Sri Lankan Fish Rolls are a superb main dish, side dish and snack all in one. They are similar to fish cakes but have the tuna inside a pancake inside breadcrumbs. Both filling and helps prevent them from falling apart.
Transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Sri Lanka with the tantalizing delight of Sri Lankan fish rolls. Bursting with exotic flavours and wrapped in a crispy golden shell, these delectable snacks are a true culinary treasure.
Originating from the coastal regions of Sri Lanka, fish rolls are a beloved street food delicacy. It helps to show the island nation’s rich culinary heritage and superb taste. Traditionally, flaky fish, such as tuna or mackerel, is combined with aromatic spices, vegetables, fragrant curry leaves and green chilies. This mixture creates a filling that is both bold and flavourful.
The filling is then encased in a thin layer of batter made from flour, water, salt and milk. Then rolled into cylindrical shapes, and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. The result is a perfect marriage of textures, with the crunchy exterior giving way to a savoury and succulent interior. I use breadcrumbs for the outer coating for ease and I love the crunch!
One of the joys of Sri Lankan fish rolls is the multitude of ways to serve. While they are often enjoyed as a snack on the go, they can also be served as a mouthwatering appetizer or part of a main dish. Amazingly, these are also perfect as a snack and a side dish. Pair them with a tangy tamarind or spicy coconut chutney for a burst of contrasting flavours that perfectly complement the richness of the fish filling.
Beyond their delicious taste, Sri Lankan fish rolls offer a glimpse into the cultural history of the beautiful island nation. With influences from Sri Lanka’s diverse communities, including Sinhalese, Tamil, and Moor, these fish rolls a one of many combinations passed down through generations.
Sri Lankan fish rolls are sure to grab your taste buds and give them a shake. I always want more so I always make a lot. So, why not give this Sri Lankan delicacy a try?
Sri Lanken Fish Rolls
Equipment
Ingredients
The Filling
- 250 grams Tuna drained (/ two 5oz cans)
- 2 medium potatoes boil and mash
- 1 large carrot shredded
- 1/2 cup leek finely sliced
- 1/2 large onion chopped
- 2 medium green chillies chopped
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp chilli flakes
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp oil
Other
- Oil to fry
- Breadcrumbs homemade is easy
Instructions
- Place a frying pan over a medium high heat and add a little oil.1 tbsp oil
- Add the onion and garlic and fry until softened. You want then to cook without going brown.1/2 large onion, 3 cloves garlic
- When ready, add the carrots and cook until they are tender.1 large carrot
- Add a small pinch of salt, green chillies, the mashed potatoes, chili flakes and the tuna to the pan.250 grams Tuna, 2 medium potatoes, 1 tsp chilli flakes, 1/2 tsp salt, 2 medium green chillies
- Mix everything thoroughly.
- When combined, add the leek and black pepper and mix gently this time. Cook for about another few minutes.1/2 cup leek, 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Taste to check if seasoned correctly.
- Remove the mixture from the pan and allow to cool. Its a lot easier to handle when cold.
- In a glass bowl, add the milk, flour, salt and water together and whisk to create a smooth batter. (No lumps)1/2 cup milk, 240 grams flour, 1 1/2 cup water
- I use a small non stick frying pan for this next bit.
- Place the pan over a medium heat and when hot add a ladle of the batter mixture.
- Swirl the pan around to achieve a level even coating pancake. Don’t forget, the pancakes need to be thin so dont use too much batter each go.
- Cook each pancake until its cooked (about a minute or so).
- Place the pancakes onto a warmed plate whilst preparing the rest.
- When the pancakes are ready, place a single one onto a flat surface.
- Place about 2 1/2 – 3 tablespoons of the mixture into the centre.
- Fold the bottom flap (nearest you) to the centre, the the two side edges together and finally the top to create a spring roll look.
- Repeat with the remaining pancakes and mixture until all used storing the rolls on a plate.
- Turn on your fryer and heat the oil.Oil
- Using two shallow dishes, pour the batter into one and your homemade breadcrumbs into the other.
- Carefully dip a roll into the batter mixture and then into the breadcrumb mixture making sure they are evenly coated.Breadcrumbs
- Carefully add to the hot oil and cook until golden brown.
- I do three rolls at a time so they are cooking while I prepare the next three.
- Keep the Sri Lankan Fish Rolls warm and serve immediately with dips for a superb meal.
37 comments
These are easy and very tasty. I made them for a drop off dinner and everyone loved them
Tasty and comforting, perfect with a cup of tea
Very flavoursome, the spices were just right
An excellent snack, easy to eat and packed with flavour
Deliciously rich, but quite filling so one or two is enough
Good snack, easy to make and satisfying
Good flavour overall, though I wished there was a little more fish in each roll
The filling was tasty, but the rolls fell apart a bit when frying
Crispy and flavourful, though slightly heavy
A lovely crunchy snack, ideal for tea time or parties
Great flavour, but the texture could be slightly softer inside
Authentic taste, definitely brings Sri Lankan flavours to the table
Absolutely delicious, the fish filling is perfectly spiced and the outside is beautifully crispy
Good snack, though a touch on the salty side for my palate
Tasty, but slightly dry inside; could use a touch more sauce or moisture
The rolls had a satisfying crunch and lovely aroma
The spices were balanced nicely, not too hot
Very enjoyable, would make a great appetizer at a party
The rolls were enjoyable, but the batter could be a bit lighter
The texture contrast between the crunchy coating and soft filling is fantastic
The combination of mashed potato and fish works really well
Really enjoyed these, the hint of spices made them stand out
Perfectly spiced, these fish rolls reminded me of street food in Sri Lanka
Perfectly fried, crunchy exterior with a soft, savoury interior
A treat for anyone who loves seafood snacks
Loved these fish rolls, they are a perfect snack for any time of the day
A bit too oily for my taste, but the flavour was authentic and enjoyable
A bit bland compared to other versions I’ve tried, but still pleasant
The fish rolls were well seasoned, though the exterior was a bit oily
Nice snack, but not as exciting as I expected
Excellent street food-style snack, I’ll be making these again
The rolls were well balanced in flavour, spicy but not overpowering
The seasoning was spot on, but the fish could have been fresher
Authentic taste, brought back memories of my trip to Colombo
Very moreish, I ended up eating far too many in one sitting
Loved the traditional flavour, reminded me of local Sri Lankan recipes
Crispy, golden, and full of tasty filling; highly recommended