Curried Fish Recipes

Curried Fish Recipes 

There’s something magical about fish simmered in a rich, fragrant curry. It’s comfort food with a kick—a satisfying blend of heat, spice, and coastal charm. Whether you’re craving creamy coconut curry, a bold tomato-based dish, or a light herby version, curried fish is versatile, fast to cook, and endlessly customizable.

Below are three mouthwatering curried fish recipes that bring warmth and bold flavors to your table. Each one showcases a different curry style while celebrating the delicate texture of fish.

1. Creamy Coconut Curried Fish

This velvety coconut curry blends the richness of coconut milk with the vibrant punch of fresh ginger, garlic, and lime. It's the kind of dish that feels like a tropical vacation in a bowl.

Ingredients:

1 ½ lbs firm white fish (like cod, snapper, or tilapia), cut into chunks

2 tbsp oil (coconut or vegetable)

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 tbsp grated fresh ginger

1 ½ tbsp curry powder

½ tsp turmeric

1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tbsp lime juice

Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooked basmati rice, to serve

Instructions:

Sauté the base: In a deep skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until softened and golden, about 5 minutes.

Build the flavor: Add garlic, ginger, curry powder, and turmeric. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the coconut milk and cherry tomatoes. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.

Add fish: Gently place fish chunks into the sauce. Spoon curry over them and simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.

Finish with lime: Stir in lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with steamed rice or naan.

Why You’ll Love It: The creamy texture, paired with aromatic spices and tender fish, makes this dish a crowd-pleaser. It’s also dairy-free and naturally gluten-free.

2. Spicy Tomato Curried Fish (Indian-Style Fish Curry)

This classic Indian-style fish curry is bold, zesty, and perfect for spice lovers. It’s built on a tomato base with deep notes of cumin, chili, and garam masala.

Ingredients:

1 ½ lbs boneless white fish fillets (like haddock or mahi-mahi)

Juice of 1 lemon

½ tsp salt

2 tbsp vegetable oil

1 tsp mustard seeds

1 large onion, finely chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1-inch piece ginger, grated

2 green chilies, sliced

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp coriander

½ tsp turmeric

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp garam masala

2 medium tomatoes, chopped

½ cup water

Chopped fresh cilantro, to garnish

Rice or chapati, for serving

Instructions:

Marinate the fish: Toss fish with lemon juice and salt. Let it rest for 15 minutes while prepping the sauce.

Toast mustard seeds: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and wait for them to pop.

Sauté aromatics: Add onions and cook until golden. Stir in garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Cook for 2 more minutes.

Spice it up: Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and garam masala. Stir continuously to avoid burning.

Add tomatoes: Toss in chopped tomatoes and cook until soft, breaking them down into a thick paste. Add water to adjust the consistency.

Simmer fish: Place fish pieces into the curry and simmer gently for 7–10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through.

Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with cilantro and serve hot with rice or chapati.

Why You’ll Love It: This curry hits all the right notes—spicy, tangy, and deeply satisfying. It’s a weeknight winner and perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors without cream or coconut.

3. Jamaican-Style Run Down (Fish in Coconut-Curry Sauce)

A beloved Caribbean classic, "Run Down" is a slow-simmered coconut curry fish dish often cooked with fresh herbs, peppers, and pimento. It’s a rustic recipe with island soul.

Ingredients:

1 ½ lbs kingfish or snapper steaks

Juice of 1 lime

2 tbsp oil

1 onion, sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 scallion, chopped

1 Scotch bonnet pepper, whole or sliced (optional, depending on heat level)

1 sprig thyme

6–8 pimento seeds (allspice)

1 ½ cups full-fat coconut milk

1 tsp curry powder

½ tsp black pepper

½ tsp paprika

1 tomato, chopped

Salt to taste

Bammy, fried plantains, or boiled green bananas to serve

Instructions:

Clean and season fish: Rinse fish with lime juice, pat dry, and season lightly with salt and black pepper.

Prepare the rundown base: In a skillet or Dutch oven, heat oil and sauté onion, garlic, scallion, Scotch bonnet, thyme, and pimento seeds for 2–3 minutes.

Add curry and coconut milk: Stir in curry powder, then pour in the coconut milk. Add tomato and paprika. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a gentle simmer.

Simmer sauce: Let the mixture cook down until slightly thickened—about 10–12 minutes.

Add fish: Gently place the fish steaks into the sauce. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, turning once halfway through.

Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Serve island-style: Serve with bammy, rice and peas, or boiled green bananas.

Why You’ll Love It: This dish carries a beautiful balance of spice, sweetness, and creamy coconut flavor. It’s comforting, traditional, and absolutely unforgettable.

Tips for Cooking Curried Fish

Choose firm white fish: Varieties like cod, mahi-mahi, snapper, grouper, or halibut hold up well in curry and won’t fall apart easily.

Don't overcook the fish: Fish cooks quickly—usually in under 10 minutes. Add it towards the end of the cooking process to keep it tender.

Customize the heat: Adjust spice levels by increasing or reducing chili peppers, curry powder, or hot sauces based on your preference.

Add veggies: Spinach, okra, bell peppers, and eggplant pair wonderfully with curried fish for a complete meal.

Marinate when possible: Even a 10-minute lemon or spice rub helps infuse the fish with more flavor before cooking.

Final Thoughts

Curried fish dishes are a celebration of bold flavors, vibrant spices, and global culinary traditions. Whether you gravitate toward the creamy coconut comfort of a tropical curry, the fiery tomato base of an Indian masala, or the rustic Caribbean soul of a rundown, each recipe here offers something special. 

Helpful Reading 

 Low Histamine Bread Recipes 

https://www.amazon.com/Low-Histamine-Bread-Recipes-Loaves-Sensitive-ebook/dp/B0F2SNZKDR/

The Dahlia Microfarm: Starting a Profitable Backyard Flower Business 

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Lavender for Weddings and Events: Grow and Create DOY Bouquets, Decor and More 

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