Paarai/Parai is a meaty and delicious saltwater fish found in Indian coastal waters and the Pacific Ocean. The Malabar Trevally is another name for the Vatta Fish, found worldwide. The fish is found in vast numbers in the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal, and the Pacific Ocean's tropical seas. It is evenly spread over three continents: Asia, Africa, and Australia. Besides protein, fish is noted for its nutritional value since it includes vitamins, minerals, and Omega-3 fatty acids.


It's a component of the traditional fish basket. The primary season is from October through February. It is a warm-water marine fish that lives in the Indian Ocean and the Western Pacific Ocean. Vatta is a name used by fishers on India's Malabar Coast. In some regions of India, it's also known as Chandavla, Kurugu Paarah, or Kodavai. This fish is found for sale in several parts of South India.


Vatta may grow to enormous proportions and consume various tiny fish, including prawns. Fishing is a big business on the Malabar Coast, and Vatta Fish captured with nets adds to the region's economy.


The huge fish group includes Paarai meen. Paarai meen's bones are readily removed, making them suitable for youngsters. The parai fish’s color is usually silver, with a bluish-grey overlay on the upper side and silvery-white on the bottom. On the upper edge, there is a single tiny black speck.


Paarai Meen is a very fleshy creature with very few bones! Although the meat is greasy, it is thick. While cooking for a long period at high heat, it might turn dry, so keep that in mind when preparing this fish. When you cook it over a barbeque or grill it to perfection, you will be able to enjoy its flavor. It's a great way to enjoy the Vatta Fish by adding it to the biryani. Suppose you don't have time to cook it thoroughly, pan-fried it gently. In Tamil Nadu, Paarai fish curry and Paarai fish fry are traditional delicacies.



Parai Fish Varieties

  • Kannadi Paarai
  • Vari Paarai
  • Manja Paarai
  • Thengai Paarai
  • Thol Paarai

Nutritional Facts about Trevally Fish


Nutritional facts about Kodavai fish: The fish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin D and B12, as well as calories, protein, and carbs. It is thought to be beneficial in lowering the risk of autoimmune illnesses and preventing asthma in children.

  • Calories - 142 Kcal
  • Total fat - 2.7gm
  • Total carbohydrates - 0.2
  • Sodium - 83.4mg
  • Protein - 27gm
  • Cholesterol - 52.3

Health benefits of eating Trevally Fish


It is the fish of choice for many South Indians because of its flavor and nutritional value.

  1. Lowers the rate of heart disease
    Fish consumption is linked to a decreased risk of fatal and total coronary heart disease. Fish is abundant in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help to reduce inflammation, protect your heart, and prevent chronic illness.
  2. Lowers the risk of Alzheimer's Disease
    Fish is also a significant source of nourishment for your brain. The ingestion of moderate amounts of seafood has been linked to a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease. According to research, those who consume fish daily have more grey brain matter, which helps avoid brain shrinkage and degeneration, leading to cognitive issues.
  3. Aids in the Treatment of Acne
    Fish can help you get rid of hormonal or adult acne. Research shows that fish oil can help persons with moderate to severe acne clean up their skin.
  4. It’s a Fantastic Vitamin D Source
    Fish are abundant in vitamin D. They are regarded as one of the finest dietary sources of this critical mineral. Vitamin D aids calcium absorption, essential for bone health and development. Therefore, increasing your intake of this nutrient-dense meal would be beneficial
  5. It Aids in the Reduction of Cholesterol
    Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which lower LDL cholesterol (often known as "bad" cholesterol). According to studies, omega-3 fatty acids found in fish can help decrease cholesterol-building lipids in the blood.

Recipe: Let's try out Kerela-style Trevally Curry


Required Ingredients:

  • Oil -3 or 4 tsp
  • Mustard seed-1/2 teaspoon
  • Ginger-1big piece
  • Garlic - 6 cloves
  • Curry leaves – 2 sprigs
  • Chilli powder – 2 teaspoon
  • Tamarind – 3 or 4 pieces
  • Fenugreek powder - 1/4teaspoon
  • Salt to Taste

Steps to cook Trevally Fish / Paarai Meen


Step 1: In an earthen pot or skillet, heat coconut oil until mustard seeds begin to explode.


Step 2: Then ginger, curry leaves, Malabar tamarind, Fenugreek powder, and chili powder are added and cooked for a minute.


Step 3: Then, we add water and stir thoroughly. Finally, add fish to the earth pot as well.


Step 4: With the cover on the pan or clay pot, cook for a few minutes.


Step 5: Remove the fish curry from the heat and set it aside to cool for at least two hours. The next day, it tastes even better. Serve with rice or chappathi as a side dish.


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.

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