Want to make tasty pakoras? Choosing the right fish is important.
In this guide, we’ll look at five of the best fish for pakoras, along with their average prices & cooking times.
So, you can make the perfect crispy snack this evening.
List Of 5 Best Fish For Pakora: Average Price & Cooking Time
Here is the list of 5 best fish for pakora with their average price & cooking time.
| Best Fish For Pakora | Avg. Price | Pakora Cooking Time |
| Rohu | ₹200 – ₹300 | 10-12 minutes |
| Basa | ₹300 – ₹400 | 8-10 minutes |
| Pomfret | ₹500 – ₹800 | 10-12 minutes |
| Kingfish (Surmai) | ₹600 – ₹900 | 10-12 minutes |
| Indian Mackerel (Bangda) | ₹150 – ₹250 | 8-10 minutes |
Rohu
Rohu is a freshwater fish that is commonly found in rivers and lakes across South Asia, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh & Nepal.
It’s a popular choice for its white, flaky flesh and mild taste. Rohu is usually fried, grilled, or cooked in curries & can be served with rice or bread.
It’s also a healthy option which is rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids which makes it the best fish for pakora in the evening snacks.
If you’re asking, “Is Rohu fish good for health?”, the answer is “YES“. Rohu fish is full of important nutrients that are good for your diet.
If you’re worried about uric acid & curious, “Is Rohu fish good for uric acid?”, Rohu fish has a moderate amount of purine, which is something to think about if you have gout.
Basa
Basa fish (basa catfish or swai) is a freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia which is particularly found in Vietnam and Thailand.
It has a mild & sweet flavor which has a delicate, flaky texture that is similar to white fish like tilapia or cod.
Basa is enjoyed in many cuisines worldwide and can be grilled, baked, fried, or added to soups and stews. It’s also a popular choice for making fish and chips.
Pomfret
Pomfret is a marine fish widely enjoyed in Asian cuisine. It has firm, mild-flavored white flesh which makes it versatile for grilling, frying, or steaming.
Pomfrst fish is high in protein and low in fat which is a healthy option for seafood lovers.
However, other than pakora, you can make it with spices to make it a fish curry.
Kingfish (Surmai)
Kingfish (Surmai) is a popular saltwater fish that can be found in the Indian Ocean.
It has a mild flavor which can be used for grilling, frying, or cooking in curries and stews. It has higher omega-3 fatty acids and protein.
Kingfish is a healthy choice for seafood enthusiasts.
In India, Surmai is a famous fish and is often used in both traditional and modern recipes.
Indian Mackerel (Bangda)
Indian Mackerel (Bangda) is a popular fish found in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea. It’s a very famous fish in Indian cuisine for its flavorful and oily skin.
Bangda is high in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D & other essential nutrients which makes it a healthy snack for the evening.
It can be prepared in many ways, including frying, grilling, or pickling.
In Indian cooking, Bangda can be made as a “fish curry” with some spices like turmeric, coriander & red chili powder.
You can serve as a main dish with rice or bread. Also, you can add curries and stews for extra flavor.
How To Choose Fresh Fish For Pakoras?
Choosing fresh fish for pakoras is necessary to ensure your dish is tasty and safe.
Here’s a simple guide to help you choose the best fish for making pakoras.
Choose the Right Type of Fish
Basa, Rohu, Pomfret, Kingfish & Bangda are the best fish for pakoras due to their mild flavors.
Freshwater fish like Rohu offer a milder taste, while saltwater fish like Pomfret have a stronger flavor.
As for “Rohu or Katla Which Fish is Tasty in India” taste preferences vary by personal choice and regional cooking styles.
Check the Smell
Fresh fish should have a mild & ocean-like smell.
You should avoid fish that smell too fishy or sour because this usually means they’re not fresh.
Look at the Eyes
The eyes of fresh fish should be clear & bright.
Cloudy, sunken, or dull eyes are a sign that the fish might not be fresh.
Check the Gills
Fresh fish have gills that are bright red or pink.
If the gills are brownish or slimy, the fish is probably not fresh.
Check the Flesh/Skin
Fresh fish flesh/skin should bounce back when you press it.
You should avoid fish with soft skin, because the fish may be old.
The color should be vibrant, whether it’s white, pink, or red, depending on the fish.
Check the Skin
The skin of fresh fish should be shiny, moist, and have scales that stick tightly to it.
If the skin is dry or discolored, the fish is likely not fresh.
Consider Frozen Fish
If fresh fish isn’t available, you can also buy good quality frozen fish.
Just see some signs of freezer burn or off smells.
Seasonal Availability
Choose fish that are in season, because it is a high chance that you’ll get fresh fish.
For example, Hilsa is best in the monsoon season.
If you want to try something different, learn about the "smallest fish in the world" or finding out "why Vanjaram fish is costly" Every type of fish has its unique taste & price which adds variety to your culinary experience.
Also Read:
What is Rohu Fish Called in the USA
Conclusion
To enjoy tasty pakoras, choosing the best fish for pakora is necessary.
Rohu, Basa, Pomfret, Kingfish & Indian Mackerel each have their own flavors, textures & cooking times to match your preference.
You can use these tips which I’ve mentioned in the blog to choose fresh fish, and you’ll have perfect pakoras this evening.
FAQs
What fish is fish pakora made of?
Fish pakora is usually made with fish like cod, tilapia, or pangasius. These fish have a mild taste and firm texture, which are perfect for the batter and frying.
Which fish is best for fish fry?
For a fish fry, tilapia, catfish, or trout are great choices. They have mild flavors and firm textures that work well for frying.
Are fish pakora healthy?
Fish pakora is deep-fried, which means it’s high in calories and fats. Although it does offer protein, the frying process makes it less healthy compared to grilled or baked fish.
What is best fish for fish and chips?
The best fish for fish and chips is cod because it has a mild taste and flaky texture. Haddock is another good option if you prefer a slightly stronger flavor.
Why is fried fish unhealthy?
Fried fish is unhealthy due to its high-fat content from the oil, which can increase calorie intake & cholesterol levels.
I love animals & want to know more about different creatures & sharing their stories with everyone. From my childhood, I’ve been exploring forests & watching animals in their homes.
Now, I write about my adventures & all the amazing things I learned. My blogs are easy to understand & make you want to know more about animals. I teach about why animals are important & why we should take care of them.