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+ servings
Fish Curry

Irresistible Fish Curry - A Punjabi Comfort Food Delight

This Fish Curry, also known as Fish Masala, is a comforting Punjabi dish bursting with vibrant flavors, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Punjabi
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 1 teaspoon Carom Seeds (Ajwain) optional but recommended for authenticity
  • 1 tablespoon Red Chili Powder or cayenne for more spiciness
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 1 pound Firm-Fleshed White Fish like cod, halibut, or tilapia, cut into 2-3" pieces
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
For the Curry Base
  • 2 tablespoons Avocado Oil can substitute with another neutral oil
  • 2 medium Yellow Onions finely chopped
  • 4 cloves Garlic finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Coriander Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Kashmiri Chili Powder or paprika for less spiciness
  • 2 medium Tomatoes finely chopped, using Roma or plum tomatoes
For Finishing Touches
  • 2 medium Green Chili Peppers whole or sliced for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper freshly ground recommended
  • 1 tablespoon Julienned Ginger for finishing
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro Leaves for freshness and garnish

Equipment

  • Large deep pan
  • nonstick skillet
  • Medium Bowl

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl, combine carom seeds, red chili powder, turmeric, and kosher salt. Gently coat the firm-fleshed white fish pieces with this aromatic marinade, adding the fresh lemon juice. Allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large, deep pan over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped yellow onions for about 18 minutes until golden brown.
  3. Deglaze the pan with a splash of water, then add the finely chopped garlic and ginger. Stir for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle in coriander powder, cumin powder, and Kashmiri chili powder. Stir well to bloom the spices for about 2 minutes.
  5. Add the finely chopped tomatoes to the spiced mixture and stir, cooking until they soften and the oil separates, about 5 minutes.
  6. Pour in 1 cup of water, stir to combine, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover the pan and lower the heat, allowing flavors to develop for about 10 minutes.
  7. In a nonstick skillet, heat the remaining avocado oil over medium-high heat. Place the marinated fish pieces and cook for about 4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.
  8. Uncover the curry and check its consistency, adding water if you prefer a thinner sauce. Slide the cooked fish into the curry and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  9. Serve hot, garnished with green chili peppers, black pepper, julienned ginger, and cilantro leaves alongside naan or rice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure the fish marinates for at least 15 minutes for full flavor absorption. Use fresh ingredients for the best taste.

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