🐟🥥🍛 Thai Coconut Tamarind Fish Curry
🍽️ Servings:
4
⏱️ Time:
Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 20–25 mins | Total: ~35 mins
🛒 Ingredients:
🐟 For the Fish:
1 lb white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, snapper, or any firm white fish)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for a light crust)
1 tbsp oil (coconut or neutral oil)
🥥 For the Curry:
1 tbsp oil
1 small onion, chopped 🧅
2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated 🌿
2 tbsp red curry paste 🌶️
1/2 cup coconut milk 🥥
1 cup fish stock or water 🐟
2 tbsp tamarind paste (or tamarind concentrate) 🍈
1 tbsp brown sugar or palm sugar 🍯
1 tbsp soy sauce or fish sauce 🐟
Juice of 1 lime 🍈
1/2 tsp turmeric (for color and flavor) 🌿
🌿 Garnishes (Optional but recommended):
Fresh cilantro, chopped 🌿
Lime wedges
Red chili slices (optional, for heat) 🌶️
Steamed jasmine rice 🍚
🔪 Instructions:
🐟 Step 1: Prepare the Fish
Season the fish fillets with salt, pepper, and lightly dust with cornstarch (optional for a slight crisp).
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the fish fillets for about 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
🥥 Step 2: Make the Curry Sauce
In the same pan, add 1 tbsp oil and sauté the onion over medium heat until softened (about 3 minutes).
Add garlic, ginger, and red curry paste. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in coconut milk, fish stock (or water), tamarind paste, brown sugar, soy sauce, and turmeric. Stir well to combine.
Let the sauce simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
🍛 Step 3: Combine & Simmer
Return the cooked fish to the pan, gently spooning the sauce over the fillets. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the fish to absorb the curry flavors.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, sugar, or lime juice if needed.
🌿 Step 4: Serve & Garnish
Serve the curry hot over steamed jasmine rice.
Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and optional red chili slices for a burst of heat.
💡 Tips & Variations:
Vegetarian Option: Replace fish with tofu or eggplant 🍆
Add Veggies: Throw in bell peppers, spinach, or bamboo shoots for extra texture and flavor 🌶️🍃
Make It Spicy: Add more red curry paste or fresh chilies to suit your heat preference 🌶️🔥
🌟 Why You’ll Love It:
Sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy — the perfect balance of flavors 🌿
Coconut milk makes it rich and creamy, with tamarind adding depth and brightness
Quick, easy, and healthy — yet so satisfying!