Goan Fish Curry
Goan fish curry simmers white fish in a coconut and Kashmiri chilli masala sharpened with tamarind.
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45 mintotal
30 min hands-on15 min hands-off
Prep 15 min · Cook 15 min
- Serves
- 2
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Spice
- Medium
Ingredients
Quantities are for 2 servings.
You'll need: Stovetop.
Includes prep-ahead time.
Method
In a high-powered blender, combine the grated coconut, soaked red chillies, coriander seeds, turmeric, garlic, and tamarind pulp. Add a splash of water and process until it forms an exceptionally smooth, fine paste.
Heat the coconut oil in a pan or traditional clay pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté patiently until softened and lightly pink.
Pour the freshly ground coconut masala into the pan. Rinse the blender with a little water and add that too, until the curry is the consistency you want.
Season with salt and bring the curry to a rolling boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer actively for 5 minutes to cook out the raw spice flavors.
5 min
Slide the washed fish steaks gently into the simmering curry. Stir as little as possible from here on so the fish stays whole.
Cook on a medium-low flame for 5-7 minutes. Fish cooks very quickly, so watch it rather than the clock.
5–7 min
Remove from the heat entirely. Allow the pot to rest undisturbed for 10 minutes before serving so the fish thoroughly absorbs the tangy, spiced coconut broth.
10 min
How to tell it's done
The resulting curry should be a smooth, tangy, lightly thinned coconut broth holding flaky, tender, and perfectly intact pieces of fish.
Getting it right
Tip
Never over-boil seafood, as it rapidly turns tough and rubbery. Swirl the cooking vessel gently by its handles instead of using a spoon to prevent breaking the delicate steaks.
What to serve it with
Best with hot, freshly steamed white rice, or with earthy unpolished Goan red rice.





