Mustard-Glazed Hilsa Fish with Radish

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Fresh hilsa fish caramelizes in mustard oil and tamarind, served with crisp radish slices for a bright contrast. This indian-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs 6 oz each hilsa fish fillets, mustard oil, tamarind paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 2, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Indian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 2 hilsa fish fillets (6 oz each) dry with paper towels. Heat 3 tbsp mustard oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  2. Step 2: Place fish skin-side down in skillet and cook for 4 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook 3 minutes more until opaque throughout.
  3. Step 3: Stir 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp grated ginger into skillet, scraping up browned bits, and simmer for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Arrange 2 julienned radish slices on each plate, top with fish, and drizzle with sauce. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped cilantro and 1/2 tsp salt.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Mustard-Glazed Hilsa Fish with Radish take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Mustard-Glazed Hilsa Fish with Radish?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep 6 oz each hilsa fish fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mustard-Glazed Hilsa Fish with Radish?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Mustard-Glazed Hilsa Fish with Radish for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Mustard-Glazed Hilsa Fish with Radish?

Indian seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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