Manipuri Fish Pakora

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Last Updated on May 20, 2020 by Chef Mireille

These gluten free Manipuri Fish Pakora are delicious Indian style Fish Fritters, made with any white flesh fish like flounder, haddock, cod or basa. They make a great appetizer or finger food to serve at parties!

Manipuri Fish Pakora

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Have you heard of Manipuri?

Manipuri is a state in northeastern India. Manipuri is one of the 7 states known as the 7 sisters. This is some of the lesser known cuisines, outside of India.  Part of the reason is that much of this region is still very tribal and therefore the globalization of their cuisine is virtually non existent.  Much of the produce consists of wild greens, not available in other parts of the world.

There are many differences between their cuisine and the rest of India.  One of the main reasons is that vegetarianism is not prevalent here, as it is in the rest of India.  

Fish is especially prevalent, especially the use of fermented fish called Ngri.  It’s also the only part of India, outside of Goa, where pork is commonly eaten.  Due to its geographic location, vegetables commonly associated with Central  Asian cuisines are utilized here – like taro, bamboo shoots and lotus root.

The two exceptions are Sikkim and Tripuri.  Sikkim consists of mainly Tibetan cuisine and Tripuri cuisine is largely Bengali.

All of the states of this region are big rice eaters in all its forms, but beaten rice is very common. Additionally, since this is where the tea plantations are, it is consumed in abundance here.

Caribbean Fish Cakes is a very traditional Caribbean appetizer, required for any party or occasion. While in the Caribbean, fish cakes are made with dried salted cod. This version of fish fritters is much more user friendly, utilizing fresh fish, which is easier to source.

All Pakora (Indian Fritters) are gluten free because chickpea flour (besan) is used instead of all purpose flour as is traditional in American/Western cuisines.

If you would like to check out some more Indian gluten free pakoras, check these out!

Gluten Free Indian Pakoras

Manipuri Fish -edit

How to make Manipuri Fish Pakora – Indian Fish Fritters

I share a lot of the food I cook with my Mom.  My Mom is not a foodie by any sense of the word.  She only eats because she has to in order to keep on living.  She does not get excited over trying new dishes or recipes, so I rarely get a call regarding any of the food I give her.  I don’t take it personally; food is just not something that interests her.

These fish pakora were a different story.  I immediately received a phone call and she asked, “What did you put in these fish cakes to make them taste so good?” I politely informed her that they were not fish cakes, but Manipuri Fish Pakora and after going over the ingredient list, we realized it was the addition of the besan that gave these a wonderful texture inside that she loved so much.

bite -edit

These came out so delicious.  Nice and crispy on the outside and light and airy on the inside.  This is definitely a recipe that I would repeat!

Manipuri Fish Pakora

Gluten Free Fish Pakora are Indian style Fish Fritters that make a delicious party appetizer or savory snack.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Indian
Servings: 9 pakoras
Calories: 66kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. flounder fillets
  • 1/2 cup chickpea flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chile powder cayenne
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 onion finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • oil for frying

Instructions

  • Cook fish in boiling water, until cooked thoroughly, about 10 minutes. Drain well.
  • Transfer to a large bowl. Add chickpea flour, chile powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, baking soda, onion and salt.
  • Add enough water to make a thick batter, approximately 1/2 cup.
  • Mix well.
  • Form into 9 evenly sized patties.
  • Heat enough oil for shallow frying.
  • Place patties in the hot oil and cook until golden brown on both sides.
  • Drain on paper towels.
  • Serve with your favorite chutney.

Notes

Any white flesh fish like haddock, cod, or basa can be used.

Nutrition

Calories: 66kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 169mg | Potassium: 150mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 63IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg
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Comments

  1. Initially i want to choose this theme too,but my mind was blank and quit it..Glad to see at ur place this beautiful theme Mir, thats a mouthwatering pakoras.

  2. Very interesting Mir, yes I was thinking how everybody would select the veg collection..guess we have some innovative bunch of bloggers…these pakoras are sound very good indeed!

  3. Thanks for the info on the North western states. To be honest, I didn't know about the cuisines of these states till now.
    Surprised to hear that your mom is not a foodie.. no.. I'm just kidding.. My whole family is like her–I'm the only one who thinks non-stop about food.. so I completely understand 🙂

  4. Chef Mireille, What can i say , I am surprised to see you getting into this part of the world and making this awesome pakora. I love it . I am on my mission to popularize the north eastern cuisines , some of them being just amazing. I am glad i landed here and will be following you regularly, very interesting and happy

    Zeri

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