Fish in Bangladeshi Shorshe Bata (Mustard Paste)

Name: Fish in Bangladeshi Shorshe Bata (Mustard Paste)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: Juice of 1 lemon, plus 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 pound of fish fillets (ilish, available frozen in Bangladeshi groceries, is traditional, but skinless, boneless bluefish, tilapia, shad or catfish may be substituted); 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon turmeric; 3 tablespoons yellow mustard seeds; 2 green chiles (or to taste); 2 garlic cloves; 6 1/2 tablespoons pure or blended mustard oil; ⅔ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves; 1 teaspoon nigella seeds

Servings: persons

1
Pour the juice of 1 lemon onto the fish fillets and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the turmeric; set aside.
2
In a spice grinder, combine the mustard seeds, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, remaining 1/4 teaspoon turmeric, 1 chile (or to taste) and the garlic.
3
Grind to a smooth paste.
4
Transfer to a food processor and add 3 tablespoons of the mustard oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1/3 cup of the cilantro and 3 tablespoons water.
5
Process until smooth, adding more water if needed to get a paste with the consistency of cake batter.
6
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons mustard oil and add the spice paste.
7
Let it sizzle for a few moments, and then use a wooden spatula to flip and stir it in the oil, reducing the heat if it starts to brown too quickly.
8
Saute until it darkens and thickens, about 10 minutes.
9
Scoop the paste out of the pan and into a small bowl.
10
Wipe out the frying pan with a paper towel and return the pan to medium-high heat.
11
Heat remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons mustard oil.
12
When the oil is shimmering, add the nigella seeds and, if desired, a whole green chile.
13
Fry for a minute or two, then add the fish filets, carefully flipping them to brown both sides.
14
When the fish is browned, add the spice paste and 1/4 cup hot water or as needed to loosen the paste.
15
Bring it to a boil and simmer until the fish is cooked through, about 5 minutes depending on the thickness of the fillets.
16
Sprinkle with chopped cilantro.

109

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 10 ingredients. The key ingredients include: Juice of 1 lemon, plus 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 pound of fish fillets (ilish, available frozen in Bangladeshi groceries, is traditional, but skinless, boneless bluefish, tilapia, shad or catfish may be substituted), 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, and more.

Yes, Fish in Bangladeshi Shorshe Bata (Mustard Paste) falls under the Seafood category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!