cumin, and carom seeds (ajwain) give it the authentic Lahori street flavor. Lemon juice and vinegar cut through the richness of frying and help reduce fishy odor. Fresh garlic-ginger paste ensures a deep aroma. A pinch of baking soda or cornflour can make the coating lighter and crispier.
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Equipment Needed Lahori-Style Fried Chira Fish
To make Lahori fried Chira fish, you’ll need a deep frying pan or wok to hold hot oil. A mixing bowl is required for preparing the spiced batter. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to safely handle the fish. Paper towels or a wire rack are useful for draining excess oil. For marination, keep an airtight container or a covered dish handy. A sharp knife and cutting board are essential for cleaning and prepping the fish.
Preparation Lahori-Style Fried Chira Fish
Begin by cleaning the Chira fish thoroughly, removing scales and rinsing with lemon water to remove odor. Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel. Prepare a marinade by mixing gram flour, rice flour, garlic-ginger paste, lemon juice, vinegar, and spices with a little water to form a thick batter. Coat the fish well in this mixture, ensuring all sides are covered. Leave it to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour for best flavor penetration. Meanwhile, heat oil for deep frying.
Cooking Time Table
Step Time Needed Details
Cleaning & Prepping Fish 10 minutes Wash, descale, and pat dry fish
Marination 1–2 hours Let spices soak into fish flesh
Heating Oil 5–7 minutes Ensure oil is hot enough (test with batter drop)
Deep Frying 12–15 minutes Fry until golden and crispy on medium-high heat
Draining & Serving 5 minutes Rest fish on paper towel/wire rack
📌 Allowing proper marination time ensures maximum flavor, while frying at the right oil temperature gives the perfect crunch without greasiness.
Cooking Instructions Lahori-Style Fried Chira Fish
Clean and wash Chira fish, pat dry completely.
In a mixing bowl, prepare the marinade: combine gram flour, rice flour, red chili powder, turmeric, cumin powder, coriander powder, ajwain, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, vinegar, and salt. Just enough water should be added to create a thick batter.
Coat the fish well in the marinade. Refrigerate for 1–2 hours.
Heat oil in a deep frying wok over medium-high flame. Check oil readiness by dropping a little batter; it should rise immediately.
Gently place fish into hot oil, without overcrowding. Fry until golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally for even cooking.
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
Serve immediately with mint chutney, lemon wedges, and naan.
Serving Suggestions Lahori-Style Fried Chira Fish
Serve hot Lahori fried fish with hari chutney (mint-coriander sauce) and sliced onions.
Pair with tandoori naan or rumali roti for a complete Lahori experience.
Garnish with lemon wedges and sprinkle chat masala for extra zest.
As a street food platter, combine with fries, pickled vegetables, and chilled soda.
Comparison Table
Feature Lahori Fried Chira Regular Fried Fish
Batter Gram flour + spices Plain flour or breadcrumbs
Flavor Bold, spicy, tangy Mild, lightly seasoned
Texture Extra crunchy Crisp but lighter
Serving With chutney & naan With tartar sauce/fries
Authenticity Street food style Restaurant or homemade
📌 Lahori fried Chira stands out for its street food crunch and spice profile that’s different from regular fried fish.
Tips & Variations
For extra crispiness, add a tablespoon of cornflour to the batter.
Always fry fish on medium-high flame; too high and it burns, too low and it absorbs oil.
You can replace Chira with rohu, tilapia, or cod if unavailable.
For a smoky touch, sprinkle chaat masala right after frying.
To make it healthier, you can air fry or shallow fry using less oil.
Ingredient Table for Lahori Fried Chira Fish
Ingredient Amount Purpose
Chira Fish 1 kg Main protein, tender flesh
Gram Flour (Besan) 1 cup Crunchy coating
Rice Flour ½ cup Extra crispiness
Ginger-Garlic Paste 2 tbsp Strong flavor base
Red Chili Powder 1 tbsp Heat & color
Turmeric Powder ½ tsp Earthy color
Cumin Powder 1 tsp Warm spice
Coriander Powder 1 tsp Nutty flavor
Ajwain (Carom seeds) ½ tsp Digestive aid, tang
Lemon Juice 2 tbsp Freshness, reduces smell
Vinegar 1 tbsp Flavor & odor control
Salt To taste Balance
Oil For frying Deep fry medium
FAQ’s
Q: Can I use boneless fish for this recipe?
Yes, but bone-in Chira fish is traditional and holds flavor better.
Q: How do I prevent the batter from falling off while frying?
Ensure the fish is completely dry before coating, and the oil is hot enough before frying.
Q: Can I prepare it ahead of time?
You can marinate in advance, but always fry fresh for maximum crunch.
Q: Which oil is best for frying?
Mustard oil (traditional), or neutral oils like canola or sunflower oil.
Q: Is it always deep fried?
Traditionally yes, but you can also shallow fry or air fry for a lighter version.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approx.)
Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 28 g
Fat: 15 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sodium: 420 mg
📌 Values may vary depending on frying oil absorption and portion sizes.
Conclusion
Lahori-Style Fried Chira Fish is a crispy, flavorful, and authentic Pakistani street food delicacy that brings the spice and crunch of Lahore straight to your table. With its bold masala coating, zesty lemon, and irresistible aroma, this dish is perfect for gatherings, winter evenings, or festive dinners. Once you try this recipe, you’ll realize why Lahori fried fish is celebrated all over Pakistan – it’s crunchy, spicy, and simply unforgettable.
