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Make authentic Fish Roe Chutney with this foolproof recipe. Packed with rich traditional flavor, step-by-step photos, and cooking tips by Denisiya on EatMee Recipes.

Fish Roe Chutney is a flavorful Indian dish prepared in a tomato based sauce. Fish Roe Chutney has been prepared for centuries in the Indian homes of South Africa. Most find it appalling to consume, whilst others cannot quite get enough.
Fish roes are the fully ripe internal egg masses in the ovaries of fish.
Rinse fish roes.

Peel & chop the onion.

Rinse & slit green chilies.

Rinse & blend or grate tomatoes.

Place fish roes in a wide pan with a little water.

Allow to steam on medium heat until fish roes are firm (around 10-15 minutes). Add more water if necessary.

Once steamed, remove any excess water.

Add a tablespoon of oil & fry the fish roes on both sides until browned.

Once browned, remove from heat & set aside.

Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in a medium sized pot & add in the onions, green chilies, thyme & curry leaves.

Mix & allow to simmer until onions are translucent.

Add in the chili powder, turmeric powder & ginger & garlic paste.

Mix well.

Add in the blended or grated tomatoes.

Mix well & allow tomatoes to cook for about 10 minutes.

Thereafter, add in salt to taste & the sugar & mix well.

Next, add in the fried fish roes.

Gently stir, coating the fish roes with the chutney.

Allow the fish roes to soak up the chutney & add in some flavour for about 5 minutes. Thereafter, turn off the heat.
Plate & garnish with fresh dhania (coriander).

Enjoy with rice, bread or roti or hard porridge (kali/sangiti).

Follow along with Denisiya's step-by-step video guide for Fish Roe Chutney.
Expert kitchen guidance and troubleshooting for making the best Fish Roe Chutney
Seafood and delicate fish roe cook very quickly. Once added to the simmering tomato chutney or gravy, reduce the heat to low and do not stir vigorously; instead, gently swirl the pan to coat without breaking up the pieces.
Yes! You can cook the aromatic braised onion, tomato, and masala base in advance. When ready to serve, bring the chutney to a simmer, add the seasoned fish roe or seafood, and cook gently until tender.
Allow the dish to cool before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly on low heat before serving, only reheating the portion you intend to eat.

Hi, I'm Denisiya! Food lover, recipe developer, and founder of EatMee Recipes. I specialize in authentic South African Durban Indian cuisine, comforting curries, and modern Instant Pot adaptations. Every recipe on this site is tested in my personal kitchen to ensure you get mouth-watering, foolproof results every time.
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