Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or coconut oil for extra flavor)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 1–2 green chilies, sliced (adjust to your heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon curry powder (choose a mild or medium blend)
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk, full-fat for creaminess
- 1 cup fish or vegetable stock
- 2 medium limes, zested and juiced
- 1 pound firm white fish fillets (like cod, tilapia, or halibut), cut into chunks
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small bunch fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Substitution tips: Don’t have fish on hand? Firm tofu or chickpeas make great plant-based swaps that soak up the curry flavors beautifully. If you can’t find fresh lime, bottled lime juice works—just use a little less to avoid overpowering the dish.
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This step always reminds me of how my mom’s kitchen smelled when she caramelized onions for her famous tomato sauce—simple beginnings with big flavor.
- Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced green chilies to the pan. Stir for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. If your kitchen is anything like mine, this is the moment the kids peek in, curious about the spicy smells.
- Sprinkle in the curry powder and turmeric, stirring constantly for 30 seconds to toast the spices. This little step makes a huge difference, waking up the flavors and creating that signature curry aroma.
- Pour in the coconut milk and fish or vegetable stock. Stir to combine everything. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook gently for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.
- Stir in the lime zest and juice. The lime really brightens the whole dish, cutting through the richness of the coconut. It’s a flavor combo that instantly transports me back to family dinners where fresh ingredients made all the difference.
- Gently add the fish chunks and cherry tomatoes to the curry. Cover the pan and simmer on low for 6-8 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook—the fish should be tender and moist.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Then sprinkle the chopped cilantro on top for a fresh, herby finish. I always add the cilantro last because it keeps that bright green color and pops in every bite.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice or warm naan. If you’re anything like me, this is the part where the kitchen is messy but your heart feels full.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Coconut Lime Fish Curry, recipe, cooking, food
