Apollo Fish Easy Recipe - Janakiram's Kitchen

Apollo Fish is a Hyderabadi gem—boneless fish fillets marinated in a fiery spice mix, fried until crispy, and then tossed with curry leaves, onions, and chillies. Apollo Fish is like the seafood cousin of Chicken-65, delivering a punch of heat and texture in every bite. Perfect as a starter or a snack, it’s a dish that keeps you coming back for more.

Origin and Popularity of Apollo Fish

The tasty treat, Apollo Fish, traces its roots to Hyderabad, a city famous for its spicy cuisine. Apollo Fish started making waves in local restaurants and quickly became a South Indian favourite. Today, it’s a star on Andhra menus and a crowd-pleaser at gatherings.

Why the Name "Apollo Fish"?

So, why “Apollo”? The story’s a bit hazy, but the popular tale ties it to Hyderabad’s Apollo Hospitals. Rumour has it the dish was born in their kitchen, and the name stuck because it’s just that memorable. Whatever the truth, one thing’s clear: Apollo Fish is a cosmic hit!

Apollo Fish Recipe: Best Easy Home Version

Craving that restaurant taste without the hassle? This home-friendly recipe is your answer. It’s quick, adaptable, and delivers big on flavour—whether you deep-fry or air-fry. Let’s break it down.

Preparation Methods

Here’s how to get your fish ready for the spotlight:

Step 1: Marinate - Take 500g of boneless fish fillets (salmon or snapper work great) and cut them into 1-inch cubes.

Step 2: Mix in 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste, 1 tsp red chilli powder, ¼ tsp turmeric, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and ½ tsp salt.

Step 3: Let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes—any longer, and the fish might soften too much.

Step 4: Batter-up - Add 2 tbsp corn starch and 1 tbsp all-purpose flour to the marinated fish.

Step 5: Toss until evenly coated. Too wet? Sprinkle in a bit more of each.

Cooking Techniques

Pick your style—each one’s a winner:

Step 6: Deep-Frying - Heat oil to medium, fry the fish for 4-5 minutes until golden, and drain on a rack. 

or

Air-Frying: Set to 180°C, lightly spray with oil, and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Pro Tip: For extra crunch, mist with oil before baking or air-frying.

Tips for Perfect Flavour

Want that authentic zing? Try these:

  • Tempering Magic: Sauté curry leaves, ginger, garlic, and green chillies in a pan—then toss the fried fish in for 2-3 minutes.
  • Soya Sauce Twist: Add a splash for a savoury boost.
  • Keep it Crispy: Don’t overdo the stir-frying—short and sweet is the key.

How Much Time Does It Take to Cook Apollo Fish?

Cooking Apollo Fish, typically takes around 50 minutes from start to finish. However, this can vary slightly depending on your cooking method and preparation choices. Here’s a breakdown to help you plan:

  • Preparation Time: About 30 minutes (this includes marinating the fish for 30 minutes to soak up all those spicy flavours).
  • Cooking Time: Approximately 20 minutes (this covers frying or baking the fish and preparing the tempering).

So, you’re looking at roughly 50 minutes total. It’s a quick and easy recipe that delivers big on taste—perfect for a weeknight meal or a weekend treat!

Apollo Fish Ingredients

You don’t need a fancy pantry to nail this dish. Here’s what you’ll need, plus some handy swaps.

Essential Ingredients

  • 500g boneless fish fillets (Indian basa, salmon, snapper, or any other big size fish)
  • 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tsp red chilli powder
  • ¼ tsp turmeric
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp corn starch
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 sprig curry leaves
  • 1 tbsp chopped ginger and garlic
  • 2 green chillies, slit
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • Oil for frying

Optional Substitutes

  • Gluten-Free: Swap flour with rice flour or gram flour.
  • Low-Carb: Use almond flour instead of corn starch.

Apollo Fish Nutritional Value

Beyond the taste, Apollo Fish brings some solid nutrition to the table. Here’s the breakdown for a 150g serving.

Macronutrients

  • Calories: 280-320 (depends on cooking method)
  • Protein: 25-30g (a muscle-building champ)
  • Fats: 15-18g (healthier if baked or air-fried)
  • Carbs: 10-15g (mostly from the coating)

Micronutrients

  • Omega-3s: Heart and brain boosters, especially with salmon.
  • Vitamin D: Good for bones and immunity.
  • Iron and Zinc: Keeps energy up and recovery on track, per Healthline.

Health Benefits of Apollo Fish

This dish isn’t just a flavour bomb—it’s got some real perks for your body.

Supports Muscle Growth

Packing 25-30g of protein per serving, Apollo Fish is a fitness lover’s dream. It repairs muscles after a workout and keeps hunger at bay—perfect for staying strong.

Boosts Overall Wellness

  • Heart Health: Omega-3s help lower cholesterol and ease inflammation.
  • Brain Power: DHA from fish sharpens your mind.
  • Immune Support: Zinc and vitamin D keep your defences firing.

FAQs About Apollo Fish

Got questions? We’ve got you covered with answers that cut to the chase.

Can Pregnant Women Eat Apollo Fish?

Yes, if you play it safe. Stick to low-mercury fish like salmon, cook it thoroughly, and skip any raw risks.

Is Apollo Fish Good for Health?

Absolutely—in moderation! It’s loaded with protein and healthy fats, but frying can up the calories. Go for air-frying to keep it lighter.

What Are the Best Ingredients for Apollo Fish?

Boneless fillets like basa or snapper are top picks. For flavour, red chilli powder, turmeric, and curry leaves are non-negotiable.

What Are the Nutritional Benefits of Apollo Fish?

It’s a protein-packed dish with omega-3s, vitamin D, and zinc—great for muscles, heart, and immunity.

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