Goan Fish Curry

Firm white fish simmered in a tangy coconut curry with tomato, tamarind, chiles and spices, as it is made on India's west coast. Serves 4.

Naturally gluten-freeDairy-freeLow-carbHigh-proteinPaleoNo added sugar

Goan fish curry with white fish in red coconut sauce and rice
  • Prep 15 min
  • Cook 25 min
  • Total 40 min
  • Yield 4 servings

Jump to: Ingredients | Instructions | Nutrition | Tips | Questions | Print recipe

Along the Goan coast, fish curry is everyday food: a coconut milk sauce soured with tamarind and colored red with chiles.

Cod, halibut or haddock all work; add the fish at the end so it stays in tender flakes.

Ingredients

Curry

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 green chile, slit
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 (13.5 ounce) can coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 pounds cod or halibut, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

For serving

  • Steamed rice, for serving

New to an ingredient? See Coconut milk, Tamari, Tamarind, Turmeric in our kitchen glossary.

Instructions

  1. Cook the aromatics. Heat the oil in a wide pan over medium heat and cook the onion 6 to 8 minutes until golden. Add the garlic, ginger and chile for 1 minute.
  2. Add the spices. Stir in the coriander, cumin, paprika, turmeric and cayenne for 30 seconds, then the tomatoes, and cook 5 minutes until soft.
  3. Simmer the sauce. Add the coconut milk, tamarind and salt and simmer 5 minutes.
  4. Cook the fish. Slide in the fish, spoon sauce over it, cover and simmer gently 6 to 8 minutes, until it flakes and reaches 145°F. Shake the pan instead of stirring so the fish stays whole.
  5. Serve. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve with rice.

Nutrition per serving (estimated)

470Calories
16 gCarbohydrates
5 gFiber
12 gNet carbs
34 gProtein
31 gFat

Estimated per serving, based on 4 servings, using USDA FoodData Central values for each ingredient. Net carbs are carbohydrates minus fiber. Optional ingredients, garnishes and anything served on the side are not included. Brands and portion sizes change the numbers.

Naturally gluten-freeDairy-freeLow-carbHigh-proteinPaleoNo added sugar

Tips

  • No tamarind? Use 1 tablespoon lime juice plus 1 teaspoon brown sugar.
  • Shrimp work too; simmer them 3 to 4 minutes.

Questions about this recipe

What fish is best for curry?
A firm white fish such as cod, halibut, haddock or kingfish.
Is Goan fish curry spicy?
Moderately; adjust the cayenne and leave out the green chile for a mild curry.

Serve it with

Build the whole dinner: sides, sauce and dessert ›

Pairs with: an off-dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer, or a cold lager. Wine pairing guide

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