Spicy Indian Plaice with Sesame Crunch
Bring the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine to your table with this Spicy Indian Plaice with Sesame Crunch recipe. This dish features succulent plaice fillets, coated in a fragrant blend of traditional spices and topped with toasted sesame seeds for added texture and flavor. Perfect for a quick yet impressive meal, this recipe takes less than 15 minutes to prepare and cook, making it an ideal option for busy weeknight dinners or a last-minute entertaining dish. Serve it alongside steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal that’s bursting with flavor.
4
Servings
120
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
plaice fillets
500-600g (2 large, cut in half lengthways)
sesame seeds
3 tablespoons (toasted)
cumin
1 teaspoon (ground)
turmeric
1 teaspoon (ground)
paprika
1 teaspoon (ground)
shichimi-togarashi
1 teaspoon (or alternatively use cayenne pepper)
cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (optional)
salt
to taste (freshly ground black pepper to taste)
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (for frying)
Instructions
1
In a shallow dish, combine the toasted sesame seeds, cumin, turmeric, paprika, shichimi-togarashi (or cayenne), salt, and pepper to create a spice mix.
2
Lightly coat each piece of plaice fillet in the spice mixture, ensuring an even covering on both sides.
3
Allow the seasoned fillets to sit for 5-10 minutes, which will help the spices penetrate the fish.
4
Heat the vegetable oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat.
5
Once the oil is hot, carefully place the fish fillets in the pan. Cook for about 1-1/2 minutes on each side or until the fish is golden and cooked through.
6
Remove from the pan and serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of extra sesame seeds if desired.
Nutrition Information
6.5g
Fat
3.5g
Carbs
10.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Indian Plaice with Sesame Crunch?
It is a vibrant seafood dish featuring succulent plaice fillets coated in a fragrant blend of Indian spices and toasted sesame seeds for added texture.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
The entire preparation and cooking process takes less than 15 minutes, making it ideal for quick dinners.
What type of fish is used?
The recipe calls for 500-600g of plaice fillets, ideally cut in half lengthways.
What are the primary spices in the coating?
The coating includes cumin, turmeric, paprika, and shichimi-togarashi or cayenne pepper.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 120 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 10.5 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
The dish contains 6.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
Each serving has 3.5 grams of carbohydrates.
What is shichimi-togarashi?
It is a Japanese seven-spice blend; in this recipe, it can be substituted with cayenne pepper if preferred.
How should the sesame seeds be prepared?
The sesame seeds should be toasted before being mixed with the spices for the best flavor and crunch.
How long should the fish sit with the spices?
Allow the seasoned fillets to sit for 5-10 minutes to help the spices penetrate the fish.
What is the best way to cook the fish?
The fish should be fried in a non-stick pan over medium heat with vegetable oil.
How long does it take to fry the plaice?
The fillets take about 1-1/2 minutes to cook on each side until golden and cooked through.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy seafood option with high protein and relatively low calories.
What should I serve with Spicy Indian Plaice?
It pairs perfectly with steamed rice or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
Can I use frozen fish?
Yes, you can use frozen plaice fillets, but ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before seasoning.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels on your spice blends like shichimi-togarashi.
Can I substitute vegetable oil?
Yes, any neutral high-smoke-point oil like canola or sunflower oil will work well for frying.
Is the dish very spicy?
The spice level is moderate but can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper used.
Do I need to leave the skin on the fish?
The recipe typically uses skinned fillets, but you can leave the skin on if you prefer it crispy.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The fish remains succulent and tender on the inside with a light, toasted sesame crunch on the outside.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients required for this recipe.
Can I bake the fish instead of frying?
While frying provides the best crunch, you can bake the fish at 200C (400F) for 8-10 minutes if preferred.
What tags define this recipe?
Tags include Indian cuisine, fish, spicy, quick meal, healthy, and seafood.
Can I use black sesame seeds?
Yes, black sesame seeds can be used or mixed with white ones for a different visual appeal.
How do I garnish this dish?
Serve the fish immediately with a sprinkle of extra toasted sesame seeds or fresh coriander if desired.
Is this suitable for a last-minute dinner?
Absolutely, as it takes under 15 minutes to complete from start to finish.
Does the recipe include salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and freshly ground black pepper are used to taste within the spice mixture.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients, but you may need to cook the fish in batches to avoid crowding the pan.