🍢 Hilsa Tikka – A Royal Bengali Delight 🐟🔥

Hilsa Tikka is a unique and flavorful dish that brings a smoky, grilled twist to the King of Fish – Hilsa (Ilish Mach). Infused with aromatic spices and grilled to perfection, this dish is an irresistible treat for seafood lovers.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Marinade:

✔ Hilsa Fillets – 4-6 pieces
✔ Hung Curd (Thick Yogurt) – ½ cup
✔ Mustard Paste – 2 tbsp
✔ Ginger-Garlic Paste – 1 tbsp
✔ Turmeric Powder – ½ tsp
✔ Red Chili Powder – 1 tsp
✔ Lemon Juice – 1 tbsp
✔ Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves, Crushed) – 1 tsp
✔ Mustard Oil – 2 tbsp
✔ Salt – To taste
✔ Black Pepper Powder – ½ tsp

For Garnishing:

✔ Onion Rings – For serving
✔ Lemon Wedges – For squeezing
✔ Fresh Coriander Leaves – For garnishing

👨‍🍳 Cooking Process

1️⃣ Marinating the Hilsa

1️⃣ Clean the Hilsa Fillets and pat them dry.
2️⃣ In a bowl, mix hung curd, mustard paste, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, chili powder, lemon juice, kasuri methi, salt, and black pepper.
3️⃣ Add mustard oil and whisk well.
4️⃣ Coat the Hilsa fillets evenly with the marinade.
5️⃣ Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to let the flavors infuse.

2️⃣ Grilling the Tikka

1️⃣ Preheat a grill pan or tandoor at medium-high heat.
2️⃣ Brush the grill with mustard oil to prevent sticking.
3️⃣ Place the marinated Hilsa fillets on the grill.
4️⃣ Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and slightly charred.
5️⃣ Baste with extra mustard oil for added smokiness.

3️⃣ Final Touch

1️⃣ Remove from the grill and let it rest for a minute.
2️⃣ Garnish with onion rings, lemon wedges, and fresh coriander.
3️⃣ Serve hot with mint chutney or kasundi (Bengali mustard sauce).

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

✅ Pair with: Masala Onion Rings, Bengali Kasundi, or a side of fresh Salad.
✅ Best Enjoyed With: Chilled Drinks or a bowl of warm steamed rice.

📌 Footnote:

Experience the best Hilsa delicacies at the Sundarban Hilsa Festival, also known as Sundarban Ilish Utsav, where seafood lovers gather to relish the finest Hilsa preparations in the heart of the Sundarbans!

🔥 Enjoy this smoky, tangy, and spicy Hilsa Tikka – a true gourmet delight! 🍢🐟✨