Sep 03 2026

Fish Curry Recipe

Time40m
Serves4

Traditional curry sauce blended with onion, garlic, ginger, herbs, and spices in a medium-thick sauce.

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Ingredients

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For the fish

Method

For the fish

  1. 1

    Prep and marinate fish

    Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper and 1/2 tsp turmeric. Drizzle with 1 tbs lime juice and let sit while you begin the sauce (10–15 minutes).

  2. 2

    Sear the fish

    Heat 2 tbs vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add fillets and sear 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden but not fully cooked through (they will finish cooking in the sauce). Transfer to a plate and keep warm. Reserve any juices in the pan.

For the curry sauce

  1. 3

    Sweat aromatics

    In a heavy deep skillet or saucepan, heat 2 tbs oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and starting to brown, 8–10 minutes.

  2. 4

    Add garlic, ginger, and chili

    Add the minced garlic, ginger, and minced green chili to the onions. Cook 1–2 minutes, stirring, until fragrant and the raw aroma is gone.

  3. 5

    Bloom the spices

    Stir in ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, paprika and garam masala. Cook 30–45 seconds, stirring continuously so the spices bloom and do not burn.

  4. 6

    Tomato base

    Add 2 tbs tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes, stirring, until it darkens slightly. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and 1/2 cup stock, stir to combine, and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 8–10 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate flavors.

  5. 7

    Finish the sauce

    Stir in 1 cup coconut milk and 1 tsp sugar. Simmer gently 4–6 minutes until the sauce is medium-thick and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.

  6. 8

    Combine fish and sauce

    Gently nestle the seared fish fillets into the simmering sauce. Spoon sauce over the tops. Cover and simmer on low 4–6 minutes more (depending on thickness) until fish is opaque and flakes easily. Avoid vigorous boiling so the fish stays tender.

  7. 9

    Serve

    Carefully transfer fish and sauce to a serving dish or serve directly from the pan. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges. Serve with steamed rice or flatbread.

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