Fish Curry Recipes – From Kerala to Rick Stein

Fish curry is one of the most celebrated dishes in coastal cuisines across the world. Whether it’s the tangy Kerala fish curry recipe, the coconut-infused Goan fish curry, the rich South Indian fish curry recipe, or even international versions like those featured in BBC recipes fish curry, this dish has countless variations. If you’ve ever wondered how to make fish curry recipe at home, this comprehensive guide covers everything—from traditional Indian styles to modern adaptations.

Why Fish Curry is Loved Worldwide

1. Versatility – Can be made spicy, creamy, tangy, or mild.

2. Healthy Choice – Rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

3. Cultural Heritage – A staple in Kerala, Goa, Tamil Nadu, and Sri Lanka.

4. Global Appeal – Featured in menus by chefs like Rick Stein and in resources like BBC Good Food.

5. Quick to Prepare – From elaborate feasts to super quick fish curry with just 6 ingredients.

How to Make Fish Curry Recipe – The Basics

A simple fish curry recipe starts with fish, spices, and a curry base (tomato, tamarind, or coconut milk).

Ingredients:

• 500g fish (pomfret, kingfish, or mackerel)

• 2 onions, chopped

• 2 tomatoes, chopped

• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

• 2 green chilies

• 1 tsp turmeric powder

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1 tsp coriander powder

• 2 tbsp oil

• Tamarind water (or lemon juice)

• Salt to taste

Method:

1. Heat oil and sauté onions until golden.

2. Add tomatoes, ginger-garlic paste, and spices.

3. Add tamarind water and simmer.

4. Gently add fish and cook until done.

5. Garnish with coriander.

That’s the easiest answer to how to make fish curry recipe. From here, let’s explore regional and international variations.

How to Make Fish Curry Recipe with Coconut Milk

For a creamy, coastal touch, use coconut milk.

1. Prepare a curry base with onions, tomatoes, ginger-garlic paste, and spices.

2. Add thin coconut milk first, let it boil.

3. Add fish pieces and cook until tender.

4. Finish with thick coconut milk—avoid overboiling to prevent splitting.

This is the most loved style in Kerala, Goa, and Sri Lanka.

Super Quick Fish Curry

Sometimes you need dinner fast. Here’s a super quick fish curry ready in under 20 minutes.

• Fry onions, add curry paste or curry powder.

• Pour coconut milk.

• Add fish fillets.

• Simmer for 10 minutes, and it’s done!

For those searching for easiest fish curry just 6 ingredients, it can be as simple as fish, onions, garlic, curry paste, coconut milk, and salt.

Curried Fish Recipe

A curried fish recipe simply means fish cooked in a spice-based sauce. One version is to marinate fish with turmeric, salt, and chili, shallow fry it, and then simmer in onion-tomato gravy with curry powder.

Kerala Fish Curry Recipe

The iconic Kerala fish curry recipe uses kudampuli (fish tamarind) and coconut oil.

1. Heat coconut oil in a clay pot.

2. Add mustard seeds, curry leaves, and chilies.

3. Add spice powders and tamarind water.

4. Simmer fish until cooked.

This dish, often referred to as authentic Keralan fish curry, is tangy, spicy, and best enjoyed with steamed rice.

Malabar Fish Curry Recipe

The Malabar fish curry recipe differs from central Kerala’s because it uses roasted coconut paste.

1. Roast grated coconut with red chilies and coriander seeds.

2. Grind to a paste.

3. Cook with onions, tamarind, and fish.

Rich and earthy, this curry is a favorite across North Kerala.

How to Make Fish Curry in Kerala?

Many ask how to make fish curry in Kerala. The secret lies in:

• Clay pots (meen chatti) for flavor.

• Coconut oil for authenticity.

• Kudampuli for tanginess.

• Curry leaves for aroma.

This combination makes Kerala fish curry unique compared to Goan or Tamil versions.

Goan Fish Curry

Goan fish curry is creamy and tangy, usually made with kokum and coconut milk.

1. Grind coconut, cumin, and chilies into a paste.

2. Fry onions, add paste, kokum, and coconut milk.

3. Add fish and simmer.

Compared to Kerala curry, Goan fish curry has a sweeter, milder profile.

Spicy Fish Curry

For spice lovers, the spicy fish curry style uses extra red chilies, pepper, and green chilies. It’s fiery and best eaten with plain rice.

Yellow Fish Curry Recipe

The yellow fish curry recipe is mild, using turmeric and coconut milk for its golden color. It’s ideal for children or those who prefer less spicy food.

South Indian Fish Curry Recipe

South India has diverse fish curry styles:

• Tamil Nadu (Chettinad Style) – Spicy with black pepper and tamarind.

• Kerala – Coconut oil and kudampuli.

• Andhra – Extremely spicy with red chili powder.

Fish Curry Recipe South Indian Style in Tamil

The Tamil Nadu style (சாம்பார் மீன் குழம்பு) is unique:

1. Use sesame oil instead of coconut oil.

2. Tamarind juice forms the base.

3. Freshly ground masala with pepper and fennel enhances flavor.

This fish curry recipe South Indian style in Tamil is rich, spicy, and aromatic.

Rick Stein Keralan Fish Curry

British chef Rick Stein’s Keralan fish curry introduced authentic Kerala flavors to global audiences. His recipe uses coconut oil, curry leaves, tamarind, and coconut milk. It’s part of his Rick Stein India menu, which also includes Rick Stein chicken curry and Rick Stein madras curry recipe.

Best Fish Curry Recipes UK

In the UK, fish curry is hugely popular in Indian and Bangladeshi restaurants. The best fish curry recipes UK often combine traditional Indian spices with local fish varieties like cod, haddock, or sea bass.

BBC Recipes Fish Curry

If you’re looking for trusted sources, BBC recipes fish curry and fish curry recipes BBC Good Food offer easy versions for British kitchens. They even include fish curry recipes BBC Good Food vegetarian options using tofu or paneer instead of fish.

Easiest Fish Curry Just 6 Ingredients

Sometimes less is more. The easiest fish curry just 6 ingredients can be made with:

1. Fish fillets

2. Onion

3. Garlic

4. Curry paste

5. Coconut milk

6. Salt

Ready in under 15 minutes, this is perfect for beginners.

Curry Fish Head Ingredients

In Singapore and Malaysia, curry fish head is a delicacy. Common ingredients include:

• Fish head (red snapper works best)

• Tamarind or curry paste

• Vegetables like okra and eggplant

• Coconut milk

• Curry leaves and spices

It’s rich, bold, and often served at festive gatherings.

Tips for Making the Perfect Fish Curry

1. Always use fresh fish.

2. Avoid stirring too much once fish is added.

3. Rest the curry for at least 30 minutes for flavors to deepen.

4. Balance sourness (tamarind/kokum) with creaminess (coconut milk).

5. Clay pots add authentic taste.

Conclusion

Fish curry is not just one dish—it’s a collection of traditions, cultures, and flavors. From the tangy Kerala fish curry recipe and creamy Goan fish curry to international variations in the BBC recipes fish curry collection, every version has a story. Whether you prefer a super quick fish curry, a fiery spicy fish curry, or want to try Rick Stein Keralan fish curry, there’s a style for everyone.

So, the next time you wonder how to make fish curry recipe, remember you have endless possibilities—from a homely Malabar fish curry recipe to an exotic curry fish head. Dive into the flavors, experiment, and enjoy this timeless dish.