Maalu Thel Dala
Pan-fried Fish Fillet
Yes, keto as served. About 6g net carbs per serving, lower than 6 in 10 Sri Lankan dishes.
What it is
A simple yet flavorful dish of fish fillets, often seer fish or tuna, pan-fried with turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Typically tempered with a light sauté of onions, green chilies, and curry leaves in oil. This preparation is naturally low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats.
Key ingredients
Fish fillets (e.g., Seer fish, Tuna), coconut oil or vegetable oil, turmeric powder, chili powder, salt, black pepper, garlic paste, ginger paste, sliced red onions, green chilies, curry leaves, lime juice.
Optional tweaks
None needed. Ensure no flour or breading is used on the fish.
Say this to the waiter (Sinhala)
මාළු තෙල් දාලා හදද්දි පාන්පිටි හෝ කෝට් කරන්නේ නැතුව දෙන්න.
Please make the Maalu Thel Dala without flour or breading.
Watch out for
Minimal carbs from onions, garlic, and ginger. Potential for hidden sugar if any pre-made spice mixes are used, but typically not in this dish.
Macros are estimates for a typical serving and vary by restaurant. Confirm ingredients with staff, especially if you have allergies. Our ingredient lists are generated automatically and describe how a dish is typically made.
More on the Sri Lankan menuAll 177 Sri Lankan dishes ›
