How to Make the Best New Khan Quetta Fish Karahi: 3 Secrets

Special New Khan Quetta Fish Karahi
Experience the legendary taste of Karachi’s Hasan Square Fish Street at home! This Fish Karahi recipe from the famous New Khan Quetta Restaurant is known for its rich, creamy gravy and perfectly balanced spices. Using a unique double-seasoning technique and fresh cream, this recipe by Cooking With Kawish brings you the original commercial flavor of authentic street-style fish.
Ingredients
Method
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics Heat ghee in a karahi and add 1/2 tbsp of ginger-garlic paste. Sauté for about a minute until the raw smell disappears and it becomes aromatic.
Step 2: Soften the Tomatoes Add halved tomatoes and green chilies into the ghee. Pour in 1/2 cup of water, cover with a lid, and cook on medium flame for 10 minutes until the tomatoes are soft.
Step 3: Prepare the Gravy Base Once softened, carefully remove the tomato skins using tongs. Use a spoon to mash the tomatoes thoroughly until they blend into a smooth, thick gravy base.
Step 4: Add Primary Spices Add the first set of spices: 1 tsp Karahi Masala, 1 tsp crushed coriander, 1 tsp cumin powder, 1 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp white pepper, and salt. Mix well and cook until the ghee separates from the masala.
Step 5: Incorporate Fried Fish Gently add the pre-fried fish pieces (Finger fish or your choice) into the gravy. Mix very carefully for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the fish pieces do not break.
Step 6: Add Creamy Texture Pour in the fresh cream and add a little extra ghee if needed. Cook for half a minute to fully incorporate the creaminess into the spicy gravy.
Step 7: Final Commercial Seasoning For the signature restaurant touch, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 tsp Karahi Masala, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp cumin powder over the fish.
Step 8: Final Toss and Garnish Mix gently for another 1-2 minutes on medium-high heat until the gravy thickens and the aroma is fully released. Garnish with fresh ginger juliennes and serve hot.
Video
Notes
- Pre-Fried Fish: Always use pre-fried fish for this recipe to maintain the texture and prevent it from becoming mushy in the gravy.
- Tomato Base: Mashing the tomatoes properly after removing the skin is the secret to that thick, restaurant-style “Masala.”
- Final Seasoning: Don’t skip the final sprinkle of spices at the end; it provides the fresh aroma typical of Quetta-style restaurants
