This wealthy and flavorful Kerala Fish Curry combines contemporary fish with fragrant spices in a tangy coconut-based gravy. It is a beloved dish from India’s coastal Kerala area, recognized for its excellent stability of warmth, tanginess, and depth. Prepared in below an hour, this curry will transport your style buds to tropical shores.
Kerala Fish Curry is considered one of my favourite dishes to make after I need to carry some sunshine to my kitchen. This recipe brings collectively tender fish, warming spices, and tangy tamarind in a coconut oil base. I realized this recipe from my neighbor who grew up in Kerala, and I’ve been hooked ever since. The aromatic curry leaves and coconut oil create an incredible aroma that fills your house.
In regards to the Recipe
This curry is a staple in Kerala households, the place it’s usually loved with steamed rice. The mixture of chili powder, turmeric, and fenugreek creates deep flavors, whereas tamarind provides a stunning sourness. The gradual cooking methodology helps the fish soak up all of the great spices with out breaking up. It’s easy sufficient for weeknight cooking however particular sufficient for company.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love how the fish stays tender whereas absorbing the wealthy gravy. The coconut oil provides an genuine contact that common oil simply can’t match. One of the best half? You don’t must stir the curry whereas it cooks – simply give the pan a delicate shake every now and then. The recipe is forgiving and works nicely with several types of fish, so you need to use what’s contemporary at your market.

Kerala Fish Curry
Cooking Suggestions
– Use contemporary curry leaves if attainable – they make a giant distinction
– Don’t skip the fenugreek – it provides a distinctive taste
– Maintain the warmth medium-low when cooking the fish
– Let the gravy thicken naturally, don’t rush it
– Recent tamarind works greatest, however paste is ok too
Serving and Storing Strategies
Serves 4-6 folks. Complete prep and cooking time: 45 minutes. Serve sizzling with steamed rice or Indian bread. Leftovers maintain nicely within the fridge for as much as 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop – keep away from microwave as it may well make the fish powerful.
Nutrient Advantages
This dish is filled with protein from the fish and wholesome fat from coconut oil. The spices supply anti-inflammatory advantages, whereas curry leaves are wealthy in antioxidants. Turmeric provides immune-boosting properties, and the fish offers omega-3 fatty acids.

Kerala Fish Curry
This wealthy and flavorful Kerala Fish Curry combines contemporary fish with fragrant spices in a tangy coconut-based gravy. It is a beloved dish from India’s coastal Kerala area, recognized for its excellent stability of warmth, tanginess, and depth. Prepared in below an hour, this curry will transport your style buds to tropical shores.
Components
- 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
- Pink onions (4 reduce items)
- 3 Garlic
- 4 pcs Ginger
- 1/4 cup Coconut oil
- 10 stems Curry leaves
- Salt (as required)
- Tamarind
Directions
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In a frying pan, warmth a couple of quarter of a cup of coconut oil or vegetable oil till the oil is sizzling sufficient to interrupt a number of mustard seeds on this oil.
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Now add the chopped onions, few curry leaves and cut up inexperienced chilies and stir fry.
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To this add a combination of turmeric, chilli powder, water and cook dinner. When the oil begins to clear add the remaining spices beforehand floor, half a cup of `tamarind water’ and ample further water to make sufficient gravy Prepare dinner till the gravy is thick. Put this apart.
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In a separate giant frying pan, put together a mattress of curry leaves. Prepare the items of fish on this mattress. Pour the beforehand ready gravy over this, The items of fish must be utterly coated.
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Add the remaining curry leaves and tamarind, cowl with a lid and cook dinner slowly. Don’t stir, if obligatory you possibly can raise the frying pan by it is deal with and provides it a delicate rotating or rocking movement throughout cooking to unfold the gravy evenly.
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Cease cooking when the fish items are cooked sufficiently and the gravy is thick.
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Steadily Requested Questions
Can I take advantage of frozen fish for this curry?
Sure. Simply thaw it utterly and pat dry earlier than cooking. Recent fish offers higher outcomes, however frozen works high quality if that’s what you will have.
Is that this curry very spicy?
You may regulate the warmth by altering the quantity of chili powder. Begin with much less for those who’re uncertain – you possibly can at all times add extra.
How do I do know when the fish is cooked?
The fish must be opaque and flake simply with a fork. This often takes 8-10 minutes of mild cooking.