Mustard-Crusted Hilsa Fish
Fresh hilsa fish coated in a pungent mustard paste and gently pan-seared until the crust caramelizes and the fish flakes effortlessly. This Indian-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs Hilsa fish fillets, Mustard paste, Ginger paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Hilsa fish fillets
- 1/4 cup Mustard paste
- 2 tbsp Ginger paste
- 1 tbsp Garlic paste
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp Cumin powder
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 1 lb hilsa fish fillets dry with paper towels, then season both sides with 1 tsp salt.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix 1/4 cup mustard paste, 2 tbsp ginger paste, 1 tbsp garlic paste, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, and 1/2 tsp cumin powder until smooth.
- Step 3: Spread the mustard mixture evenly over the fish fillets, pressing gently to adhere. Let marinate for 20 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 4: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the fish fillets in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until the mustard crust is golden and the fish is cooked through (internal temperature 145°F).
- Step 5: Transfer to a plate, garnish with 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, and serve immediately.








