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Bengali Shorshe Ilish

Bengali Shorshe Ilish


A traditional Bengali delicacy featuring hilsa fish in a mustard and green chili sauce.

Bengali Shorshe Ilish is a quintessential dish showcasing hilsa fish immersed in a rich mustard and green chili sauce, best enjoyed with steamed rice.

  • 1 h 30 min
  • 4
  • Intermediate

Chef’s Tip: Enjoy a piece of Bengal right from your kitchen!

Ingredients

For the Fish Marination

Hilsa fish
4 pieces (approx. 500g)
Turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon
Salt
1 teaspoon

For the Mustard Paste

Mustard seeds
3 tablespoons
Green chilies
3
Salt
1/2 teaspoon

For the Curry

Mustard oil
4 tablespoons
Turmeric powder
2 teaspoons
Water
3 tablespoons
Salt
To taste

For the Garnish

Green chilies
3, slit
Coriander leaves
Fresh
Chef’s Tip:

Preparation


Marinating the Fish

1

Clean the Fish

Clean the hilsa fish pieces thoroughly.

2

Apply Spices

Rub them with turmeric powder and salt.

3

Marinate

Let them marinate for 15-20 minutes.

Preparing the Mustard Paste

1

Soak Seeds

Soak the mustard seeds in water for 30 minutes.

Ensure mustard seeds are soaked well to avoid bitterness.

2

Blend Paste

Blend the soaked seeds with green chilies and salt to a smooth paste.

3

Adjust Consistency

Adjust the consistency with a little water if needed.

Chill the mixture slightly for a milder taste.

Cooking Process


1

Frying the Fish

Heat mustard oil in a pan, fry the marinated hilsa pieces lightly until golden on both sides.

Use medium heat for frying.
2

Making the Curry

In the same oil, add turmeric powder, followed by the mustard paste. Cook this mixture until the raw smell dissipates. Add water as needed.

3

Simmering the Fish

Place the fish pieces gently into the curry. Cover and let cook for about 10 minutes on low heat.

Maintain low heat for simmering.

Never leave hot oil unattended. Keep a lid nearby …

Plating & Serving


Bengali Shorshe Ilish

Bengali Shorshe Ilish

Bengali Shorshe Ilish

FaUtensils

Serving Suggestion

Serve the Shorshe Ilish over hot, steamed white rice, letting the aromatic curry soak into every grain.

Sauce Pairings

Reserved mustard sauce
Add extra heat by drizzling reserved mustard sauce over the fish.
Lemon juice
Squeeze fresh lemon for a hint of acidity and freshness.

Garnishes & Accompaniments

Fresh coriander leavesSlit green chilies

Perfect Sides

Steamed Basmati rice
Begun Bhaja (Fried Eggplant)

Chef's Final Touch

Enjoy a piece of Bengal right from your kitchen!

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