Goan Fish Curry is a beloved dish from India’s sunshine state, Goa. I learned this recipe during my trip to a small fishing village there, where the local cook showed me how simple ingredients come together to create magic. The combination of fresh fish, coconut, and spices creates a curry that’s both comforting and exciting.
About the Recipe
This curry is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The recipe uses basic Indian spices and fresh ingredients that work together to create rich, complex flavors. The coconut adds creaminess while tamarind brings a lovely tang. It’s an easy recipe that even beginners can master.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love how quickly this curry comes together – it takes just about 30 minutes from start to finish. The recipe is flexible – you can adjust the spice levels to your taste and use any firm white fish. The aroma that fills your kitchen while cooking is merely amazing. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.
Goan Fish Curry
Cooking Tips
– Use fresh fish for best results
– Don’t skip the marination step
– Keep stirring the curry gently to prevent the coconut from sticking
– Add water gradually to control the consistency
– Taste and adjust salt after adding tamarind
Serving and Storing Suggestions
Serves 4 people. Total prep and cooking time: 30 minutes. Serve hot with steamed rice or bread. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
Similar Recipes
- Kerala Fish Curry
- Mangalorean Fish Curry
- Coconut Fish Curry
- Malabar Fish Curry
Nutrient Benefits
This curry is packed with protein from fish and healthy fats from coconut. The turmeric offers anti-inflammatory benefits, while the spices aid digestion. It’s low in carbs and rich in essential minerals from fresh fish.
Goan Fish Curry
Ingredients
- Fresh Fish (like Pompfret, King Fish, etc)
- 1/4 tsp Red Chilly Powder (for marinating the fish)
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder (for marinating the fish)
- 1 cup Fresh Grated Coconut
- 1/2 tsp Red Chilly Powder
- depends on how hot you want the curry. If you like hot food, you may increase the quantity
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1/2 inch Tamarind
- 1 Onion (small)
- 1 tsp Dried coriander seeds
- 1/4 tsp Pepper
- 1 tsp Oil
- Salt
Instructions
- Clean the fish, wash and apply quarter tsp red chilly powder, quarter tsp turmeric powder, salt and keep aside.Cut finely half of the onion.
- Grind finely coconut, red chilly powder, turmeric powder, tamarind, half of the onion, coriander seeds, pepper.
- In a vessel, put oil and add the finely cut onion. When onion gets cooked, add the marinated fish and let cook with onion for 1 min. Then add the ground coconut mixture. Add little water (quantity of water depends on how thick you want the curry. But the curry taste good when it is a little thick).
- Add salt to taste. Remove from fire when curry boils.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen fish?
While fresh fish is best, you can use frozen fish. Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before marinating.
How spicy is this curry?
The recipe is moderately spicy. You can reduce or increase the red chili powder based on your preference.
Can I make this in advance?
It’s best eaten fresh, but you can prepare the ground coconut mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
5 comments
Very good recipe. First time making a Curry, turned out first class, so my friends say. I am over the moon.
Good one!!!!
Hey the recipe turned out really awesome…though i skipped the tamarind and added some coconut milk at the end after the curry and fish is cooked. lovely! my husband freaked out and called me a superb cook! 🙂 thanks a ton!
I found this recipe simply yumm! I tried it with fresh plump macrels which i had previously marinated for about 30 mins with a bit of vinegar. A simple recipe that turned out really nice,In spite of there being no ginger or garlic which is the usual ingredients for a fish curry. Any more interesting recipes? Cheers!
this recepie is simpple
there are mainly 3 type of fish curry for differant variety of fish
1 is yellow curry for white skenn fish
2 red cuury for black skeen fish ,
3 green curry for soft fish variety , also you have not use spice of whole chiily which give flavour