Sura Puttu Recipe | South Indian Shark Fish Dry Side Dish

Sura Puttu is a traditional South Indian dry side dish prepared using shark fish meat that is boiled, shredded, and stir-fried with aromatic spices. This flavourful seafood dish pairs beautifully with hot rice and spicy curries.

In many Tamil households, Sura Puttu is considered a wholesome and nourishing dish, especially prepared during post-pregnancy care. The texture resembles soft coconut gratings, making it unique and delicious.

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Ingredients

• 350 gm shark fish pieces
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• Curry leaves – few
• 2 dry red chillies
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• A pinch of turmeric powder
• Salt – as needed
• 1 tsp red chilli powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• Coriander leaves for garnish

Method

Step 1: Boil the Fish

Clean the shark fish pieces thoroughly and boil them in water for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Fish

Once cooled, remove the skin and veins carefully. Mash and shred the fish until it resembles coarse coconut gratings. This step takes patience but gives the authentic Sura Puttu texture.

Step 3: Temper the Spices

Heat oil in a kadai and temper with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and dry red chillies.

Step 4: Sauté the Onions

Add chopped onions and sauté until soft and lightly pink. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears.

Step 5: Add Spice Powders

Mix in turmeric powder, salt, red chilli powder, and coriander powder.

Step 6: Cook the Fish

Add the shredded fish and stir well so the masala coats evenly. Cook for a few minutes until everything comes together beautifully.

Step 7: Garnish & Serve

Finish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with rice and curry.

Serving Suggestion

Sura Puttu tastes amazing with:

• Steamed rice
• Rasam
• Fish curry
• Mor kuzhambu
• Sambar rice