Hyderabadi Mutton Fry recipe

Hyderabadi mutton fry is a simple but flavour packed dish and it is cooked by slow-cooking the tender pieces of mutton, spices, and then fried until it becomes aromatic. What I love most about this recipe is how it focuses on the natural taste of the mutton. 

Everytime I make mutton fry, it reminds me of slow Sunday afternoons and the kitchen is filled with a comforting aroma. This is the perfect example of preparing good food does not need too many ingredients but just the right balance of spices and a little bit of patience. This dish is commonly prepared in Indian households for weekends meals and special occasions. This recipe of tasty mutton fry can be served with rice, roti, or as a side dish. 

Ingredients Required for Mutton Fry

To make the perfect mutton fry, you will need the following ingredients : 

1. Mutton (bone-in)  – 500 grams 
2. Onion – 2 medium sized
3. Ginger-garlic paste –1½ tbsp
4. Green chillies – 2 to 3
5. Bay leaf – 1
6. Cinnamon – 1 small stick
7. Cloves – 3 to 4
8. Green cardamom – 2
9. Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp
10. Red chilli powder – 1½ tsp
11. Coriander powder – 1½ tsp
12. Garam masala – 1 tsp
13. Salt – as per taste
14. Oil – 4–5 tbsp
15. Curry leaves 
16. Fresh coriander leaves 

Which is the best cut for mutton fry?

Shoulder and leg cuts are the best suited for mutton fry because they become tender when cooked and absorb spices. These cuts also release natural juices which will enhance the overall flavour of the mutton fry.

Bone-in mutton is highly recommended for mutton fry as these bones add depth to the flavour and they help in keeping the meat moist during the frying process. 

Just avoid very lean cuts as the mutton can turn out too tough and chewy. Small to medium sized pieces work the best.

Marination process for mutton fry

Marinating the mutton pieces in the right way is very important. Below are the steps on how it is done.

1. Take a large bowl and to it add freshly washed small to medium sized mutton pieces.
2. Add curd, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, salt, and lemon juice.
3. Mix all the ingredients together and make sure every mutton piece is evenly coated with the marinade.
4. Cover it with a lid and let the mutton marinade in the refrigerator.

Time required : 

Minimum time : 30 minutes 

Ideal time : 1-2 hours

For the best flavour : Overnight 

Step-by-step process 

1. Take a heavy-bottomed pan or a pressure cooker and heat 2 tbsp of oil.
2. Add bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and mix it until it becomes aromatic.
3. Add 2 medium sized thinly sliced onions and cook until they turn golden brown.
4. Add green chillies and ginger-garlic paste. Cook until the raw smell of it disappears. 
5. Now add the marinated mutton and mix everything well.Cook it on medium flame for about 5-7 minutes. 
6. After that, add ½ cup water and close it with a lid. Pressure cook the mutton for 4-5 whistles or until the mutton turns soft.
7. If you are cooking in a pan, cook on low flame for 40-45 minutes by stirring the mutton occasionally.
8. Now, open the lid and cook on medium to high flame until all the excess moisture has completely evaporated. 
9. Add coriander powder, red chilli powder, and garam masala.
10. Increase the flame slightly and start frying the mutton until it turns darkish and crispy.
11. For the final touch, add curry leaves and adjust salt if needed. Finish garnishing with freshly chopped coriander leaves. 
12. Switch off the flame and let the mutton fry rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
13. Your tasty, home-made mutton fry is ready to be hot served !

Tips for perfect mutton fry

1.  Do not add too much curd or lemon juice because excess acidity can make the mutton tough.
2. Always choose the right cut for mutton fry. Using bone-in mutton from the shoulder or legs helps the mutton to stay juicy and cook properly.
3. Do not skip marination, even a shorter amount of marination time can help the mutton to tenderise and enhance the overall flavour.
4. Always cook the mutton on medium to high flame which allows the mutton to stay soft.
5. Use sufficient oil while frying to avoid sticking of the mutton at the bottom of the pan.
6. Always ensure the mutton is fully cooked before the final frying stage.
7. Do not forget to rest the mutton for 5 to 10 minutes before serving as this time allows the mutton flavours to settle deeply.
8. If the mutton feels hard while frying you can sprinkle a little hot water and cook on low flame for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Mutton Fry

1. Why does my mutton fry turn hard?

Mutton fry usually turns hard if the meat is undercooked or if cooked on high heat. Always cook the mutton slowly and ensure it is soft before frying.

2. How long should mutton be cooked for soft mutton fry?

Mutton should be cooked until completely tender before frying. In a pressure cooker, this usually takes 4–5 whistles.

3. Should I marinate mutton before frying?

Yes, marinating the mutton before frying is very important as it helps soften the mutton and enhances flavour.

4. Can I make mutton fry with boneless meat?

Yes, you can make mutton fry with boneless meat but it tends to dry out faster. Make sure to cook it gently and avoid over-frying.

5.  How do I reheat mutton fry without drying it?

Reheat the mutton fry on low flame by adding a few drops of water or oil, and cover the pan to retain moisture.