Take a wide plate, add in the spice powders mentioned in ‘to marinate’ and mx it with little water at a time and make into a thick paste not too runny not too thick. It should be soft enough to be able to spread on the fish.

Next, apply the prepared fish masala on the outside of the fish and let it be fully covered, add some masala on the inside as well.

Let it sit in the fridge and marinate for at least 10-15 minutes. Longer the better flavour.

Heat a cast iron pan or a non stick pan, add coconut oil and allow it to become hot, add the curry leaves to infuse some flavour into the oil. ( be careful the curry leaves will sputter when added to hot oil.

Add the marinated fish one by one and let it cook on medium flame for about 5-7 mins on one side.

Then gently flip it over to the other side and let to cook for another 5-7 minutes on medium flame.

When the fish is done, the masala would have roasted well.

Remove the fish on to a plate and serve with rice.