This Easy Coconut Lime Fish Curry is bright and tangy, packed with flavors that will take your taste buds on a little vacation! The tender fish in creamy coconut milk is just divine.
Serve it over fluffy jasmine rice, and you might just find yourself dreaming of tropical beaches. Who knew curry could be this simple? I could eat this every week and never get bored! 🌴
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Jasmine Rice: This fragrant rice is perfect for this dish, soaking up all the curry flavors. If you can’t find jasmine rice, basmati rice works well too!
Coconut Milk: This gives the curry its creamy texture. Full-fat coconut milk is the best choice for richness, but light coconut milk can be swapped for a lower calorie option.
Fish: Firm white fish like cod or tilapia is great, but if you’re looking for variety, shrimp or even chickpeas can make delicious substitutes for a pescatarian or vegetarian option.
Red Curry Paste: It’s the heart of the flavor! If you want less spice, use green curry paste. You can also make your own from pantry spices in a pinch!
How Can I Make Perfectly Cooked Fish in Curry?
The key to perfectly cooked fish is gentle heat and timing. Overcooking can lead to dry fish, so keep an eye on it!
- Cook the fish in simmering sauce for 6-8 minutes until it flakes easily.
- Make sure to spoon the sauce over the fish often; this keeps it moist while infusing flavors!
Easy Coconut Lime Fish Curry with Jasmine Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rice:
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 1/4 cups water
For the Curry:
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or coconut oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 red chili, sliced (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp red curry paste
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- Juice and zest of 1 lime
- 1 lb firm white fish fillets (such as cod, halibut, or tilapia), cut into chunks
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You will spend around 10 minutes cooking the rice and about 20 minutes preparing the curry. It’s quick and simple – perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Jasmine Rice:
First, rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until it runs clear. This helps remove extra starch for fluffy rice. In a pot, combine the rice and 1 1/4 cups of water. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for 15 minutes. Once done, remove it from the heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes.
2. Cook the Aromatics:
While the rice is cooking, heat the vegetable or coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it’s soft, about 3-4 minutes. The kitchen will start smelling wonderful!
3. Add Flavors:
Now, add in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced chili (if using). Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until everything is fragrant and well combined.
4. Mix in the Red Curry Paste:
Stir in the red curry paste and cook for about 1 minute. This step is crucial as it helps to release the lovely flavors of the curry paste.
5. Make the Coconut Sauce:
Pour in the coconut milk, lime zest, and half of the lime juice. Give everything a good stir and bring it to a gentle simmer. The mix should look creamy and vibrant!
6. Cook the Fish:
Add the fish pieces to the sauce, spooning some sauce over the top. Cover the skillet and cook gently for about 6-8 minutes, or until the fish is properly cooked and flakes easily with a fork.
7. Season to Taste:
Taste the curry and add salt and the remaining lime juice according to your preference to enhance the flavors.
8. Serve It Up:
Serve your coconut lime fish curry over the jasmine rice. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side for that extra zing!
Enjoy your delicious and bright Easy Coconut Lime Fish Curry with fluffy jasmine rice!
FAQ for Easy Coconut Lime Fish Curry
Can I Use Different Types of Fish for This Curry?
Absolutely! While firm white fish like cod or halibut is recommended for its texture, you can also use salmon, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly for different proteins!
What Can I Substitute for Jasmine Rice?
If jasmine rice isn’t available, basmati rice is a great alternative. You can also use regular long-grain rice; just adjust the water-to-rice ratio according to the package instructions.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or coconut milk to restore creaminess.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can prep the curry base ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just add the fish when you’re ready to serve, as it cooks quickly and is best fresh!
