By Rajlakshmi
November 21, 2025
Fish cutlets, cakes, or patties are all popular appetisers. Across India, fish-based recipes are highly well-liked, especially in Bengal. One of the best fish appetisers Bengali kitchens make almost daily is fish cutlets. If there is a family gathering, during festival days, or otherwise, this snack shines and wins everyone's heart with the very first bite.
2 medium potatoes 2 tablespoons oil 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds 4 to 6 curry leaves, chopped 1 onion, finely chopped 2 teaspoons of ginger and garlic paste 1 green chilli, finely chopped 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder 1 teaspoon of red chilli powder (or as per taste)
1 teaspoon of red chilli powder (or as per taste) 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder 1/2 kilogram of bhetki filet, cut into little pieces. 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper powder 1/2 teaspoon of amchur powder 2 tablespoons of finely chopped cilantro leaves 1 egg 1 cup breadcrumbs Salt and pepper Oil for frying
Cook, peel, and mash the potatoes. Heat oil in a large pan. Curry leaves and cumin seeds should be added and allowed to crackle.
Add the onions and cook for a few minutes, until they are tender and just starting to turn golden.
When the raw scent has faded, add the ginger-garlic paste and the chopped green chilli.
Add the garam masala powder, red chilli powder, and turmeric powder, and cook for a short while.
Add salt to taste along with the fish pieces and cook the fish thoroughly. When the fish is finished cooking, softly mash it with a spoon.
Stir in the mashed potatoes after adding the fish and masala. Cook the mixture until it's mostly dry.
Add the cilantro leaves, aamchur powder, and black pepper powder; stir thoroughly, then turn off the heat.
In a shallow dish, whisk the egg and lightly season it with salt and pepper.
Dip each patty in egg, then generously roll in the breadcrumbs. Transfer to a sizeable platter or tray. In a frying pan, heat oil.
Cook until golden brown all over. To drain the extra oil, transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Serve fish cutlets.