Indian fish curry is a popular dish made with fresh fish, spices, and tamarind. It’s a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make recipe that can be made in under 30 minutes. In this article, we’ll show you how to make fish curry step-by-step, including tips on what kind of fish to use and how to make the perfect curry sauce.
Table of Contents
The different types of fish curry
There are many different types of fish curry, each with its own unique flavor. Depending on the region, fish curry can be made with either fresh or salt water fish. The most common type of fish used in curry is tuna, but other popular choices include salmon, mackerel, and shrimp.
The different types of curry vary in their ingredients and spices, but all typically include ginger, garlic, onion, and chili pepper. Curry can be made with either a dry or wet spice blend. For a dry spice blend, the spices are roasted and ground into a powder. Wet spice blends usually contain fresh or dried herbs and typically result in a more flavorful dish.
When it comes to the actual cooking of the curry, there are two methods: stovetop and oven-baked. Stovetop methods are typically quicker and require less effort, while oven-baked methods tend to result in a more intense flavor. No matter which method you choose, be sure to simmer the curry for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Fish Curry Recipe
What You Will Need
If you want to make a delicious fish curry, there are a few things you will need:
-Fish. You can use any type of fish that you like for your curry. Fresh or frozen fish both work well.
-Curry paste. You can find this in the international aisle of most supermarkets, or you can make your own using fresh ginger, garlic, chili peppers, and other spices.
-Coconut milk. This will give your curry a rich and creamy texture.
-Tomatoes. You’ll need either fresh tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes for your curry.
-Lime juice. A little bit of lime juice added at the end will brighten up the flavors of your curry.
-Fresh cilantro leaves. These are optional, but they make a nice garnish for your dish.
Step One: Cooking the Fish
If you’re using fresh fish, the first step is to cook it. You can either fry, bake, or grill the fish, depending on your preference. If you’re using frozen fish, you’ll need to thaw it before cooking.
Once the fish is cooked, you’ll need to break it into smaller pieces so that it will fit into your curry. You can do this by cutting it into chunks or slicing it into thin strips.
Step Two: Making the Curry Sauce
In a small saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat until hot. Add the cumin and mustard seeds and cook until they begin to sizzle. Add the ginger and garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
Add the water, coconut milk, salt, and cayenne pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
In a blender or food processor, purée the sauce until smooth. Return the sauce to the pan and keep warm over low heat.
Step Three: Putting it all Together
Now that you have all the ingredients and know how to prepare them, it’s time to put it all together and make fish curry!
1. Heat the oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the mustard seeds and let them fry until they pop.
2. Add the onion and fry until it is golden brown.
3. Add the garlic and ginger and fry for a minute more.
4. Add the ground spices and fry for another minute, stirring constantly.
5. Add the tomatoes and cook until they are soft and beginning to break down.
6. Add the fish and cook for 5 minutes, or until cooked through.
7. Stir in the coconut milk and simmer for 10 minutes more.
8. Season with salt to taste and serve hot with rice or naan bread
Tips and Tricks
When it comes to cooking fish curry, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you get the perfect dish every time. First, be sure to use fresh fish for the best flavor. If you can’t find fresh fish, frozen will work as well. Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
Next, it’s important to choose the right type of fish for your curry. Some good options include salmon, tuna, or tilapia. You’ll want to avoid any fish that is too delicate or will fall apart easily when cooked.
Once you’ve selected your fish, it’s time to start prepping the ingredients for your curry. Be sure to chop all of your vegetables into small pieces so they cook evenly. If you’re using a pre-made curry paste, simply follow the directions on the package. Otherwise, you’ll need to make your own paste by combining spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder with coconut milk or water.
Finally, once everything is prepped and ready to go, it’s time to start cooking! Begin by heating oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Then add in your chopped vegetables and cook until softened before adding the curry paste (if using) andfish. Cook until the fish is cooked through then add additional coconut milk or water if needed to thin out the sauce. Serve over rice and enjoy!
Variations of fish curry
There are many variations of fish curry, depending on the region where it is made. In India, there are many different types of fish curry, each with its own unique flavor. Fish curry can be made with any type of fish, but the most common type used is cod.
Fish curry is usually made with a blend of spices, including turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili peppers. The fish is cooked in a mixture of coconut milk and water, and the gravy can be either thin or thick. Thin gravies are more common in southern India, while thick gravies are more popular in northern India.
Fish curry can be served over rice or with bread. It is often garnished with fresh cilantro leaves and lemon wedges.
Tips for making the perfect fish curry
When it comes to making fish curry, there are a few things you need to keep in mind in order to get it just right. Here are a few tips to help you make the perfect fish curry:
1. Use fresh fish: This is one of the most important tips when it comes to making fish curry. Using fresh fish will ensure that your curry has a good flavor and is not over-powered by the other ingredients.
2. Marinate the fish: Another important tip is to marinate the fish before cooking it. This will help to tenderize the fish and also infuse it with flavor.
3. Use Indian spices: When it comes to spices, using Indian spices is key to getting that authentic flavor. You can find these spices at any local Indian grocery store.
4. Don’t overcook the fish: One of the biggest mistakes people make when making fish curry is overcooking the fish. This will make it tough and dry, so be sure not to overcook it.
How to serve fish curry
When it comes to serving fish curry, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, fish curry is typically served over rice, so be sure to have some cooked and ready to go. Second, the curry can be fairly spicy, so if you’re serving it to guests who aren’t used to spicy food, you may want to tone down the heat a bit. Finally, fish curry is best when served fresh, so try to make it closer to the time you’ll be eating it.
To serve fish curry, start by scooping some rice onto each plate. Then, ladle the curry over the rice and top with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. Serve immediately.
Alternative ways to enjoy fish curry
If you love fish curry but are looking for alternative ways to enjoy it, there are plenty of options! You can try making fish curry with different types of fish, such as salmon or tuna. You can also add different vegetables to the curry, such as broccoli or cauliflower. If you want a heartier meal, you can add rice or noodles to the curry.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make fish curry, there’s no excuse not to try it! This dish is packed with flavor and nutrients, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just want a delicious weeknight meal, fish curry is sure to please. So what are you waiting for? Give it a try today!