🔥🐟 Grilled Hilsa – Smoky & Flavorful Bengali Delight 🍽️

Grilled Hilsa, or “Ilish Bhapa on the Grill”, is a modern twist on the traditional Bengali Ilish preparations. This dish enhances the natural, rich flavors of Hilsa fish by marinating it in a mustard-based marinade and grilling it to perfection. Perfect for those who love a smoky, juicy, and slightly charred fish experience!

🛒 Ingredients

For the Marinade:

✔ Hilsa Fish (Ilish Maach) – 4-6 pieces
✔ Mustard Paste (Shorshe Bata) – 2 tbsp
✔ Yogurt (Dahi) – 2 tbsp
✔ Turmeric Powder – ½ tsp
✔ Red Chili Powder – 1 tsp
✔ Salt – To taste
✔ Sugar – ½ tsp (optional)
✔ Mustard Oil – 2 tbsp
✔ Lemon Juice – 1 tbsp
✔ Green Chilies (finely chopped) – 3-4
✔ Garlic Paste – 1 tsp
✔ Ginger Paste – 1 tsp

For Grilling:

✔ Banana Leaf (optional, for wrapping)
✔ Butter or Mustard Oil – for basting
✔ Charcoal Grill / Oven / Griddle Pan

👩‍🍳 Cooking Process

1️⃣ Marination – Infusing Flavors

1️⃣ Clean and pat dry the Hilsa fish pieces.
2️⃣ In a bowl, mix mustard paste, yogurt, turmeric, red chili powder, salt, sugar, mustard oil, lemon juice, garlic paste, ginger paste, and chopped green chilies into a smooth marinade.
3️⃣ Coat the fish well with the marinade.
4️⃣ Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (for best results, 1 hour).

2️⃣ Grilling the Hilsa

🔥 Using a Charcoal Grill / Barbecue:
1️⃣ Light up the charcoal grill and let it heat up properly.
2️⃣ Wrap the fish in banana leaf (optional, for a smoky aroma).
3️⃣ Place the fish on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, basting with mustard oil or butter occasionally.

🔥 Using an Oven:
1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2️⃣ Line a baking tray with parchment paper or banana leaf.
3️⃣ Place the marinated Hilsa pieces and drizzle a little mustard oil.
4️⃣ Bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway for even cooking.

🔥 Using a Griddle Pan:
1️⃣ Heat a griddle pan on medium flame.
2️⃣ Brush some mustard oil and place the fish gently.
3️⃣ Cook for 5 minutes per side until golden and slightly charred.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

✅ Serve Grilled Hilsa hot with steamed rice, green chilies, and a slice of lemon! 🍋🔥
✅ Pair with a glass of Gondhoraj Lebu-infused water for an authentic Bengali feel.

📌 Footnote:

This dish is a must-try at the Sundarban Hilsa Festival, also known as Sundarban Ilish Utsav, where Hilsa lovers gather to celebrate Bengal’s King of Fish in its most flavorful forms!

🔥 Enjoy the smoky, juicy taste of Grilled Hilsa! 😋🐟