Tandoori Fish Recipe – Smoky, Spicy & Restaurant-Style Grilled Perfection

Tandoori Fish Recipe – Learn how to make authentic tandoori fish at home with this easy step-by-step recipe. Juicy, smoky, and packed with bold Indian spices – perfect for oven, air fryer, or grill.

 

 

By Amit Kaul
Location: India
Published on: February 18, 2026

 

 

Tandoori Fish Recipe – A Smoky Seafood Delight

If you love bold Indian flavors and juicy grilled seafood, tandoori fish is a must-try recipe. This classic North Indian dish features tender fish fillets marinated in spiced yogurt and cooked until smoky and slightly charred.

Traditionally prepared in a clay tandoor, you can easily recreate restaurant-style tandoori fish at home using an oven, grill pan, or air fryer. The key lies in the marinade — thick yogurt, aromatic spices, mustard oil, and lemon juice work together to infuse deep flavor while keeping the fish moist.

Light, high in protein, and bursting with flavor, this dish is perfect for dinner parties, weekend meals, or healthy weight-loss diets.

https://digitalamitkaul.online/the-ultimate-chicken-65-recipe-a-spicy-delight/

Best Fish for Tandoori Fish Recipe

For best results, choose firm fish that holds shape while grilling:

1. Salmon
2. Surmai (King Fish)
3. Pomfret
4. Tilapia
5. Cod
6. Boneless fillets work best for easy cooking.

Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

Fish

1. 600–800 g fish fillets
2. 1 tbsp lemon juice
3. ½ tsp salt

First Marinade

1. 1 tsp red chilli powder
2. 1 tsp ginger garlic paste

Second Marinade

1. ¾ cup thick hung curd
2. 1½ tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder
3. 1 tsp coriander powder
4. ½ tsp cumin powder
5. ½ tsp garam masala
6. 1 tsp mustard oil (heated and cooled)
7. 1 tsp roasted besan (optional, for binding)
8. ½ tsp black pepper
9. 1 tsp kasuri methi (crushed)
10. Salt to taste

For Cooking

1. Butter or oil for brushing
2. Chaat masala (optional)
3. Onion rings & lemon wedges

How to Make Tandoori Fish at Home (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

Wash and pat dry the fish fillets. Make light cuts on thick pieces to help marinade penetrate evenly.

Step 2: First Marination

Apply lemon juice, salt, red chilli powder, and ginger-garlic paste.
Let it rest for 15–20 minutes.

Step 3: Second Marination

Mix yogurt, spices, mustard oil, besan, and kasuri methi in a bowl.
Coat fish evenly and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes. Avoid over-marinating as fish is delicate.

This step ensures authentic tandoori fish recipe flavor.

Cooking Method

Oven Tandoori Fish (Recommended)

1. Preheat oven to 200°C.
2. Place fish on a greased rack or tray.
3. Bake for 12–15 minutes.
4. Flip gently, brush butter.
5. Broil 3–4 minutes for char.

Air Fryer Method

1. 180°C for 8 minutes.
2. Flip and cook 4–6 minutes more.
3. Grill Pan Method
4. Cook on medium heat 4–5 minutes per side until lightly charred.
5. Do not overcook — fish should remain flaky and moist.

Pro Tips for Perfect Grilled Tandoori Fish

1. Always use thick hung curd to prevent watery marinade.
2. Mustard oil enhances an authentic smoky aroma.
3. Add a small piece of hot charcoal (dhungar method) for real tandoor flavor.
4. Avoid excessive flipping — the fish breaks easily.
5. Serve immediately for the best taste.

Why Tandoori Fish is a Healthy Choice

This grilled tandoori fish recipe is:

1. High in protein
2. Low in carbs
3. Rich in Omega-3 (especially salmon)
4. Gluten-free
5. Ideal for keto and low-calorie diets
6. It delivers bold Indian flavor without heavy gravy.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your oven tandoori fish with:

1. Mint coriander chutney
2. Fresh salad
3. Jeera rice
4. Tandoori roti
5. Garlic naan

It also works beautifully as a starter for festive gatherings.

Final Thoughts

Once you master how to make tandoori fish at home, you’ll skip restaurant orders forever. With the right marinade and proper cooking time, you get flaky, smoky, perfectly spiced fish every time.

Simple ingredients. Bold flavor. Restaurant-style results.

Try this easy tandoori fish recipe today and bring authentic Indian grill magic to your kitchen.

 

https://chillybite.com/authentic-machher-jhol-recipe/

 

 

About the Author

Amit Kaul is a food content writer and digital publisher based in India. He specializes in creating original, experience-driven recipes and home-cooking guides. All recipes published on this website are personally researched, tested, and written by him, following Google’s E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) guidelines.