Fish Stir Fry (Meen Ularthiyathu)

Fish/Meen Thoran is pretty famous in Kerala. It is made with Fish, Grated Coconut and Kudampuli (Gambooge). I had some Tilapia fillets in the freezer and thought of making a thoran. Then, I changed my mind and thought of trying a dish without coconut. I was too lazy to defrost the grated coconut. I skipped the gambooge and instead, added tomatoes. So, here is my recipe for Meen Ularthiyathu or Fish Stir Fry. The name sounds funny but this dish tastes excellent. 🙂 It can be made quickly and goes well with rice.

Shredded Fish Stir Fry (Meen Ularthiyathu)

Ingredients

1. Tilapia Fillets – 2 large
2. Tomato (chopped) – 1 large
3. Onion (diced) – 1 large
4. Ginger (finely minced) – 1 tbsp
5. Crushed Garlic (finely minced) – 2 small cloves
6. Green Chillies – 3 nos.
7. Curry leaves – A sprig
8. Chilly powder – 1/2 tsp (Alter according to your Spice Tolerance)
9. Fish Masala Powder – 1 tbsp (I used Eastern Fish Masala powder)
10. Pepper Powder – 1/2 tsp
11. Salt – to taste
12. Oil – 2 tbsp
13. Mustard Seeds – 1/2 tsp

For Marinating the Fish

1. Red Chilly Powder – 1 tsp (Alter according to your Spice Tolerance)
2. Turmeric Powder – 1/2 tsp
3. Black Pepper Powder – 1/2 tsp
4. Salt – to taste
5. Lemon Juice – 2 tsp

Preparation Method

1. Wash the Tilapia fillets and soak it in water along with 1 tbsp lemon juice. Rinse and drain after 5 minutes.
2. Marinate the fillets with all the above ingredients and keep it aside for 10 minutes.
3. Microwave the fillets for 4-5 minutes. Alternatively, you can lightly cook it in a non stick skillet.
4. Shred the fish with a fork and keep aside.
5. Heat oil in a pan and splutter mustard seeds. Add onions and saute till translucent.
6. Add ginger, garlic, slit green chillies and curry leaves and saute for a few minutes.
7. Add tomatoes along with salt to taste and cook until soft and pulpy.
8. Reduce heat and add 1/2 tsp chilly powder, 1 tbsp fish masala powder, 1/2 tsp black pepper powder and saute for 2 minutes.
9. Add the shredded tilapia pieces and mix everything well.
10. Cover the pan and cook on medium low heat for 5-7 minutes till it is completely cooked and dry.
11. Serve this yummy Fish Stir-Fry with Rice.