Bengali > Seafood > Fish > Baked Fish

Baked Fish Fry (Machh Bhaja) Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 fish fillets (any white fish)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil

Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, cornmeal, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
4. In another shallow dish, whisk together the milk and egg.
5. Dip each fish fillet into the milk mixture, then coat it in the flour mixture.
6. Place the coated fish fillets onto the prepared baking sheet.
7. Drizzle the vegetable oil over the fish fillets.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the coating is crispy and golden brown.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Temperature:
425°F
Serving size:
4 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 300
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 23g
Protein: 24g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Cornmeal can be substituted with breadcrumbs or panko.
- Vegetable oil can be substituted with olive oil or canola oil.

Variations:
- Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
- Use different types of fish, such as salmon or tilapia.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese to the flour mixture for extra flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to pat the fish fillets dry before dipping them in the milk mixture to ensure the coating sticks.
- For extra crispy coating, spray the fish fillets with cooking spray before baking.
- Serve with lemon wedges for a fresh burst of flavor.

Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the fish fillets on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the fish fillets on a bed of lettuce with lemon wedges on the side.

Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.

Pairings:
Serve with roasted vegetables or a side salad.

Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted asparagus
- Green beans with almonds
- Caesar salad

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the coating is not sticking to the fish, try patting the fish dry with paper towels before dipping it in the milk mixture.
- If the coating is not crispy, try baking the fish at a higher temperature or for a longer time.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the fish to an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Always wash your hands and any utensils or surfaces that come into contact with raw fish to prevent cross-contamination.

Food history:
Machh Bhaja is a popular Bengali dish that is typically made by frying fish in oil. This baked version is a healthier twist on the traditional recipe.

Flavor profiles:
The crispy coating is seasoned with a blend of spices, giving the fish a savory and slightly spicy flavor.

Serving suggestions:
Serve with lemon wedges and a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

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Region: Indian

Taste: Spicy, Savory, Tangy, Crispy, Aromatic