Detailed Fish Curry Recipe

Fish curry is a staple dish in India and is served in all restaurants offering Indian cuisine. The coastal cuisine of India is incomplete without the rich flavors of fish curry. Traditionally, fresh fish was caught, cleaned, lightly marinated, and then cooked in clay pots, giving it a distinctive taste. This recipe follows the same traditional method, where onions, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes are sautéed with Tawabel India to create a flavorful base. The fish is lightly pan-fried before being added to the curry, ensuring it retains its texture while absorbing deep flavors.

Some people prefer cooking fish directly in the curry, but we recommend marinating and frying it first to remove any strong fishy smell, resulting in a more balanced taste. If you’re new to fish curry recipes, we highly suggest trying this step!

For a thicker and smoother consistency, blend the onion and tomato mixture before adding it to the curry. This creates a creamy texture similar to restaurant-style curries. Coconut is an essential ingredient in this dish, adding a creamy flavor with a hint of sweetness. You can use shredded coconut, frozen coconut, coconut milk, or substitute it with cashew butter if preferred.

This recipe is easily customizable! If you love a tangy flavor, you can add tamarind during cooking or squeeze some fresh lemon juice before serving.

Best Fish for Fish Curry

For the best fish curry, use firm-textured fish that won’t fall apart during cooking. Here are some great options:

• Mackerel
• Grouper
• Basa fish
• Seer fish (Kingfish)

Everyone has their favorite type of fish, so feel free to use what you love!

Key Ingredients for Fish Curry

1. Ginger-Garlic Paste

A crucial ingredient that adds a bold and rich flavor to fish curry.

2. Curry Leaves

These add a unique aroma to the dish. Fresh curry leaves are best, but if unavailable, you can either skip them or use an Indian bay leaf as a substitute.

3. Garam Masala

Garam masala is typically made from a blend of at least cumin, coriander, cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. You can buy it from spice stores or make it at home for a more personalized flavor.

4. Fennel Seeds

These add a naturally sweet note that balances the heat from other Tawabel India. While optional, they enhance the flavor profile.

5. Coconut Milk

For a creamier curry, increase the coconut milk quantity. However, too much can dilute the spice flavors, so adjust the garam masala and other Tawabel India accordingly. If preferred, cashew butter can be used instead of coconut milk.

Steps to Make Fish Curry

Step 1: Prepare the Curry Base (Masala)

Ingredients:

• ½ tsp cumin seeds
• 2 medium onions, sliced (about 1 cup)
• ¼ tsp ginger paste + ¼ tsp garlic paste
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped (about ¾ – 1 cup)
• ½ teaspoon salt (or as needed)
• 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder (adjust to preference)
• ⅛ tsp turmeric
• ½ tsp fennel seeds (optional)
• 2 tbsp shredded coconut (or ¼ cup coconut milk or 12 cashews)

Instructions:

• Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan, add cumin seeds, and let them splutter.
• Add onions and sauté until golden brown (7-8 minutes).
• Stir in ginger and garlic paste and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
• Add tomatoes and salt, then cook until soft.
• Mix in coconut, red chili powder, turmeric, and fennel seeds. Stir well.
• Cook until aromatic, then let the mixture cool completely.

Step 2: Marinate and Prepare the Fish

🔹 Ingredients:

• 500g firm-textured fish (any preferred type)
• ¼ tsp ginger paste + ¼ tsp garlic paste
• ⅛ tsp turmeric
• ¼ – ½ tsp Kashmiri red chili powder
• ¼ tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Rub the fish with spices, ginger, and garlic paste. Do not let it sit for too long.
2. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a non-stick pan.
3. Sear the fish for 2 minutes per side until lightly golden.
4. Remove from the pan and set aside (no need to fully cook it yet).

Step 3: Blend the Masala and Cook the Curry

1. Transfer the cooled masala mixture to a blender.
2. Add 2-4 tbsp water and blend to a smooth or slightly coarse paste.
3. In the pan, heat 1-2 tbsp oil, add curry leaves and green chilies.
4. Pour in the masala paste and mix well.
5. Add 1-1½ tsp garam masala and cook for 2-3 minutes.
6. Pour in 1¼ cup water and bring to a boil until the curry thickens.

Step 4: Cook the Fish in the Curry

1. Step 4: Cook the Fish in the Curry
2. Let it simmer for a few minutes without stirring too much.
3. Gently stir the curry once to coat the fish evenly.

Serving Suggestions

🔥 Serve hot fish curry with:

• Steamed white rice or cumin rice
• Indian bread like naan or parotta
• A fresh side salad
• A squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Enjoy this dish filled with authentic Indian flavors! Now that you know how to make fish curry, are you ready to try it at our restaurant, “Tawabel India”, cook it yourself, or do both?