Fish Curry
South Asian fish curry — fish simmered in a spiced coconut or tomato sauce. Quick (fish cooks fast), flavorful. Best with rice.
Prep Time
27 min
Cook Time
30 min
Servings
4
Calories
393 cal
🛠 Interactive Recipe Tools — Use them right here on this page
Smart Servings Scaler
- Fish400 g
- Coconut1 cup
- Black Pepper½ tsp
- Paprika1 tsp
- Garlic Powder1
- Onion1 medium
- Tomato2 medium
- Ginger1 tsp
- Garlic3 cloves
All quantities scaled automatically from 4 servings.
Ingredients
Makes 4 servings · Use the Servings Scaler above to adjust
- Fish400 g
- Coconut1 cup
- Black Pepper0.5 tsp
- Paprika1 tsp
- Garlic Powder1
- Onion1 medium
- Tomato2 medium
- Ginger1 tsp
- Garlic3 cloves
Instructions
- 1
Cut 1.5 lb of firm white fish (cod, tilapia) into 2-inch pieces. Rub with ½ teaspoon turmeric, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Let sit 15 minutes.
- 2
Heat 3 tablespoons oil in a heavy pot. Add 1 teaspoon mustard seeds, let pop. Add 1 chopped onion, cook 6 minutes until golden.
- 3
Add 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste, cook 1 minute. Add 2 chopped tomatoes, 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1 teaspoon red chili powder, 1.5 teaspoons coriander powder, 1 teaspoon cumin powder, 1.5 teaspoons salt. Cook 5 minutes until oil separates.
- 4
Add 1 cup coconut milk (or 1 cup water for non-coconut version). Bring to a simmer.
- 5
Add the fish pieces. Cover and simmer gently 8-10 minutes until fish flakes easily. Don't stir vigorously — fish breaks apart.
- 6
Finish with juice of 1 lemon, ¼ cup chopped cilantro, 1 teaspoon garam masala. Serve with basmati rice.
Watch how to make Fish Curry
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💡 Expert Tips
- 1.Marinate the fish. Turmeric removes any fishy smell.
- 2.Don't stir vigorously. Fish breaks apart.
- 3.Simmer gently. Fish overcooks fast.
- 4.Coconut milk for South Indian style; tomato base for North Indian.
🔬 Why It Works
South Asian fish curry succeeds when the fish is gently simmered in the spiced base (not over-stirred). The brief cooking time (8-10 minutes) keeps fish tender. The masala flavor penetrates the fish during the simmer. Coconut milk version is South Indian style; tomato-water is North Indian.
Frequently Asked Questions
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4.8
131 home cooks rated this
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (recipe makes 4 servings)
* Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are estimates.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (recipe makes 4 servings)
* Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are estimates.
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