Imagine a dish that combines the delicate flakiness of perfectly cooked fish with the bold, tantalizing warmth of mustard seeds - a recipe that promises to transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant kitchens of India. This Fish in a Light Mustard Sauce is not just a meal; it's an experience that marries simplicity with extraordinary flavor, making even weeknight dinners feel like a gourmet adventure. Whether you're a seafood lover or looking to impress your family with a restaurant-quality dish, this recipe is about to become your new culinary secret weapon.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 fish fillets (like tilapia or cod)
- 2 tablespoons mustard seeds
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, slit
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Clean the fish fillets thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. Season the fillets with salt and set aside.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter and release their aromatic oils.
- Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent and light golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the raw smell disappears and the mixture becomes fragrant.
- Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This will create the light sauce base for the fish.
- Carefully place the seasoned fish fillets into the simmering sauce. Ensure they are evenly distributed in the pan.
- Cover the pan and cook on low-medium heat for about 10-12 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and becomes flaky.
- Gently turn the fish fillets once during cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent sticking.
- Once the fish is fully cooked, check the seasoning and adjust salt if needed.
- Remove from heat and transfer the fish and sauce to a serving platter. Serve hot with steamed rice or Indian bread.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Fish: Select firm white fish like tilapia or cod that can hold up well during cooking and absorb the mustard sauce's flavors.
- Pat Fish Dry: Always ensure fish fillets are thoroughly dried with paper towels before seasoning. This helps achieve a better sear and prevents excess moisture.
- Watch Mustard Seeds: When adding mustard seeds to hot oil, stand back and let them splutter. This releases their essential oils and creates a fantastic base flavor.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Cook the fish on low-medium heat to maintain its tenderness and prevent overcooking.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Ensure fish fillets have enough space between them for even cooking and sauce distribution.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh ginger-garlic paste and green chilies for the most vibrant and authentic flavor profile.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair this dish with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread to soak up the delicious mustard sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg

