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Sri Lankan Fish Cutlets Recipe | Crispy Tea Time Snack
Sri Lankan · Snacks

Sri Lankan Fish Cutlets Recipe | Crispy Tea Time Snack

Learn how to make crispy Sri Lankan fish cutlets with spicy fish filling and crunchy breadcrumb coating. A perfect traditional snack for tea time.

Prep
25 min
Cook
20 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Medium

Method

1

Fish Prep

Boil the fish until fully cooked, remove bones carefully, and flake it into small fine pieces. Ensure no bones remain for a smooth mixture.
2

Aromatic Sauté

In a pan, heat a small amount of oil and sauté onions, green chilies, curry leaves, and ginger-garlic paste until fragrant and lightly golden.
3

Fish Fusion

Add the flaked fish to the pan and mix well with the sautéed ingredients. Cook for 2–3 minutes to enhance flavor.
4

Potato Bind

Add mashed potatoes, turmeric, chili powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly until a thick, consistent mixture forms.
5

Cool Down

Allow the mixture to cool completely before shaping.
6

Shaping

Take small portions and shape them into round or oval cutlets using your hands.

Chef hand-shaping spicy fish cutlets and preparing them for egg-wash and breading
7

Egg Wash

Dip each cutlet into beaten egg, ensuring it is fully coated.
8

Breading

Roll the egg-coated cutlet in breadcrumbs until evenly covered for a crispy crust.
9

Deep Frying

Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat and fry the cutlets until golden brown and crispy on all sides.

Inside view of a freshly fried fish cutlet showing steaming spicy fish and potato filling surrounded by a crispy shell
10

Drain Excess

Remove and drain excess oil on paper towels before serving.
11

Hot Service

Serve hot with ketchup, chili sauce, or sambol.

Cook’s tips

  • Canned tuna works great in a pinch—just drain it well and follow the same seasoning steps.
  • Double coat the cutlets (Egg -> Crumbs -> Egg -> Crumbs) for an extra thick and crunchy crust.
  • Ensure the oil is hot before adding cutlets; otherwise, they may absorb too much oil and become greasy.

Recipe notes

Indulge in the spicy, crunchy soul of Sri Lankan street food! Aerial view of a traditional Sri Lankan tea time spread with fish cutlets, short eats, and Ceylon tea

Completing your Sri Lankan dinner? Pair these spicy snacks with our Authentic Fish Ambul Thiyal for a true coastal feast!

Frequently asked questions

Can I freeze these?

Yes! Bread the cutlets and freeze them on a tray. Once solid, transfer to a bag. Fry directly from frozen.

Can I air fry them?

Yes, spray with a little oil and air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 10–12 minutes until golden.

Pairs well with

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