1. Home
  2. /
  3. Recipe
  4. /
  5. Goan fish curry
14 Mins delivery

Goan Fish Curry

Serves 4
45 mins
350 Kcal
A very rich and fragrant dish to the palate, Goan fish curry does almost total justice to the coastal Indian cuisine. This recipe of Goan fish curry is perfect for the seafood enthusiast who loves an intense, tart sauce with a flourish of spices and coconut milk. For a fine start, fresh, firm fish such as pomfret, mackerel, or snapper will not crumble in the curry. Marinate the fish with turmeric and salt to develop its flavour. During this time, you will be preparing a very aromatic spice paste by grinding fresh coconut, garlic, ginger, and a mix of spices, which may include coriander, cumin, and red chilli powder. Heat coconut oil in a large pan and saut onions until they turn golden brown. Add the spice paste, and cook till the oil separates and that the flavour fills your kitchen. Then, add coconut milk and tamarind paste for a delightful tanginess. Now, once the sauce is bubbly, add the marinated fish softly and cook till it's cooked through, letting the fish soak all the deep, rich flavours. This would best be served hot over steamed rice or naan, with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to add that pop of colour. There must be magic to the play of spices, coconut, and freshness of fish, something coming together in the perfectness of this dish. Taste an authentic Goan fish curry that's easy to prepare and infused with the rich ethnicity of Goa. Make it for your family and friends!

Ingredients required for Goan Fish Curry

  1. 500 gms fish
  2. 1 cup coconut
  3. 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  4. 1 onion
  5. 2 tbsp cooking oil
  6. 1 tsp tamarind paste
  7. 5 red chilli
  8. Salt
  9. 1 tbsp coriander seeds
  10. Coriander

Cooking steps for Goan Fish Curry

  1. 1
    Let's try out the recipe of goan fish curry. Begin by cleaning 500 gms of fish under cold running water.
  2. 2
    After cleaning, cut the fish into pieces. The pieces should all be the same size so that they cook evenly.
  3. 3
    Mix all the ingredients in a bowl along with a pinch of turmeric and salt for marinating fish.
  4. 4
    This simple marinade brings flavour while also making the natural taste of the fish shine.
  5. 5
    Let the fish marinate for about 15 minutes while you are preparing the rest of the ingredients.
  6. 6
    In a blender, combine 1 cup grated coconut, five dried red chillies, one tablespoon coriander seeds, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, and 1 teaspoon tamarind paste.
  7. 7
    Grind well by adding a little water to the contents to blend the mixture into a fine paste.
  8. 8
    Coconut with spices, as well as tamarind, enhances a rich, tangy flavour to the curry that raises the whole dish.
  9. 9
    Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan. You may use coconut oil for this recipe since it will complement the coconut flavour in the curry.
  10. 10
    When the oil is hot, add one finely chopped onion. Let that cook until it turns golden brown, which takes about 5-7 minutes.
  11. 11
    This way, it adds a bit of sweetness and depth to the curry by providing a flavourful base for the sauce.
  12. 12
    Add in the ground coconut paste after browning the onions and mix this all well, cooking for a few minutes until the mixture is very well incorporated and fragrant.
  13. 13
    This step does cook out the raw flavours of the paste so that when spices are added to the dish, they bloom and infuse their essence into the mix.
  14. 14
    Pour in the water after the paste is cooked. Stir it very well and season with salt.
  15. 15
    Let it go to boil and cook it for a few minutes.
  16. 16
    Water will make a sauce that coats lushly over the fish without overpowering the flavours.
  17. 17
    Slowly add the marinated pieces of fish to the pan by gently stirring till the pieces are coated with the sauce.
  18. 18
    Reduce the flame and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes or till the fish is tender and soft.
  19. 19
    Do not let the fish overcook; it dries up fast and loses its tenderness. The fish would flake well using a fork when cooked.
  20. 20
    Once done, remove the pan from the flame. Garnish it with fresh coriander leaves for colours and aroma. Serve with steaming hot rice or chapati/naan.
  21. 21
    The creamy coconut sauce with the tender fish will be comforting and satisfying with the accompaniment of rice.
  22. 22
    Goan Fish Curry is very tasty, and it is a versatile dish to be prepared according to your taste preference.
  23. 23
    Use as many or as few dried red chillies as you like according to your liking for spiciness.
  24. 24
    Even use different types of fish or add vegetables like bell peppers or even spinach for more nutritional enhancement.

Shop Ingredients

Coriander Seeds (1 Tbsp)
30
1
83
1
Turmeric Powder (1/2 Tsp)
58
1
114
1
46
1
Onion (1)
38
1
39
1
32
1
18
1
64
1
Coriander
9
1
Red Chilli (5)
62
1
37
1
115
1
110
1
52
1
Fish (500 gms)
248
1
245
1
175
1
269
1
150
1
150
1
Salt
27
1
24
1
111
1
22
1
50
1
105
1
107
1
53
1
85
1
66
1
Tamarind Paste (1 Tsp)
26
1
Cooking Oil (2 Tbsp)
170
1
147
1
150
1
150
1
727
1
313
1
146
1
306
1
346
1
267
1
Coconut (1 cup)
61
1
71
1
78
1
79
1

FAQs

Which fish is the best for Goan Fish Curry?

Goan Fish Curry typically uses meaty, white fish like kingfish, pomfret, mackerel, and snapper. These retain shape when it's cooked and do not break up easily while soaking the flavour from the curry. One can use other firm-fleshed fish of cod, tilapia, or even shrimps; however, avoid using the delicate ones as sole or flounder that fall apart in this rich spicy sauce.

What does this Goan Fish Curry recipe possess?

Coconut, tamarind, and some spice mixes are the primary flavours of Goan Fish Curry. Fresh or desiccated coconut is commonly used with coconut milk to offer the curry that full, creamy texture. Tamarind adds that tangy taste by balancing the richness of the coconut. Spiced with a mix of cumin, coriander, turmeric, and red chilli that makes for a great source of brightness in colour and heat; this also adds ingredients like garlic, onions, and ginger, which add a flavouring capacity.

Can I make Goan Fish Curry without coconut milk?

Yes, it's fine to skip coconut milk as it isn't a 'must'; you may go ahead and proceed to prepare Goan Fish Curry in its lighter version or substitute it with cashew paste or yoghurt. In that case, the curry will not be rich and creamy but flavourful. If you'd like the liquid base of your curry to be nut-free, you may replace this with vegetable broth or tamarind water. Adjust to taste the spice to maintain the balance of flavours.