Tandoori Fish – Oven Baked

This easy Indian inspired tandoori fish recipe is quick to make, low carb, dairy-free, and pairs well with grains, rice, or veggies for a wholesome meal.

I have a huge confession to make. 🫣 I love foods that have a slight red colour to them. Like pasta mixed into marinara, or an aromatic taco spice mix, or a juicy piece of sriracha chicken. Usually a couple of teaspoons of paprika do the job when marinating meats, but with little ones who can’t tolerate spice, I just can’t have any chilli whatsoever in my cooking. So I cheat with less than 1/8 teaspoon of tandoori colouring to give it that red and spicy look I love and crave.

These basa fillets weren’t spared from my desire for reddish food. 😂 This recipe yields a great baked tandoori fish that’s not only simple to make, but incredibly flavourful and tender.

Tandoori Fish Ingredients

For these tandoori fish fillets, you’ll need:

• Basa fish fillets – you can substitute these with any white fleshed fish you prefer (i.e. cod, halibut, sea bass).
• Lemon juice – from half a lemon.
• Olive oil – substitute with neutral oil, if desired.
• Spices – cumin, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder salt, pepper.
• Tandoori powder – available from Indian and South African grocers.

How It’s Made

These tandoori fish fillets can be prepared in five simple steps.

1. Thaw fish fillets: in the refrigerator overnight, if using frozen. Optionally, slice into portions or keep whole.
2. Preheat oven: as this recipe does not require marinating, you can preheat your oven while you make the spice mix.
3. Make the spice mix: mix lemon juice, oil, and spices in a small bowl.
4. Prepare fillets: line a sheet pan with baking paper and place fish fillets on the tray. Brush the fillets with the marinade on both sides. A trick I use is to flip one fillet over the other so none of the marinade comes off on the baking paper.
5. Bake: place the fillets side by side once they are completely coated in the spice mix. Bake until the fish is tender. Garnish and serve.

Tandoori Fish FAQ

What type of fish can I use for this recipe?

Any white fleshed fish can be used for this recipe, the choice comes down to your preference. Barramundi, sea bass, tilapia and cod are all great options.

What should I serve this with?

A side of fries or roast potatoes, roti bread, plain rice, a slaw or salad, quinoa, cauli rice, or roast mixed vegetables all make great accompaniments.

This recipe is Paleo, Whole30, and Keto compliant. If you follow one of these diets, choose a side accordingly.

How long does it keep?

This fish will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a perfect option for meal prep.

What can I do with leftover tandoori fish?

Turn left overs into fish taco, sandwiches, wraps, or fish pies.

Baked Tandoori Fish

This easy tandoori fish recipe is quick to make, low carb, dairy-free, and pairs well with grains, rice, or veggies for a wholesome meal.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Indian

Servings 4 people

Ingredients

  

• 2 large Basa fish fillets, substitute with any white fleshed fish fillets
• Juice from ½ a lemon
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 ½ tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp garlic powder, substitute with 1 fresh garlic clove
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• ⅛ tsp tandoori powder, substitute with 1 tsp paprika

Instructions

 

• If using frozen fish, place in the refrigerator overnight to defrost.
• Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F or 160°C / 320°F fan forced.
• Mix lemon juice, oil, ground cumin, ground turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and tandoori colour (or paprika) in a small bowl.
• Line a sheet pan with baking paper and place fish fillets on the tray. Brush the fillets with spice mix on both sides.
• Place fish in the oven and let bake for 15-20 minutes or until the fish is cooked through (this will vary based on thickness of fish and your oven type).

  Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges, serve.

Keyword Baked Tandoori Fish

More Oven Baked Recipes

If you’ve loved making this tandoori fish, have a go at making my Asian Glazed Salmon or Lemon Garlic Chicken Potato Bake.

Tried it? Let me know if you liked it!

Go on and rate the recipe in the comments below. And don’t forget to tag your creations on Instagram with @tilgoldenbrown #tilgoldenbrown so I can feature them!