Kerala Fish Curry is one of my favorite dishes to make when I want to bring some sunshine to my kitchen. This recipe brings together tender fish, warming spices, and tangy tamarind in a coconut oil base. I learned this recipe from my neighbor who grew up in Kerala, and I’ve been hooked ever since. The fragrant curry leaves and coconut oil create an amazing aroma that fills your home.
About the Recipe
This curry is a staple in Kerala households, where it’s often enjoyed with steamed rice. The combination of chili powder, turmeric, and fenugreek creates deep flavors, while tamarind adds a lovely sourness. The slow cooking method helps the fish absorb all the wonderful spices without breaking apart. It’s simple enough for weeknight cooking but special enough for guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love how the fish stays tender while soaking up the rich gravy. The coconut oil adds an authentic touch that regular oil just can’t match. The best part? You don’t need to stir the curry while it cooks – just give the pan a gentle shake now and then. The recipe is forgiving and works well with different types of fish, so you can use what’s fresh at your market.
Kerala Fish Curry
Cooking Tips
– Use fresh curry leaves if possible – they make a big difference
– Don’t skip the fenugreek – it adds a unique flavor
– Keep the heat medium-low when cooking the fish
– Let the gravy thicken naturally, don’t rush it
– Fresh tamarind works best, but paste is fine too
Serving and Storing Suggestions
Serves 4-6 people. Total prep and cooking time: 45 minutes. Serve hot with steamed rice or Indian bread. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop – avoid microwave as it can make the fish tough.
Similar Recipes
- Goan Fish Curry
- Malabar Fish Curry
- Fish Molee
Nutrient Benefits
This dish is packed with protein from the fish and healthy fats from coconut oil. The spices offer anti-inflammatory benefits, while curry leaves are rich in antioxidants. Turmeric adds immune-boosting properties, and the fish provides omega-3 fatty acids.
Kerala Fish Curry
Ingredients
- 1 kg King Fish or
- Salmon or Mahi Mahi
- 2 tbsp Chili powder
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp Fenugreek
- 1 tsp Mustard seeds
- Red onions (4 cut pieces)
- 3 Garlic
- 4 pcs Ginger
- 1/4 cup Coconut oil
- 10 stems Curry leaves
- Salt (as required)
- Tamarind
Instructions
- In a frying pan, heat about a quarter of a cup of coconut oil or vegetable oil until the oil is hot enough to break a few mustard seeds in this oil.
- Now add the chopped onions, few curry leaves and split green chilies and stir fry.
- To this add a mixture of turmeric, chilli powder, water and cook. When the oil begins to clear add the remaining spices previously ground, half a cup of `tamarind water' and sufficient additional water to make enough gravy Cook until the gravy is thick. Put this aside.
- In a separate large frying pan, prepare a bed of curry leaves. Arrange the pieces of fish on this bed. Pour the previously prepared gravy over this, The pieces of fish should be completely covered.
- Add the remaining curry leaves and tamarind, cover with a lid and cook slowly. Do not stir, if necessary you can lift the frying pan by it's handle and give it a gentle rotating or rocking motion during cooking to spread the gravy evenly.
- Stop cooking when the fish pieces are cooked sufficiently and the gravy is thick.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen fish for this curry?
Yes. Just thaw it completely and pat dry before cooking. Fresh fish gives better results, but frozen works fine if that’s what you have.
Is this curry very spicy?
You can adjust the heat by changing the amount of chili powder. Start with less if you’re unsure – you can always add more.
How do I know when the fish is cooked?
The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. This usually takes 8-10 minutes of gentle cooking.
3 comments
It is good but.kerala fish curry is used to make coconut paste
it seems good keralian fish dish, but i think no where coconut is used in it surprising….
good true kerala fish curry.