Main Course · Asian · Dinner ·

Bengali Shorshe Ilish

Name: Bengali Shorshe Ilish
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Hilsa fish, 4 pieces (approx. 500g); Turmeric powder, 1/2 teaspoon; Salt, 1 teaspoon; Mustard seeds, 3 tablespoons; Green chilies, 3; Salt, 1/2 teaspoon; Mustard oil, 4 tablespoons; Turmeric powder, 2 teaspoons; Water, 3 tablespoons; Salt, To taste; Green chilies, 3, slit; Coriander leaves, Fresh

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

4.8(952 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·July 23, 2025

Bengali Shorshe Ilish — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Fish Marination

For the Mustard Paste

For the Curry

For the Garnish

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 435 kcal
Protein: 26.2 g
Carbs: 4.9 g
Fat: 36 g
Fiber: 2.1 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1739 kcal
Protein: 104.7 g
Carbs: 19.7 g
Fat: 144 g
Fiber: 8.5 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
Hilsa fish 4 pieces (approx. 500g)	1050	95	0	75	0
Turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon	8	0.2	1.4	0.2	0.5
Salt 1 teaspoon	0	0	0	0	0
Mustard seeds 3 tablespoons	150	8.1	8.1	11.8	4.3
Green chilies 3	12	0.4	2.7	0.2	1
Salt 1/2 teaspoon	0	0	0	0	0
Mustard oil 4 tablespoons	480	0	0	56	0
Turmeric powder 2 teaspoons	26	0.6	4.6	0.6	1.6
Water 3 tablespoons	0	0	0	0	0
Salt To taste	0	0	0	0	0
Green chilies 3, slit	12	0.4	2.7	0.2	1
Coriander leaves Fresh	1	0.1	0.2	0	0.1

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

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.
Tip: 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.
Tip: Chill the mixture slightly for a milder taste.

How to Make Bengali Shorshe Ilish

Total time: 2 h · Yields 4 servings

1
Frying the Fish
Heat mustard oil in a pan, fry the marinated hilsa pieces lightly until golden on both sides.
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.