Serves: 4 | Preparation time: 15 mins | Cooking time: 30–40 mins

📝 About Fish Curry

Fish Curry is a flavorful Indian dish made by simmering fish in a spiced onion-tomato or coconut-based gravy. Depending on the region, Indian fish curry varies widely—from the tangy Goan fish curry, to creamy Kerala-style fish curry, or spicy Bengali maacher jhol.

This version is a simple, homestyle fish curry with a tomato-onion base and warming spices that pair beautifully with any firm white fish like rohu, kingfish (surmai), tilapia, or even basa.

🐟 Fish Curry Recipe | How to Make Indian-Style Fish Curry

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Serving Size: 4
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Main (Lunch/Dinner)
Difficulty Level: Easy

🧾 Ingredients

For Marinating the Fish:

For the Curry:

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

🔹 Step 1: Marinate the Fish

1. Wash the fish pieces and pat them dry.

2. In a bowl, mix:

   • ½ tsp turmeric

   • ½ tsp red chili powder

   • ½ tsp salt

   • 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)

3. Rub the masala on the fish gently.

4. Set aside for 15–20 minutes.

📝 This helps eliminate the fishy smell and adds initial flavor.

🔹 Step 2: Fry the Fish Lightly (Optional but recommended)

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan.

2. Lightly shallow fry the fish pieces for 1–2 mins on each side, just to firm them up.

3. Set aside on a plate.

✅ This prevents fish from breaking apart in the curry later.

🔹 Step 3: Prepare the Masala Base

1. Heat 3 tbsp oil in a kadai or deep pan.

2. Optional: Add ½ tsp mustard seeds and ¼ tsp fenugreek seeds. Let them crackle.

3. Add 2 chopped onions and sauté on medium flame until golden brown.

4. Add 1½ tbsp ginger-garlic paste and sauté until the raw smell disappears (2–3 mins).

🔹 Step 4: Add Tomatoes & Spices

1. Add 2 chopped or pureed tomatoes.

2. Add:

   • ½ tsp turmeric

   • 1 tsp red chili powder

   • 1½ tsp coriander powder

   • ½ tsp cumin powder

   • Salt to taste

3. Cook until tomatoes soften and oil separates (about 10–12 mins).

   • Stir frequently.

🔥 Proper “bhunai” (roasting) of masala is key for taste and color.

🔹 Step 5: Add Liquid and Simmer

1. Add 1½ to 2 cups of hot water (adjust based on how thick you want the curry).

2. Stir well and bring the curry to a boil.

3. Add ½ tsp garam masala and 1–2 tsp tamarind pulp or kokum.

   • For a coastal touch, add ½ cup coconut milk now (optional).

4. Simmer the curry on medium heat for 7–8 minutes.

🔹 Step 6: Add the Fish

1. Gently add the fish pieces into the simmering curry.

2. Reduce flame to low and cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, or until the fish is fully cooked and the gravy thickens slightly.

3. Do not stir too much or fish may break.

🔹 Step 7: Rest & Garnish

1. Turn off the flame and let the curry rest for 10–15 minutes.

2. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

3. Optionally, squeeze some fresh lemon juice before serving.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Best served with:

  • Steamed rice

  • Jeera rice

  • Chapati or roti

• Pair with a side of:

  • Kachumber salad or onion rings with lemon

  • Papad or fried appalam

💡 Tips for Perfect Fish Curry