Vilai Meen fish is a saltwater fish popular in South India for its flavor (Tamil Nadu, Kerala). It is mostly found on India's east coast and is offered under many names, including Vela meen and Vilai meen.


They live on small coral reefs and seagrass beds to 200-meter-deep rocky reefs. They may grow up to 100cm long and resemble snappers. Deeper in body and less elongated, most species live on sandstone, coral, or sandstone.


They live in large schools. Vela Meen fish eat crabs, tiny fish, mollusks, bivalves, and oysters. It has a massive head. Pectoral fins are reasonably long and pointed, caudal fins, emarginate to forked laterial lines are continuous with simple tubes, one continuous dorsal fin with ten spines and 9-10 branching soft rays.


Emperor fish is a delicacy found in shallow reefs and seagrass beds worldwide. Emperor fish come in various colors and designs, including the Red Emperor and the Trumpet Emperor. They are plentiful and popular among Indian fishermen and city inhabitants.


Vilameen is a large fish with succulent flesh and substantial flesh with large flakes and bones and is less oily and has a mild, sweet flavor.


You can't go wrong with Emperor fish when cooked to perfection, and it’s particularly good with fish and chips, sautéed fish and sauce, or grilled veggies. The Emperor fish is adaptable, So it goes well with Indian cuisine. The Emperor fish should be your first pick if you want a firm fish that requires little seasoning or garnish.


Vila meen fish dishes may be found in most restaurants due to their distinct flavor, and popular dishes include Vilameen fish fry and Vilameen fish curry.


Nutritional Facts & Values of Emperor Fish:


A 100gm portion of fresh emperor fish has the following nutrients:

  • Calories - 110 Kcal
  • Total fat - 0 g
  • Cholesterol - 80 mg
  • Sodium - 125 mg
  • Protein - 25g
  • Carbs - 1g
  • Potassium - 305g

How long would it take to expend 110 calories?

Walking (3mph) 30 minutes
Running (6mph) 11 minutes
Bicycling (10mph) 15 minutes

Vilai Meen's Health Benefits


Vilai Meen has a high protein and phosphorus content.

  1. Weight Loss: - Vilai Meen is a low-calorie fish, so this fish is a very good option if you plan to lose weight. They are high in protein and low in carbohydrates, which is the optimal weight-loss diet combo.
  2. High Nutritional Values: - They are strong in omega-3 fatty acids, B-12 vitamins, and other vital minerals and have a high nutritional value.
  3. Reduces the Risk of Diabetes - Because it includes fatty acids, it lowers the risk of diabetes by regulating sugar levels in blood vessels and lowering inflammation.
  4. Reduces Blood Pressure levels: - It aids in the reduction of blood pressure and the maintenance of heart health by lowering fat levels in blood vessels. It also reduces blood clotting in the heart owing to omega-3 fatty acid pollution.
  5. Good for the brain: - Vilai Meen aids brain growth and blood pressure regulation. It aids in the improvement of brain health in both children and adults, as well as bodily relaxation, which aids in the healthy growth of cells.

The Emperor fish should be at the top of your list if you're trying to branch out from fish curries and try something new in the kitchen.

Recipe : Gourmet Emperor Fish

To make Gourmet Emperor Fish, you will need these ingredients:

  • Emperor fish - 4 filets
  • Lemon - 1 cut into wedges
  • Cherry Tomatoes - 4-5
  • Softened butter - 150 grams
  • Coriander powder - ½ teaspoon
  • Shallots - 1 finely chopped
  • Dijon mustard sauce - 1 tablespoon
  • Breadcrumbs 50 - 60 grams
  • Eggs - 2
  • Parsely
  • Pepper Powder - ½ teaspoon
  • White Wine - ¼ cups optional
  • Salt - According to taste

Cooking Method


Step 1: Make the butter crust as follows: To make a thin cream, combine 150 grams butter, coriander powder, shallots, mustard sauce, parsley, salt, and pepper. Brush each side of the Emperor fish filets with a heavy butter coating.


Step 2: Arrange bread crumbs on a flat platter to coat the fish. Make two eggs, dunk the butter-coated Emperor fish fillets in the beaten eggs, and the bread crumbs cover the fish fillets.


Step 3: Cook to perfection: Preheat your pan over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan. In the pan, place your coated Emperor fish filets. Cook for 10 minutes or until golden brown on both sides. 5 minutes into the cooking process, add the cherry tomatoes to the pan.


Step 4: Serve immediately with a side of your choice: Remove the butter-crusted Emperor fish fillets from the pan and serve with veggies, mashed potatoes, rice, or bread. While serving, squeeze the lemon zest onto the Emperor fish filets for a tangy kick. And there you have it: butter-crusted fish filets!
And suppose you want to try something new, something different. In that case, there is another recipe for you guys:


Recipe 2: Lemon Baked Red Emperor

  • Red Emperor - 1.6 kg cleaned
  • Lemons - 4 (2 quartered and 2 segmented)
  • Extra virgin olive oil - 3/4 cup
  • Garlic - 2 cloves thinly sliced
  • Shallots - 2 thinly sliced
  • Large salted capers - 1/3 cup rinsed, drained
  • Sourdough bread pieces - 125g crusts removed, torn into small pieces
  • Flat-leaf parsley - 1/3 cup coarsely chopped
  • Radicchio - ¼ head finely shredded

Cooking Method


Step 1: Preheat the oven to 190 degrees Celsius. Place the fish in a large, lightly greased roasting pan and top with quartered lemons.


Step 2: Cook for 30-35 minutes or until just cooked through, drizzling with 1/4 cup oil and seasoning with salt and black pepper.


Step 3: Meanwhile, in a frying pan over medium heat, heat the remaining oil and sauté the garlic, shallots, and capers for 6 minutes, or until golden. Return the oil to the pan after straining the mixture through a sieve over a basin. Cook, constantly stirring, for 4 minutes or until golden brown. Cool. Combine the caper mixture, breadcrumbs, parsley, radicchio, and lemon segments in a mixing dish.


To serve, place the fish and baked lemons on a dish and top with the breadcrumb mixture.

With you ordering your delicacies from Chennai Meats, you not ensure one or two but numerous benefits for yourself.

  1. The meat we provide is 100% chemical-free and with no added preservatives.
  2. You don't have to wait for ages for your meat to be delivered; you will receive them by 8:00 am -11:00 am. Great? Isn't it?
  3. You don't have to worry about leakage or spill from Chennai Meat packages.
  4. Every product is stored in our cold storage until your doorstep ensuring freshness and utmost hygiene.
  5. You can store the fish as it is for the next day in deep freezing without any fear of spoiling it.
  6. You can file your complaint 24*7 on our helpline number. We will always be happy to help.
  7. Fresh and new fish from Rameshwaram, Kasimedu (we are catching the fish from PiperBoat) are waiting for you.
  8. All prices are inclusive of cleaning, degutting, and cutting. All seafood will be weighed before gutting and cutting.
  9. Chennai Meats provides you with the best rates in the market. (In your budget) With special discounts almost every day.

Frequently Ordered with Emperor Fish

Buy Fresh Seer Fish Online
30% off
Seer Fish9-10 pieces 488 375
400 - 520 gms Gross weight 380 - 420 gms Net weight

Whether you like a batter-fried meal or a power-packed, classic seafood pleasure rich in herbs, you should try Vanjaram

  • Vanjaram
  • Neymeen
  • Chepa
Buy Fresh Red Snapper Online
40% off
Red Snapper12-14 pieces 273 195
470 - 520 gms Gross weight 310 - 420 gms Net weight

Sankara has a mellow flavor and a delicate, soft texture, perfect for curries, fried dishes, tawa fry and grilled dishes.

  • Sankara
  • Thundava
  • Chembali
Buy Black Pomfret Fish Online
25% off
Black Pomfret Vavvaal6-8 pieces 546 390
420 - 600 gms Gross weight 380 - 430 gms Net weight

Ideal for skin-on pan-frying, baking, poaching, or steaming whole & is a high-protein, omega-3-fatty-acid-rich fish.

  • Karu Vavvaal
  • Karutha Akkoli