Coconut Fish Curry
This Coconut Fish Curry recipe offers a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender firm white fish with a rich coconut milk sauce infused with aromatic spices. It’s quick and simple to prepare, with a perfectly balanced blend of savory, sweet, and zesty notes, ideal for a comforting weeknight meal.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 400g firm white fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or snapper), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 400ml coconut milk (full fat)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Spices
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 to 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop onions, garlic, and ginger finely. Dice tomatoes if using fresh. Cut the fish into bite-sized pieces, rinse gently, and pat dry to maintain texture during cooking.
- Sauté the Aromatics and Spices: Heat oil or ghee in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Add turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder, stirring constantly to toast the spices and unlock their flavor.
- Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Pour in diced tomatoes and cook until softened and integrated into the spice mixture, about 5 minutes, forming a thick and flavorful curry base.
- Pour in Coconut Milk and Bring to a Simmer: Slowly add the coconut milk, stirring to combine with the tomato and spice base. Let it gently simmer for 5–7 minutes to meld the flavors and slightly thicken the sauce.
- Cook the Fish Gently in the Sauce: Carefully add the fish pieces to the simmering curry. Cook on low heat for 6–8 minutes until the fish turns opaque and flakes easily but remains tender.
- Finish with Fresh Lime and Cilantro: Remove from heat and stir in fresh lime juice. Garnish generously with chopped cilantro for freshness and color. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh fish for the best flavor and texture.
- Cook the fish gently to avoid breaking it apart.
- Toast spices briefly to enhance their aroma and depth.
- Adjust sauce thickness by simmering longer or adding a splash of water if too thick.
- Modify chili powder according to your preferred spice level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: coconut fish curry, creamy fish curry, quick fish curry, Indian-inspired curry, coconut milk recipes, healthy fish dishes