The seer fish is a type of mackerel. Found in abundance in the Indian Ocean and adjoining seas of India, it is a much sought after delicacy. It grows up to 45 kilograms in weight and is extremely agile. It is known by different names in different parts of India. The most expensive variety of seer fish is sold in Tamil Nadu, and is known as Vanjaram. Maharashtrians know it as Surmai, while the seafood lovers of Goa call it Iswan/Viswon. It is eaten in Kerala too and is sold as Neymeen across south Kerala. The people of Malabar coast prefer to call it Ayakoora. Anjal is the name given to the seer fish in Karnataka.
Where is seer popular?
Neymeen is a delicacy in several regions of South India and Sri Lanka. In Sri Lanka, they call Neymeen “thora”. The costliest variety of Neymeen fish is found in many parts of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, where it is called the “Vanjaram”. In Kerala and Karnataka, it is called Neymeen or Ayyakoora.
Whether you prefer a batter-fried meal or whether you prefer a power-packed, traditional seafood delicacy loaded with herbs and spices, Neymeen Curry is something you should try. Also, there aren’t many bones apart from the central one, which makes Neymeen fish simpler to cook and eat.
The look & feel of Seer
The fish is firm in texture and consists of a single central bone. This makes it easier for people to eat it. Rich in flavour and nutrition, it is the fish of choice for many South Indians. Chock-a-block with vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids, it can help you to stay healthy. Introduce your child to the seer fish and watch him/her enjoy the delicacy without needing any help. Yes! There is no fishy smell associated with it either. This makes it easier for people who have just begun to eat fish or are first-time fish eaters.
Cooking methods for seer
The best way to taste seer is to fry it. You may also bake it at a carefully controlled temperature. Indians, Sri Lankans, and Bangladeshis prefer to make a curry with selected cuts.
Seer fish recipe ideas:
Spicy Vanjaram Fish Fry
Marinate the fish slices with turmeric, salt, curry powder, and a pinch of garam masala. Heat oil in a pan and fry the fish carefully. Cook it gently, flip & repeat when it is done on one side. Remove it from the heat and serve hot with a dash of lemon juice. You can also temper the oil with curry leaves to bring out the flavour of the fish more.
Kerala Style Baked Seer Fish
Buy fresh fillets of seer fish and marinate them with a freshly created masala paste. Make sure to add sliced onions, turmeric, chilli powder, and black pepper along with coriander powder in a bowl. Also, add ginger-garlic paste and vinegar or lemon juice to the marinade.
Finish the marinade with olive oil or any refined white oil that you may have in your pantry. Add some curry leaves and a pinch of salt into the bowl as well. Grind all the ingredients together into a fine paste. Smear each fillet with the paste and keep it aside.
Refrigerate the fish filets coated with the marinade for up to an hour. Preheat the oven to 200℃ before placing the filets inside on a baking tray. Bake for 15 minutes, flip them and bake for another 15 minutes. Serve hot with steamed rice or eat it as a snack with a dash of lemon juice or tomato sauce.
Neymeen Curry/ Seer Surmai
Prepare tamarind water by soaking fresh tamarind in warm water. Temper hot coconut oil with mustard and fenugreek seeds and a handful of curry leaves. Sauté small onions until light brown and add turmeric, coriander, and chilli powder to the oil while continuing to stir the mixture.
Make sure to add minced garlic-ginger as well. Pour the tamarind water in and bring it to a boil. Add the fish slices one by one and cover the pan with a lid. Check the consistency of the gravy and remove from heat when satisfied. Serve hot over steamed rice or tapioca.
Buying Seer Fish
For fresh, cut and cleaned Seer, look no further than Licious. We sell small, medium and large pieces as well as boneless cubes. Since we’ve cleaned and cut everything, you can use the fish straight out of the pack and into the pan! Choose as per your requirement and cook a delicious dish in minutes.
We hope you found this post informative and interesting. Come back for more posts just like this one to broaden your cooking horizon. If you decide that Seer is the fish for you, we would love to see your creations. Feel free to tag us in your next Instagram post with #MadeWithLicious and you just might win some Licious Cash.