Bahraini Fish Coconut Curry (Printable)

Tender fish stewed in spiced coconut sauce with aromatic Middle Eastern flavors, ideal for a wholesome meal.

# Ingredient List:

→ Fish

01 - 21 oz firm white fish fillets (e.g., cod, snapper, or hammour), cut into large chunks
02 - 1 tsp salt
03 - 1/2 tsp ground turmeric

→ Aromatics

04 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil
05 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
06 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 1 thumb-sized piece fresh ginger, grated
08 - 1–2 green chilies, finely sliced (adjust to taste)
09 - 2 tomatoes, chopped

→ Spices

10 - 1 1/2 tsp ground coriander
11 - 1 tsp ground cumin
12 - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
13 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
14 - 1/2 tsp paprika
15 - 1/4 tsp ground cardamom

→ Curry Sauce

16 - 13.5 fl oz coconut milk (1 can)
17 - 1/2 cup water
18 - Juice of 1/2 lemon
19 - Fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped, for garnish

# Steps:

01 - Pat fish pieces dry, then toss with salt and ground turmeric. Set aside to marinate for 10 minutes.
02 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and sauté until golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes.
03 - Stir in minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced green chilies. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add chopped tomatoes and cook until softened, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
05 - Sprinkle in ground coriander, cumin, cinnamon, black pepper, paprika, and cardamom. Stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until aromatic.
06 - Pour in coconut milk and water, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
07 - Add the marinated fish pieces, cover, and simmer gently for 12 to 15 minutes until the fish is tender and cooked through.
08 - Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and lemon juice. Garnish with chopped fresh coriander before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The fish stays impossibly tender while the coconut curry wraps around it like a warm embrace.
  • It's ready in under an hour but tastes like you've been simmering it all day.
  • Naturally dairy-free and gluten-free, so everyone at your table can enjoy it without worry.
02 -
  • Don't skip the 10-minute rest for the fish after tossing it with salt and turmeric; this prepares the fish and helps it stay together as it cooks.
  • The sauce should smell strongly aromatic when you add the fish; if it doesn't, your spices might be old and you'll want fresh ones next time.
  • Gentle heat is crucial here; a rolling boil will shatter the fish into pieces, so keep that simmer low and steady.
03 -
  • Toast your whole spices in a dry pan for 30 seconds before grinding them fresh if you have time; the difference in aroma and flavor is remarkable.
  • Make this recipe a day ahead and reheat it gently; the flavors will have melded overnight and it will taste even better than the first time.
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