Coconut Fish Curry
Coconut Fish Curry is a rich and creamy dish blending aromatic spices with full-fat coconut milk, offering a mild heat and tropical flavors. It is a quick, family-friendly, one-pot meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions, featuring tender white fish simmered in a fragrant curry sauce and finished with fresh lime juice and cilantro.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Fish and Dairy
- 500g firm white fish fillets (e.g., cod or tilapia)
- 400ml full-fat coconut milk
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped (or 1 cup canned tomatoes)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of 1 fresh lime
Spices
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
Others
- 2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil (vegetable or coconut oil)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Prepare the aromatics: Heat the cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook until the onions are soft and golden, releasing fragrant aromas.
- Toast the spices: Add turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder to the pan. Stir constantly for about one minute to lightly toast and deepen their flavors.
- Add tomatoes and simmer: Pour in the chopped fresh or canned tomatoes. Stir to combine and cook down until the mixture thickens slightly and forms a rich base.
- Pour in the coconut milk: Slowly add the full-fat coconut milk, stirring well to blend with the tomato and spice base. Let the curry simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Cook the fish: Gently place the fish fillets into the simmering curry. Cover and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, depending on fish thickness, until it flakes easily and has absorbed the curry scents.
- Final touches: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the curry and sprinkle chopped cilantro on top. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use freshly ground spices for more vibrant flavors.
- Do not overcook the fish to avoid toughness.
- Add water or additional coconut milk if the curry gets too thick.
- Balance sour and sweet flavors with the right amount of lime juice.
- Let the curry rest off heat for a few minutes to meld flavors fully before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: Coconut Fish Curry, curry, seafood curry, coconut milk curry, Indian inspired, family meal, quick dinner, gluten free