If you’re craving something deliciously comforting, try this Indian Fish Curry with Coconut Milk recipe. Every bite contains spices mingling with the creamy richness of coconut milk. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Indian flavors or just starting to explore this vibrant cuisine, you absolutely have to try this curry.
This dish combines tender fish simmered to perfection in a smooth coconut sauce packed with turmeric, coriander, and a hint of chili. You’ll have to trust me on this — once you’ve tasted it, Indian fish curry with coconut milk will become a dinner table favorite
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What is Indian Fish Curry
Indian Fish Curry with Coconut Milk is a delicious dish blending spices and creamy coconut goodness. Imagine tender pieces of fish cooked in a rich, velvety sauce made with coconut milk, turmeric, coriander, and a hint of chili for that perfect kick. It’s like taking a flavor-packed journey to India’s coastal regions without leaving your kitchen. Whether new to Indian cuisine or a longtime fan, this curry is a must-try for its warm, comforting taste.
I’m adding a non-traditional ingredient to give this recipe a fusion twist. We love Korean gochujang for its unique flavor. You might be wondering what exactly this sauce is all about.
Gochujang chili sauce is a staple in Korean cuisine, known for its bold and spicy-sweet flavor profile. Made from red chili peppers, fermented soybeans, sticky rice, and salt, it brings a unique umami depth and a pleasant heat to dishes. Whether used in marinades, soups, or as a condiment, gochujang adds a deliciously rich kick that enhances any meal.
For this recipe, choose a fish that maintains its shape while cooking. Avoid fish that tends to become soft or flaky when heated.
What Fish To Use
- Halibut: With its dense and meaty texture, halibut is perfect for curries. It retains its shape and adds a hearty element to the dish.
- Snapper: Snapper offers a slightly sweet and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the vibrant spices in Indian Fish Curry.
- Sea Bass: Sea bass has a buttery texture and rich flavor, which works wonderfully with creamy coconut milk and spices.
- Mahi Mahi: Mahi Mahi has a slightly sweet, mild flavor and a firm texture, making it ideal for soaking up the spices in a curry without falling apart.
- Ono (Wahoo): Known for its mild taste and firm, flaky texture, Ono holds up well in curries and pairs nicely with bold spices.
- Swordfish: This meaty, dense fish stands up to the rich, creamy sauce in Indian Fish Curry and absorbs the flavors beautifully.
- Cod: Cod is a popular choice for curry because it has a somewhat firm texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor that absorbs spices well. Use this if you can’t find the others in your grocery store.
Indian Fish Curry Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Halibut: A dense and meaty fish that holds its shape well, perfect for absorbing the curry’s rich flavors.
- Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic depth to the curry, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Ginger: Provides a warm, zesty flavor that complements the spices and adds a touch of freshness to the dish.
- Turmeric: Known for its vibrant yellow color and earthy flavor, turmeric is a staple in Indian curries, offering both taste and health benefits.
- Chili Powder: Adds heat and a subtle smokiness, balancing the creaminess of the coconut milk.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients, bringing out the best in the dish.
- Cumin Seeds: Offer a warm, nutty flavor with a hint of citrus, adding complexity to the curry.
- Onions: Provide a sweet and savory base for the curry, adding depth and richness.
- Fresh Tomatoes: Contribute acidity and sweetness, balancing the spices and creating a flavorful sauce.
- Coconut Milk: Adds a creamy, luscious texture and a sweet, nutty flavor that softens the spices.
- Garam Masala: A fragrant blend of spices that adds warmth and complexity to the curry, enhancing its aromatic qualities.
- Curry Powder: A blend of spices that adds a complex, aromatic flavor, tying the dish together.
- Chicken Broth: Enhances the sauce’s richness and depth, adding savory notes to the curry.
- Tomato Paste: Adds concentrated tomato flavor and richness, thickening the curry sauce and enhancing its depth.
- Gochujang Chili Sauce: Introduces a sweet and spicy kick, adding a unique twist to the traditional curry.
How to Make Fish Curry
Step 1 – Cube Fish
Remove the skin from the fish and cut it into 2-inch chunks.
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Step 2 – Make Marinade
Combine turmeric, salt, fresh minced ginger, minced garlic, olive oil, pepper and combine with fish. Marinate fish for at least 20 minutes.
Step 3 – Fry Fish
Preheat the skillet over medium heat and add oil once it’s hot. Fry the marinated fish, cooking each side for about three minutes before flipping. Transfer the fish to a plate and set it aside for later.
Step 4 – Curry Sauce
In another pan, heat and add oil. Once oil shimmers, add sliced onions, minced ginger and garlic, cumin seeds. Cook until onions are translucent and golden.
Next, add curry, chopped tomatoes, and salt. Continue to cook until the tomatoes are mushy. Add coconut milk, turmeric, curry powder, gram masala, chicken or vegetable broth, tomato paste, and chili powder. Cook ingredients for a few minutes. Add gochujang to taste for that spicy, sweet taste.
Step 5 – Combine Ingredients
Stir the fish into the curry sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes until cooked through. Serve alongside Basmati rice.
Indian Fish Curry Recipe with Coconut Milk
Ingredients
Fish Marinade
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 tsp minced garlic
- 4 tsp minced ginger peel ginger and mince
- 6 tbsp light olive oil
- pepper to taste
Fish
- 2 pounds white fish skinned and cubed in 1½-inch chunks
Curry Sauce
- 4 tbsp cooking oil
- 5 cups yellow onions sliced
- 4 tbsp minced ginger
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 tsp cumin seeds
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 4 cups tomatoes cubed
- ¾ tsp salt
- 26 ounces coconut milk 2- 13 ounce cans
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 4 tsp garam masala
- ½ cup chicken broth can use vegetable broth
- 2 tsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 4 tsp Gochujang Sweet Chili Sauce use more or less to taste
Instructions
Prep Fish
- Remove the skin from the fish and cut it into 2-inch chunks.
Make Marinade
- Combine turmeric, salt, fresh minced ginger, minced garlic, olive oil, pepper and combine with fish. Marinate fish for at least 20 minutes.
Fry Fish
- Preheat the skillet over medium heat and add oil once it’s hot. Fry the marinated fish, cooking each side for about three minutes before flipping. Transfer the fish to a plate and set it aside for later.
Curry Sauce
- In another pan, heat and add oil. Once oil shimmers, add sliced onions, minced ginger and garlic, cumin seeds. Cook until onions are translucent and golden.Next, add curry, chopped tomatoes, and salt. Continue to cook until the tomatoes are mushy. Add coconut milk, turmeric, gram masala, chicken or vegetable broth, tomato paste, and chili powder. Cook ingredients for a few minutes. Add gochujang to taste for a spicy, sweet taste.
Combine Ingredients
- Stir the fish into the curry sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes until cooked through. Serve alongside Basmati rice.
Nutrition
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Dinner Side Dishes
Why You’ll Love This Fish Recipe!
- Rich Flavor: The combination of aromatic spices, creamy coconut milk, and savory fish creates a deliciously rich and complex flavor profile.
- Healthy Ingredients: This dish is both flavorful and nutritious, packed with protein from the fish and nutrients from ingredients like garlic, ginger, and turmeric.
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and easily accessible ingredients, this curry is simple enough for beginner cooks to make.
- Versatile: This curry can be served with a variety of sides, such as rice, naan, or vegetables, making it adaptable to different tastes and dietary preferences.
- Comforting and Satisfying: The warm spices and creamy texture make this dish a comforting meal perfect for any occasion.
I hope you’re as excited to try this Indian Fish Curry with Coconut Milk as I am to share it with you! This dish is a fantastic way to bring the rich flavors of Indian cuisine into your home. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this curry is sure to impress and satisfy. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out in the comments below—I can’t wait to hear about your culinary adventures!
Cheers,
Photo Credits: MyPhotography.com
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