Fish Curry Recipe - Step by step guide | Lucky Masale

Fish Curry Recipe

Curries and Indian cuisine go hand in hand. Fish curries have always fascinated me. Coming from North India and from a family where fish was always fried for making outstanding starters, fish curry was always something which garnered my attention. The taste, aroma and color of the curry was so mesmerizing that falling in love with fish curry was actually very easy.
Fish curry looks pretty daunting task when it comes to cooking it at home. Especially for me with limited fish knowledge, it was not easy to cook fish curry. But the rescue came from my mother in law’s handy mouthwatering fish curry recipe. This recipe not only helped me in making the best fish curry at home but also helped me in selecting the right fish for the curry.

Ingredients needed for Curry Fish recipe

The ingredients needed for making the authentic fish curry are simple and ubiquitous in every household. Here in the recipe I’m using “Surmai” fish also popularly known as Seer fish.
Ingredients list for Masala Curry
1. Surmai fish – 1/2 kg ( about 6-7 pieces)
2. Onion – 1 medium size
3. Garlic – 1 full pod
4. Fresh coconut shredded – 2 tbsp., if fresh coconut is not available then use frozen coconut powder.
5. Cumin – 1/2 tsp
6. Coriander seeds – 1tsp
7. Tomato – 1 medium
8. Peppercorns – 6/7

Other spices

  1. Red chili powder – 1 tsp (adjust according to taste)
  2. Turmeric powder – 1/2 tsp
  3. Salt – to taste

Ingredients for tempering (tadka)

  1. fenugreek seeds – a pinch
  2. Mustard seeds – 1/2 tsp
  3. Curry leaves – 7/8

Optional ingredient

Tamarind pulp – 1 or 1 and a half tsp
OR
Kokam – 4 pieces

Preparation needed for fish curry

A little ahead of time preparation will make this fish curry recipe more easy. Since we have all the necessary ingredients ready making this super delicious curry fish will be a breeze.

  1. Wash the fish with water and put it in a dish. Rub the pieces with 1/2 tsp salt and lemon juice. Keep it aside.
  2. Now grind all the Masala for curry (onion, tomato, garlic, coconut powder, cumin, coriander seeds and peppercorns). Add water to make a smooth paste.

Soak some tamarind in water for some time. Later when it is soft extract the pulp by using a sieve. Keep it aside, as it’ll be used towards the end.

How to make fish curry? Step by step guide

Here are simple step by step guide to cook the best fish curry at home.

Step 1 – Heat oil in a deep dish. Add fenugreek seeds, mustard seeds and curry leaves.

Step 2 – Add the ground Masala, fry for five minutes without water.

Step 3 – Add red chili powder, turmeric powder and salt. Now add enough water to fry the masala. Cover the lid and let it cook for 15/20 minutes on medium flame.

Step 4 – Add the fish pieces slowly in it and mix well. Adjust the gravy thickness by adding water at this step. Also if you want to add tamarind add at this point. Cover the lid and let it cook for about 7/10 minutes on medium flame. Garnish the fish curry with chopped coriander leaves.

The delicious fish curry is ready !!!

Lucky Masale Fish Curry

The spice mixes by Lucky Masale are not only best because they remain fresh for a longer period of time but also because they don’t use MSG and they are fairly low on sodium. Fish Curry by Lucky Masale is a concoction of best Indian spices and dried herbs. The aroma and flavor of lucky Masale fish curry is truly heavenly and simply unparalleled. The recipe is very easy to follow and in few simple steps you can achieve the best authentic fish curry.

The succinct recipe of Lucky Masale Fish Curry mix is printed at the back of the packet. Here I’m writing a short summary of the fish curry recipe.

  1. Wash and clean the fish pieces, rub salt and lime juice on the pieces and let them sit for half an hour.
  2. Now grind tomatoes, onions, coriander leaves, garlic, and fresh coconut to a fine paste.
  3. Heat oil in a pan and add the ground paste in it and also add Fish Curry masala.
  4. Let it cook till the oil separates. Add fish pieces and let it fry in the Masala for a couple of minutes.

Add enough water for the gravy. Cover the lid and let it cook on low flame till the desired thickness of gravy is achieved.

Which fish is best for fish curry?

This question often arises especially if a person doesn’t have much knowledge about the fish families. Since fillets are awesome choice for baking or frying, there comes a wide variety of fish used specifically for curry. For making Indian fish curries – Pomfret, Rawas, popularly known as Indian Salmon, Surmai also known as Seer fish and Rau (Rui or Carpo fish) are widely used. They are the perfect choice for making fish curry as they hold better while getting cooked in curry and also they enhance the flavor of the gravy.

Tips while making Fish Curry

Fish Curry Masala can be really tricky for someone who doesn’t have much experience in cooking fish. These are some tips which will come handy while attempting this mesmerizing curry.

  1. Since fish cooks comparatively faster than chicken, the time is of the essence in making fish curry.
  2. Marinated fish, once you put it in the gravy, on a medium flame it’ll be ready in 10 minutes. Overcooking will break the fish pieces.
  3. Make sure when you add the fish pieces in the gravy discard all the water left by the marinade. As this will add the foul smell in the gravy if added.
  4. Right choice of the fish for fish curry is imperative. The selection of right fish enhances the taste and aroma of the curry.
  5. Tamarind pulp or kokam is optional to add, but the tangy flavor added by them only amplify the flavor. I personally like to add tamarind paste.

Serving fish curry

magnify the presence of the food served but also has a beautiful aroma on its own. Fish Curry is best served with plain steamed white rice and Chapatis. You can also serve it with coriander/coconut chutney on the side.

Enjoy the delectable fish curry

Though fish Curry is mainly a coastal delicacy, but it has found a fan base inland also. Since wide variety of fish are readily available in supermarkets, fish curry is easy to make now. The mouthwatering fish curry can be on menu of your next gathering of family and friends. Enjoy this coastal delicacy now at your home!!!