Friday, 2 May 2025

Curried Fish Recipes

Curried Fish Recipes 

Curried fish is one of those magical dishes that transcends cultural boundaries. Found in Caribbean, Indian, and Southeast Asian cuisines, curried fish brings together tender fillets or whole fish with bold spices and aromatic herbs, offering a rich, satisfying meal. Below, we dive into three unique and mouthwatering curried fish recipes: Jamaican Curry Fish, Indian Coconut Fish Curry, and Thai Red Fish Curry. Each is a celebration of flavor, history, and the comforting warmth of home-cooked spice.


1. Jamaican Curry Fish

A Taste of the Caribbean Coast


Jamaican curry fish is a coastal favorite made with fresh snapper or parrotfish, curry powder, scotch bonnet pepper, and vibrant island herbs. This dish is as much about bold heat as it is about depth of flavor.


Ingredients:


2 lbs snapper or parrotfish, cleaned and cut into pieces


1 tbsp Jamaican curry powder


1 tsp turmeric


1 tsp thyme


2 cloves garlic, minced


1 small onion, sliced


1 stalk scallion, chopped


1/2 scotch bonnet pepper (use more or less depending on heat preference)


1/2 sweet pepper, sliced


1 medium tomato, chopped


1/2 cup coconut milk (optional)


Salt and black pepper to taste


2 tbsp cooking oil


Juice of 1 lime


Instructions:


Clean and season the fish: Rinse with lime juice and water, then season with salt, black pepper, thyme, and half the curry powder. Let marinate for 30 minutes.


Sauté the aromatics: In a pan, heat oil and “burn” the remaining curry powder for 1 minute (this intensifies the flavor). Add garlic, onion, tomato, sweet pepper, and scotch bonnet. Sauté until fragrant.


Add the fish: Place the fish in the pan gently. Spoon the sautéed mixture over it, add a little water or coconut milk, and cover to simmer for 10–12 minutes.


Final touches: Adjust salt and pepper. Add scallions last for a fresh flavor burst.


Serving suggestion: Serve with white rice, bammy, or festival bread for a truly Jamaican experience.


Flavor profile: Fiery, herby, slightly creamy with the optional coconut milk, and full of Caribbean sunshine.


2. Indian Coconut Fish Curry (Kerala-Style Meen Moilee)

Coastal India’s Silken Classic


Originating from Kerala, a lush southwestern state of India, this fish curry is known for its silky coconut gravy infused with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and turmeric. It’s mild, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.


Ingredients:


1 1/2 lbs firm white fish (tilapia, cod, or kingfish), cut into chunks


1 tsp turmeric


1/2 tsp chili powder


1/2 tsp ground coriander


1 tsp salt


2 tbsp coconut oil


1 tsp mustard seeds


1 small onion, thinly sliced


1-inch piece of ginger, julienned


2 green chilies, slit lengthwise


10–12 curry leaves


1/2 cup water


1 1/2 cups coconut milk (preferably full-fat)


Juice of 1/2 lime


Fresh cilantro for garnish


Instructions:


Marinate the fish: Mix fish with turmeric, salt, chili powder, and coriander. Let it rest for 20 minutes.


Prepare the base: Heat coconut oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds until they pop, then add onions, ginger, chilies, and curry leaves. Sauté until onions are soft.


Simmer the curry: Pour in water and bring to a simmer. Add fish and cook gently until nearly done (about 6–8 minutes).


Add coconut milk: Stir in the coconut milk and simmer on low for another 5 minutes. Do not let it boil or the milk might split.


Finish with lime juice and garnish with cilantro.


Serving suggestion: Pair with steamed basmati rice or appam (rice pancakes) for a traditional South Indian meal.


Flavor profile: Mild, creamy, aromatic with fresh curry leaves and the subtle tang of lime.


3. Thai Red Fish Curry

Spicy, Sweet, and Complex


Thai red fish curry captures the essence of Thai cooking: a balance of spicy, sweet, salty, and tangy. This dish uses red curry paste, coconut milk, fish sauce, and kaffir lime leaves to create a bold yet comforting curry.


Ingredients:


1 1/2 lbs white fish (like barramundi, tilapia, or cod), cut into large chunks


2 tbsp Thai red curry paste


1 tbsp vegetable oil


1 1/2 cups coconut milk


1/2 cup fish or chicken stock


2 tsp fish sauce


1 tsp palm sugar or brown sugar


3–4 kaffir lime leaves, torn


1 red chili, sliced (optional)


1/2 cup bamboo shoots or bell peppers


Handful of Thai basil leaves or fresh cilantro


Juice of 1/2 lime


Instructions:


Sauté the curry paste: In a saucepan, heat oil and sauté the red curry paste for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.


Add liquids: Stir in the coconut milk and stock. Simmer for 5 minutes.


Add the fish and vegetables: Gently add fish and bamboo shoots or sliced bell peppers. Add kaffir lime leaves, fish sauce, and sugar. Simmer until the fish is tender (about 6–8 minutes).


Finish: Stir in lime juice and Thai basil or cilantro. Adjust seasoning to taste.


Serving suggestion: Serve with jasmine rice or sticky rice for an authentic Thai experience.


Flavor profile: Spicy and sweet, with the citrusy kick of kaffir lime and the depth of coconut and fish sauce.


Why Curried Fish Works

Curried fish is more than just a spiced dish—it’s a global conversation of taste. Whether simmered in coconut milk or steeped in pungent Jamaican herbs, fish is the perfect canvas for curry. The flaky, tender nature of fish allows the flavors of the curry to permeate deeply, creating mouthfuls of pure satisfaction.


Health note: All three recipes rely on fresh herbs, anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric and ginger, and healthy fats from coconut oil or milk. Fish is rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making these curries a wholesome, balanced meal option.


Customizing Your Curried Fish

Fish choices: Any firm white fish holds up well in curry. In bolder dishes like the Jamaican version, whole fish is often used for added richness.


Spice levels: Tailor the heat by adjusting chili amounts or omitting seeds.


Vegan twist: Replace fish with tofu, chickpeas, or jackfruit and use vegetable stock instead of fish or chicken stock.


Curried fish is a beautiful intersection of cultures and flavors. Whether it’s the tropical burn of Jamaican curry, the soothing coconut embrace of Kerala-style curry, or the fiery tang of Thai red curry, these recipes invite you to explore the world through your kitchen. Each bite tells a story of tradition, spice, and the global love of good food.

Further Reading 

Strawberry Growing for Kids and Families 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F73TV5GZ/

The Cabbage Homestead Journal: Recipes, Remedies & Rotations

https://www.amazon.com/Cabbage-Homestead-Journal-Rotations-Vegetables-ebook/dp/B0F6VYLNNV/

Homegrown Cabbage Skincare: DIY Wraps, Masks & Poultices for Healing 

https://www.amazon.com/Homegrown-Cabbage-Skin-Care-Poultices-ebook/dp/B0F6C1FZCW/

Cabbage Crafts for Kids: Fun Projects With a Farm-to-Art Twist 

https://www.amazon.com/Cabbage-Crafts-Kids-Farm-Art-ebook/dp/B0F6VJV2J3/



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