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    Home » Seafood

    Pomfret Fish Fry | Pan-fried Pompano |

    Published: Jun 9, 2016 · Modified: May 6, 2021 by Archana · This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · 25 Comments

    165 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    I love these buttery Pomfret fry fish steaks! They are spiced with turmeric, red chili, ginger, garlic coated with rice flour & pan-fried to crispy golden perfection. Tender cooked from the inside with a spicy masala coating on the outside, this tasty Pompano is perfect with a squeeze of fresh lime!

    Pompano fish with lime wedge and shredded cabbage

    Spiced, shallow fried Pomfret is a delicacy back home in Maharashtra. Pomfret, also known as pompano or butterfish is very popular in South Asia as it is abundant in the surrounding oceans.

    Pomfret Vs Pompano

    In 2003, Arti, my sister from Singapore was visiting and while shopping at the local Korean store she noticed the fish, labeled pompano, in the seafood department. Arti makes the most amazing fish and was very confident it will taste similar to my favorite pomfret.

    ingredients for pomfret fry

    It had been years since I had the delicious fish. Arti, had the fishmonger cut us perfect steaks and when we made it that evening it felt like I was back home eating my mom's fried pomfret. Since that day, I have made pomfret in many different ways but this simple recipe is still my favorite.

    Pompano fish in a tray with spices

    I often pair this pomfret fry with mild, flavorful fish curry and served it with steamed basmati rice and homemade roti for a wholesome meal.

    pan fried pampano fish with lime wedges

    ★ Have you tried this recipe? We love your feedback, Please click on the stars in the recipe card below to rate.

    Tried this recipe? We love your feedback.Please click on the stars in the recipe card below
    Pan fried Pompano / Pomfret
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    5 from 6 votes

    Pomfret Fry | Spicy Pan Fried Pompano

    Buttery mild white pomfret spiced with turmeric, red chili powder, ginger, garlic, coated with rice flour and pan fried to make the flavor packed fried fish. 
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time10 mins
    Total Time20 mins
    Course: Entree
    Cuisine: Indian
    Servings: 3
    Calories: 148kcal
    Author: Archana Mundhe

    Ingredients

    • 1 large Pompano / Pomfret cut into 1 inch steaks
    • 1 tablespoon lime juice
    • ½ tablespoon ginger grated
    • ½ tablespoon garlic grated
    • ½ tablespoon red chili powder medium hot
    • ¼ teaspoon garam masala
    • ¼ teaspoon turmeric
    • ½ cup rice flour
    • 1 tablespoon cooking oil
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

    Instructions

    • Wash the pompano steaks thoroughly and drain all the water. Apply lime juice evenly and set aside for 5 mins. Drain all the lime water out. Lime water will help take away any fishy smell.
    • Mix together ginger, garlic, red chili powder, turmeric and salt. Apply it evenly to the fish steaks.
    • Add a pinch of salt, turmeric, red chill powder and garam masala to the rice flour and mix well.
    • Heat a medium grilling pan and spread half tablespoon of oil evenly. Roll the fish steaks individually in the rice flour, shake off any excess flour and arrange the fish on the pan.
    • Apply the rest of the oil on the top side of the fish using a brush. Cook each side uncovered on medium heat for 3-4 mins or until the fish looks golden brown and crispy. Serve with lime wedges.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 148kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Sodium: 797mg | Potassium: 46mg | Fiber: 1g | Vitamin A: 395IU | Vitamin C: 1.9mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 0.4mg
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    Author: Archana

    Hey there! I am a techie turned recipe developer, cooking instructor, and food blogger. I love food and enjoy developing easy and healthy recipes for busy lifestyles. I live in New Jersey with my husband and two sons.
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    1. Hans Susser says

      June 09, 2016 at 5:24 pm

      Looks very beautiful and tasty 🙂

      Reply
      • Archana says

        June 09, 2016 at 5:37 pm

        Thank you Hans!

        Reply
        • DB says

          February 22, 2021 at 8:25 pm

          This was one of the best fish recipes I’ve ever cooked. Unreal

          Reply
    2. Aayushi Manish says

      June 09, 2016 at 5:35 pm

      yummy!!

      Reply
      • Archana says

        June 09, 2016 at 5:38 pm

        Thank you Aayushi!

        Reply
    3. healthyindiankitchen says

      June 09, 2016 at 9:10 pm

      This looks amazing! We usually do it with Rava (semolina) but I am sure the rice flour version will do wonders! 🙂

      Reply
      • Archana says

        June 09, 2016 at 9:21 pm

        You are right Monalisa! Rava also tastes great with this fish.

        Reply
    4. Sumith Babu says

      June 10, 2016 at 2:01 am

      Fish fry with rice flour. Yummy...would like to try.

      Reply
      • Archana says

        June 10, 2016 at 5:22 pm

        Let me know how you like it.

        Reply
        • Sumith Babu says

          June 12, 2016 at 4:47 am

          That was amazing. I tried with semolina earlier. First time trying with rice. Thanks for the post Archana.

          Reply
          • Archana says

            June 12, 2016 at 7:51 am

            Thanks you so much for letting me know! I am glad you liked it.

            Reply
    5. Fijay says

      June 10, 2016 at 7:47 pm

      Gosh this sounds good .....I don't think we can get pomfret in the UK tho ....I wonder if it would work with Halibut steaks? ....I might give it a go next week it sounds delicious and really quick and easy too :):):):)

      Reply
      • Archana says

        June 10, 2016 at 10:40 pm

        Thank you Fijay! I would love to know how you like this simple recipe.

        Reply
        • Archana says

          June 10, 2016 at 10:43 pm

          This recipe would work well with Halibut steaks too!!

          Reply
        • Fijay says

          June 11, 2016 at 6:10 am

          Yes I will let you know ...delicious food that's quick and easy to prepare like this is a godsend to me...so Thankyou:):):):):)

          Reply
    6. Sheryl says

      June 12, 2016 at 4:00 pm

      mmm. . . This fish looks absolutely wonderful.

      Reply
      • Archana says

        June 12, 2016 at 4:15 pm

        Thank you Sheryl! It is super simple to make and so flavorful.

        Reply
    7. Karen says

      June 19, 2016 at 11:28 am

      Pomfret, or Pompano as I know it, is a favorite fish of mine because of its nice taste and texture. Your preparation sounds very good, thank you for sharing your recipe.

      Reply
      • Archana says

        June 19, 2016 at 11:31 am

        Thank you Karen!! I hope you like this simple recipe.

        Reply
        • Karen says

          June 19, 2016 at 12:33 pm

          I'm sure I will.

          Reply
    8. Fijay says

      June 19, 2016 at 3:33 pm

      Well Archana ...we had this for tea last week ....I substituted the Pomfret for Halibut steak as couldn't get Pomfret here BUT it was sooooo quick, easy and delicious ...Thankyou ....I think you should put your recipes in a book and sell it on Amazon ....these are lifesaving recipes for working Mum's who like to feed themselves and their families well ....I took a picture of it ( I think I was showing off :D:D:D
      ANYWAY I tried to upload it here as reply but couldn't so I blogged it instead and ...yes ....yes ....don't worry ....you have all the credit ....get that book together and get it sold on Amazon I say:D:D:D

      Reply
      • Archana says

        June 19, 2016 at 9:33 pm

        Thank you so much!! I am humbled with your kind words. So glad you tried it and enjoyed it! Thank you for re blogging it!!

        Reply
    9. Loretta says

      November 13, 2016 at 4:29 pm

      I remember pomfret so vividly growing up in Kenya. You are right, some of our Asian stores here carry pompano and we've found it to be very close to the taste of pomfret. Your pan fried steaks look so yummy!

      Reply
      • Archana says

        November 13, 2016 at 8:03 pm

        Thank you! I Love the light and buttery taste of Pompano.

        Reply
    10. Purva says

      July 16, 2020 at 7:35 pm

      It does look super authentic. Love all your typical “Marathi” recipes Archana. I will give it a try for my son and pair it with solkadhi & bhaat. Thanks! -Purva

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Archana: a former software engineer, now a full-time blogger. I am a mother of two boys who share my love for food and cooking. Words I love to hear are, “Mom, what’s for dinner?” The same words I say to my mom every time we speak. I live in the greater New York City Area with my husband and sons.

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