7 Finger-Licking Fish Roe Recipes

An interesting looking mass of unfertilized fish eggs that somehow tastes delicious. That’s how I’d describe fish roe. Called gaboli here in Mumbai, it’s one of my favorite foods, especially in the fried form. I also love stumbling across the roe in a whole fried mackerel or fried mullet fish, almost like finding hidden treasure.

Now while caviar has been a delicacy forever, it’s not something that us humble folk can afford. But we definitely can save a bit to buy fish roe (fish eggs) come breeding season.

What’s the difference between caviar and fish roe? Caviar only comes from the sturgeon fish, or basically is the roe of sturgeon fish which has been cured with salt. Roe in general in can be the unfertilized eggs of any fish, and also includes caviar. Yep, it’s an umbrella name that includes fish like ilish or hilsa, trout, salmon, bowfin, cod and other species.

In my family, we make a whole number of dishes with gaboli (fish eggs), from simple fried roe to roe vindaloo and more. Whether it’s fried or boiled, or added to a pasta or toast, it tastes delicious. Here are some tasty fish dishes that my friends and me make with fish roe. Try ’em and let us know which version of this delicacy you like!

1. Fried Gaboli – Fried Fish Roe – Fried Fish Eggs

Fried gaboli or fried fish roe is a delicacy among East Indians. Made with the eggs of the palla, illish or hilsa fish, the gaboli fry is also called Indian caviar.

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2. Red Caviar Toasts

These Red Caviar Toasts with Salmon Roe have just 3 ingredients and are super easy to make. An impressive, delicious, fancy-pants appetizer.

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3. Funky Fettuccine with Anchovies, Bottarga and Colatura

This Funky Fettuccine with Anchovies, Bottarga & Colatura recipe is not only umami-rich, but quick and easy to make in 30 minutes or less!

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4. Mexican-Style Fish Egg Recipe

This Mexican-Style Fish Egg Recipe features a cumin and cornmeal crust, and an easy cilantro-lime gremolata. This fish egg fry is a deliciously unique way to reduce fish waste by using the less-desirable parts of the fish (offal). The cilantro-lime gremolata adds a fresh twist to the fish roe and their crunchy coating.

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5. Pasta with Bottarga, Almonds and Prawns

Seafood pasta doesn’t get much better than this busiate pasta with bottarga, almonds and prawns from Trapani in Western Sicily

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6. Boston Roll Sushi Recipe

The Boston Sushi is an inside out Japanese-style sushi roll and you can make it at home now!

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7. Dill Salmon Mousse topped with Lumpfish Roe – In the Kitch

This creamy, savory salmon mousse with citrus zing is a holiday showstopper with its five-star-quality presentation. Serve with crackers!

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Want to buy loads of fish roe and store it for the coming months? Here’s how we do it! Comment and let me know what recipe you’re trying next!

Other Seafood Recipes You Might Like

• Prawn Chilly Fry
• Fried Kingfish Indian Style
• Fried Mudskippers
• Bombay Duck Fish Pickle
• Indian Squid Curry

Abby

I’m an East Indian foodie and travel blogger from Bombay, India. I love baking, cooking, and making wine at home. But I also love doing stuff around the house and spending time in the Word. You’ll find more info about me here!