One area where I always seem to excel as someone who could have organization as their middle name, would be in making sure my fridge, freezer and pantry are always well-stocked – just what I need to make this Coconut Fish Curry at the drop of a hat! This might surely have something to do with the fact that I may be a compulsive list maker. Yes, I love making lists. In fact, I make so many lists within the span of one day that I sometimes even have to make a list of the lists I’ve made. Confusing? Tell me about it!
Although I am not always successful in crossing out everything on my day’s schedule, my grocery list is one that can be easily counted on. I always have a freezer stocked with a few pounds of chicken, a huge bag of fries and a couple of packets of frozen veggies. My fridge never runs out of eggs, bread and milk, and not to mention the staples like veggies and fruits. And my pantry – oh what can I tell you about my pantry, except that if ever we were locked in our house with no way to getting out whatsoever, I could easily survive with five other people for an entire month, with a couple more days added to it! Yes, my husband does comment on the size of my pantry, but hardly ever do I see him complain when I dish out a perfect meal, like this Coconut Fish Curry, after he refuses to head to the grocery store in the midst of a huge snowstorm!
When it comes to wanting a wholesome, no-fuss, quick and easy meal, I always turn to my pantry for comfort – and this Coconut Fish Curry recipe wins every single time!
Like the long lost friend who always brings a smile to your face and warm joy to your heart after what seems like ages, my pantry serves me well. I always make sure I have enough rice, flour, and a few different kinds of pasta to serve me when I call for them. I also like to stock on various sauces, lentils and beans. And it’s in times like these where I can happily fall back on my tried and tested stack of recipes. Most of them can be made within a few minutes with ingredients coming entirely from pantry staples, while a few may need a little help from something fresh or frozen.
Speaking of frozen, I like to have a pack or two of some of my favourite seafood always on hand, and fish is definitely one of them. I like buying them pre-cleaned and pre-cut, which then only requires them to be defrosted and cooked to my liking. Take for example this Coconut Fish Curry. It’s simple and quick, with only a handful of ingredients. And if that’s not good enough, it’s all made in one pot. Now, what could be better than a one-pot meal left to simmer by itself while you tend to a few emails?
Quick & Easy Coconut Fish Curry
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp light cooking oil
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp coriander powder
- 1/4 tsp cumin powder
- 2 cups coconut milk
- salt and pepper to taste
- 4 bones fish fillets (any white fish) cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 medium-sized tomatoes cut into wedges
- a handful of finely chopped coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan and sauté garlic and onions till lightly browned and tender. Add in spices, and fry for a few seconds.
- Add in the coconut milk, season with salt and pepper, and let it come to a slight boil.
- Add in the the pieces of fish and tomatoes, and let it simmer for another 6-7 minutes till the fish is completely cooked through.
- Garnish with coriander leaves and serve with a side of plain rice and a tossed salad.
This post was originally published in February 2007 and has been recently updated.
If you enjoyed this recipe, you will surely love my Coconut Shrimp Curry, Coconut Chicken Curry and Malay-style Fish Curry recipe as well.
Tried this recipe? Leave a Comment and let me know, also Rate it by clicking the number of stars on the recipe card. Want to share your version with me? Tag me on Instagram @hookedonheat
HI,
Love your blogs. This fish curry looks sooo yummy. Everything tastes good with coconut milk isnt it? But due to the high calorie content, I dont use it too often. I too always have frozen fish and shrimp in my pantry always, how to you defrost your seafood? I am always in a hurry, so i run it under cold water.
-Swapna
I tried this recipe last week and I was amazed at the simplicity and varying flavours. This dish is packed full of flavour and it’s really good. I made this same dish last night with chicken which I sauteed with the onion before adding the coconut milk. It turned out really really good. I added a dash of sriracha at the end for some added heat. Mmm… thanks for this recipe!!
I’m going to try your shrimp recipe next!
I can relate to you about the lists, the never ending lists. I have so many lists, I even confuse myself sometimes. And same with the kitchen organization- My pantry is excellently stocked, as well as the fridge and the freezer. phew, glad to know I am not the only one and know someone that can relate. I haven’t tried the recipe but the picture is wonderful.
Meena, I haven’t seen such a good looking fish curry lately, I could just eat it as it is. yums! 🙂
Curries always increase my appetite! This looks so good!
Hi Meena, I quite like reading the list bit since I’m a list person myself! Loved your recipe. I’ve some frozen shrimps, will that taste the same?
I’m sure it’ll work with shrimps too Jyothsna; though if you’re gonna be making shrimps, I’d personally suggest you try the Ginger Shrimp Stir-fry from my recipe list. I’m quite sure you’ll enjoy that! 🙂
this looks so amazing. you really have quite a gift for photography. glad to have found your site… looking forward to exploring!
Hey Meena,
Nice pic. I know exactly what you mean about meticulous pantry maintaining. I am obsessed with keeping stuff around because I find it really encourages eating at home. When you don’t have the right ingredients and cooking means a trip to the grocery before one can even start, the eating out option looks more attractive.
Cheers!
I am in love with your blog. Great recipes and prose to boot!
Beautiful presentation of the dish, Meena! Very Impressive dish as well, for fish or I should say, Seafood lovers.
Meena,
I was waiting for some recipes with fish & there u appear with a perfect one. Thx.
Oh I know what you mean. When in the US I could easily last at least a couple of weeks with all the frozen, canned and other precious grocery. At most I would have to stop at the 7-11 for milk. Now it feels like I’m running to the store every 2-3 days. The fish curry looks so good… I love the combo of fish and coconut.
Your pantry sounds like the one at my aunt and uncle’s house. My aunt always kept it well-stocked, and visitors would joke that it was their favourite room in the house. It was easy to prepare a meal since the staples were always available. 🙂
wow, looks so delicious. Your pics/presentation is excellent as always.
Good day!
Haha, let’s shake hands, I recently wrote a post on my compulsive list-making as well, but I’m only this organised when it comes to food. This curry of yours looks easy and I can’t wait to try it!
I’m the same, I feel happy if my freezer is full of stuff to make meals with! The curry looks great! You have a great blog by the way!
Unfortunately, I am not a non-vegetarian! 🙁
BTW I happened to try your sinfully delicious chocolate cup cake and it came out well for me. Thanks for the recipe.
I am trying to look for a dish/dessert that I can make with oranges ..I am unable to find anything really interesting. There are tons of them lying at my place and I am finding it hard to peel and eat them …any ideas there?
The recipe sounds tasty and the picture is excellent, I can’t wait to try it!