Chicken Tikka is a Punjabi grilled chicken dish, now famous world over and vegetarian versions of the recipe with cottage cheese and different grilled vegetables are also becoming popular.

This recipe for Sesame Fish Tikka with succulent pieces of fish that are crusted with lots of sesame seeds is a delicious and creative twist on the same recipe but a lot more formal and fit for any celebration.

I created it for my husband’s birthday. I wanted to make something special that would sweep him off his feet, make the evening special for him and yet be heart healthy and light. And this recipe delivered exactly all that. It’s a fusion of South Asian and Middle Eastern flavours with the goodness of seafood and sesame seeds. You can also make chicken or prawns tikka the same way.

Ingredients:

1/2 kg fish fillet, cut into 1+1/2-2 inch cubes
( use any firm white fish)

4 cloves garlic
1/2 inch piece ginger
1 teaspoon red chilli flakes
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
1 teaspoon garam masala or ground black pepper
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons gram flour/besan
3 tablespoons lemon juice
4 tablespoons yogurt
1/2 cup sesame seeds
2 tablespoons sunflower oil ( if pan frying)

This Is What You Do:

Add garlic, ginger, red chilli flakes, cumin, coriander, garam masala, salt, gram flour, lemon juice and yogurt to a food processor, whiz to make a smooth paste.

Marinate the fish in this paste for 10-15 minutes. Save the marinade, thread 3-4 fish cubes per skewer.

Heat a skillet with two tablespoons oil. Place 2-3 skewers at a time on the skillet, turning them till they are half cooked.
Take them out, once again brush them with the remaining marinade to moisten them. Roll them in sesame seeds and return them to skillet to complete cooking.Cook for another minute or till the tikkas are slightly charred on all sides.

If using an open fire grill, use the same process. Thread the cubes on metal skewers and leave out the oil.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges , tamarind chutney and yogurt mint raita.

Serves 2

4 Replies to “Sesame Fish Tikka”

  1. I think to test your recipe with Mediterranean herbs. It’s simplier to me to use them, Maria.
    So, I’ll try an example of fusion cuisine!

    1. That’s a wonderful idea, my friend! I love fusion recipes, Loretta. If you try, do tell me how it turned out 🙂

  2. I can’t say it often enough….
    You blow me away with easy, simple, heart-heathly cooking. Not to mention delicious too boot!!

    1. Dear Cathy, I’m seriously running out of words to thank you for your love and support from the beginning. You are an awesome friend!
      Love n hugs! 🙂

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