Nethili Fish Fry Recipe

There’s something magical about Nethili fish. These little wonders are a testament to the idea that great things often come in small packages. Nethili fish, also known as anchovies, may be small in size, but boy, do they pack a punch of flavour! 

Imagine you growing up in a coastal town, the sight of your grandmother preparing a netholi fry or nethili fish dry would be a familiar and comforting picture. The aroma of spices mingling with the fresh sea air is a sensory experience that will stay with you! We’re sure there are many who would have gone back to their childhood memories while reading this. Comment down if you have!

Simple ingredients have a big impact. That’s the secret to any great nethili fish fry recipe.


Ingredients For Nethili Fish Dry Recipe:


For this crispy, spicy, and utterly addictive nethili fish 65 fry, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 200g chemical-free FreshToHome Nethili Fish (anchovies)
  • 2 tbsp rice flour
  • 1 tbsp red chilli powder
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Oil for frying

Step-by-Step Nethili Fry Recipe: From Prep to Plate

  1. Clean and Coat

The Foundation of Flavour→
First things first, clean the nethili fish thoroughly. Trust us, it’s worth the effort. Properly cleaned fish ensures the perfect texture and taste. Once your little fishies are sparkling clean, it’s time to coat them in a flavorful mix. No time to clean the fish? Worry not! That’s where FreshToHome fish come into picture. All our fish are pre-cleaned, pre-cut and are preservative-free.
In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons rice flour, 1 tablespoon red chilli powder, 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt. This spicy blend will give the nethili fish that irresistible kick. Coat the fish evenly, ensuring each one is cloaked in the spice mix. This step is crucial for that finger-licking flavour.

A wide bowl of fresh nethili fish marinated in rice flour, chilly powder and other spices for preparing nethili fish dry recipe.
Fresh Preservative-Free Nethili Fish From FreshToHome Marinated in spices
  1. Fry Frenzy

The Golden Transformation→
Now, heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Patience is key here. You want the oil to be hot enough to fry the fish to golden perfection but not so hot that they burn.
Carefully add the coated nethili fish to the pan. As they sizzle and dance in the oil, the spices will toast, and the fish will transform into crispy, golden delights.
Fry them until they are beautifully golden brown and crispy. This dish is all about achieving that perfect crunch. It’s a symphony of textures: crispy on the outside, tender on the inside.

Sizzling pan of marinated nethili fish frying in oil for nethili fish dry recipe
Nethili Fish Fry: Crispy South Indian Delight
  1. Serve and Delight

The Final Flourish→

Once your nethili fish are fried to perfection, it’s time to serve them hot. A squeeze of lemon over the nethili fish dry adds a zesty brightness that complements the spicy crunch. This nethili 65 is versatile. Perfect as a snack to enjoy with friends over or as a delectable side dish that elevates any meal.

The Final Bite
Tiny Fish, Big Flavor→

There you have it – a nethili fish dry recipe that’s sure to become a favourite. It’s simple, it’s quick, and it’s bursting with flavour. Whether you’re frying up a batch for a party or enjoying a quiet meal at home, these tiny fish are guaranteed to bring big smiles.
So, next time when you’re at the seafood market, don’t overlook these small wonders. Grab a bag of nethili fish and get ready to whip up a dish that’s packed with flavour and personality.
And don’t forget, for more delightful anchovy recipes, keep experimenting. From dry nethili fry to fish curry, the possibilities are endless.

Nethili Fish Recipes Galore→

Nethili Fish Curry
A Flavourful Dive→

For those who love a good curry, this is a must-try. The tiny fish absorb the rich, spiced gravy, resulting in a dish that’s deeply satisfying. Saute mustard seeds, fenugreek, curry leaves in oil for a minute and add in finely chopped onions. Fry until they turn translucent and add tamarind water, season and let it boil for 5 minutes. Then add the stars of the show, Nethili fish, allowing them to soak up the flavourful embrace. Let the curry simmer, the flavours deepening and melding, creating a symphony of taste. Serve it with steamed rice, and you have a meal that’s pure comfort on a plate.

Dry Nethili Fish Fry
Quick and Delicious→

If you’re short on time but craving something delicious, then this dish is your answer. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s incredibly tasty. The perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you need a flavourful dish without the fuss. Just coat the fish with salt, turmeric, chilli powder and a spoon of oil and keep it aside. Heat oil in a pan for deep fry, add the seasoned fish into the pan and fry them until golden and crisp. Remove onto a plate. In the same oil fry some slit green chilli and curry leaves until crisp, remove and add onto the fried fish. Serve hot with a dip of your choice.  Happy cooking, and may your nethili fish dry fry always be crispy, spicy, and utterly addictive!