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Tender, flaky cod fish swimming in a luxurious blend of creamy coconut milk and aromatic spices—ready in just 20 minutes. Join me as we dive into the vibrant world of South Asian main dishes with this quick and irresistible cod fish curry recipe.
Being a Desi dietitian, my love affair with curry runs deep. The earthy tones, the dance of vibrant spices, and the inclusion of health-promoting ingredients—it’s like a flavorful embrace that’s become second nature to me.
Now, if your taste buds are yearning for more oceanic delights, I’ve got a fish and seafood recipes party waiting for you! Why not indulge in the flavours of Pan-Fried Basa Fish Fillets, or savour the magic of Haddock Fish Biryani? Both these recipes will surely sail your culinary adventures to new, delicious shores. 🙂
Nutrition highlights
With 34 grams of protein per serving, this quick fish curry is a breeze to whip up and brings forth an array of nutritional goodness:
- A good source of omega-3 fatty acids, courtesy of the cod.
- Rich in medium-chain triglycerides, from creamy coconut milk.
- Packed with antioxidants, thanks to the spices!
Fish curry ingredients
Indeed, it’s a simple list of ingredients for a curry recipe:
- Coconut Oil
- Curry Leaves (fresh or dried)
- Mustard Seeds
- Sesame Seeds
- Coconut Milk
- Curry Powder
- Chilli Powder
- Cod Fillets
- Sea salt
- Fresh lime (zest and juice)
- Cilantro
How do you dry cod?
Diabetes diet advice
If you’re following a diabetes-friendly diet, consider opting for low-fat coconut milk or experimenting with Greek yogurt as a substitute. These alternatives maintain the creaminess while reducing overall fat content and incorporating beneficial probiotics, making your homemade fish curry a great dinner option.
How to make it
Create the flavour base:
Nestle in the cod fish:
Simmer and turn for even cooking:
Afterward, gently turn the cod pieces to ensure the top is submerged in the sauce for even cooking. Remember, a slight flip to one side is all it needs—no need for a full 360-degree rotation. Fussing too much will break the fish apart in the sauce, and we want those gorgeous fillets to stay intact and tender. Once you flip, cook for 1-2 more minutes.
Finish with a flourish:
For a complete list of ingredient measurements and detailed step-by-step instructions, you can find everything you need in the printable recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
How to serve your curry
Ready to elevate your cod curry experience? Let’s explore the perfect pairings!
Whether you prefer fluffy Basmati rice, nutty Quinoa, or classic favourites like Soft Roti or flaky Paratha, each option complements the curry beautifully. And for a fresh, zesty kick, don’t forget to add a vibrant Kachumber Salad on the side.
Food safe storage
Now, about those leftovers (if there are any!)—pop them into an airtight container and into the fridge. Your delicious Indian fish curry will keep well for up to two days. When you’re ready for more indulgence, gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave, letting the flavours reawaken.
Why is my cod tough and rubbery?
Oh my goodness, let me tell you about cod—it can turn tough and rubbery if you’re not careful with it! Being a delicate fish, cod doesn’t need much time to cook, and if you subject it to high heat for too long, you might end up with a less-than-desirable texture.
In this recipe, the cod gets some tender loving care as it simmers gently in the creamy embrace of coconut milk. This ensures it retains all its delicious succulence and doesn’t become tough.
Should cod be soaked before cooking?
Let’s talk about prepping cod—it’s not as complicated as you might think! If you’re using salt cod, which is dried and preserved in salt, soaking it beforehand can help reduce its saltiness and give it a nice rehydration boost. But if you’ve got fresh or frozen cod on hand, all you need to do is give it a quick rinse under cold water to get rid of any ice crystals or debris. Easy peasy, right? No need to soak, just a little rinse, and you’re good to go!
Have you tried this cod recipe? Drop a comment with your thoughts and rate the recipe! Don’t forget to tag @DesiliciousRD on Instagram when you try it out. Your comments and ratings might just guide others in their culinary adventure!
Get the Recipe:
Quick Skillet Cod Curry With Coconut Milk
Video
Ingredients
- 2 tsp coconut oil, organic, cold-pressed
- 5 curry leaves, fresh, small
- ½ tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 1 can coconut milk, creamy, 400 mL
- 1½ tbsp curry powder
- ½ tsp chilli powder
- 1 tsp salt, sea salt
- 900 g cod fillets, 3 extra large frozen fillets, thawed, thoroughly dried and cut into medium pieces.
- 2 tbsp lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 lime zest, optional, zest of one lime
- ½ cup cilantro, washed, finely chopped
Instructions
- On low heat, melt coconut oil in a skillet. Add curry leaves, mustard seeds, and sesame seeds. Temper until they release their aroma.
- Pour in coconut milk and stir in curry powder and chilli powder until well combined.
- Add salt, stir, and delicately nestle the cod fillets into the sauce, ensuring they're fully submerged. Cover and simmer on low for exactly 13 minutes. With care, flip the fillets onto one side to ensure the top is immersed in the sauce, and continue simmering for an extra 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat, garnish with lime zest (optional), juice, and fresh cilantro.
Serve
- Serve with homemade roti or Basmati rice and salad.
Notes
How do you dry cod?
- When using frozen cod, ensuring it’s thoroughly dried before cooking can be a game-changer. Excess moisture from frozen fish can lead to a watery sauce, affecting the richness and consistency of your dish. To tackle this, pat the frozen cod fillets dry with a clean kitchen towel before adding them to the sauce.
Food safe storage
- Transfer leftovers into an airtight container and into the fridge. Your delicious Indian fish curry will keep well for up to two days. When you’re ready for more indulgence, gently reheat on the stove or microwave, letting the flavours reawaken.
Nutrition Information:
Keep in mind that the nutritional values provided are approximations and suggestions, and might fluctuate depending on ingredient variations, portion sizes, and recipe adjustments. This nutrition facts table cannot account for your individual needs. Your body — including your hunger and satiety cues — change daily. It’s perfectly fine to eat more or less on different days. Instead of letting food guilt take over, consider mindful eating.
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
