Most restaurants use Cod or Haddock to make the fillets, but I prefer the texture and taste of Basa. Cut each fillet into half, wash and pat dry.
For the batter, mix together equal parts of white flour and corn starch, and season with salt, pepper, chilli powder. For 8 halves (4 fillets) I use 3/4 cup white flour and corn starch each. The seasonings are to taste, around 1 tsp of salt will do the job. Also add 1 tsp baking powder and baking soda each.
Bring the dough together by adding 1 egg and some "cold" water till mixture is smooth and not too runny. Add a tbsp of lemon juice and give it another mix.
The fillets are deep fried so depending on what you use for frying, prepare the deep fryer or skillet so the oil is heated through at med - high. Dip each fillet in the batter and when coated well transfer into the hot oil.
Basa cooks fast so you will need to cook each side for around 3-4 minutes or till the outsides are golden brown and crisp.
Top the burger with your favorite toppings: lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, cheese etc. I use tartar sauce instead of mayo.
For any left over batter I take some sliced red onions, dip them in and fry them for Onion Rings.
You could also cut strips of the fillet and fry the same way for a great snack for kids, or for adults serve the strips with Garlic Bread / Bruschetta.
This looks SO good!! Will definitely give it a try..but is Basa available in Pakistan? I have no idea about that =/ all youur dishes look scrumptious to say the least, and I'm sure they taste even better! =D good job mA, im inspired!!
ReplyDeleteHi Kiran! Thank you so much for your comment! :o) As for finding Basa in Pakistan, it depends where you are in Pakistan. I know of a seafood shop in F-6 markaz (Islamabad) that sells fresh fish - I remember they had Basa listed as one of the fish they sell when I visited a couple of years ago. I'm not sure but it should be easier to procure in Karachi too.
ReplyDeleteYou could even use frozen Basa and defrost it if you can find that. Else you can try any white fish - Cod or Haddock should do the job too as long as the fillet is big enough to fill a burger bun or be creative and put two small fillets in one burger!