Coconut Lime Fish Curry with Jasmine Rice
Description
Coconut Lime Fish Curry with Jasmine Rice is a creamy, fragrant, and comforting meal featuring tender white fish simmered in a rich coconut curry sauce. Fresh lime, garlic, ginger, and warm spices give the sauce a bright and aromatic flavor, while fluffy jasmine rice makes the perfect base for soaking up every drop. This easy one-pan curry is ideal for a flavorful weeknight dinner and can be prepared in about 40 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Fish Curry
- 1½ pounds white fish fillets, such as cod, haddock, or tilapia
- 1 tablespoon olive or avocado oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon red or yellow curry paste
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- ½ cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce, optional
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups fresh spinach, optional
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges, for serving
For the Jasmine Rice
- 1½ cups jasmine rice
- 2¼ cups water
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Prepare the Rice
Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water several times until the water runs mostly clear. Add the rice, water, and salt to a medium saucepan.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
Remove from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5–10 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork before serving.
2. Prepare the Fish
Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. Cut them into large bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and black pepper.
Keep the pieces fairly large so they remain intact while simmering in the curry.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sliced bell pepper.
Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for another 30–60 seconds, until fragrant.
4. Build the Curry Sauce
Add the curry paste, turmeric, cumin, and paprika. Stir continuously for about 1 minute to toast the spices and release their aroma.
Pour in the coconut milk and broth. Add the fish sauce, honey or maple syrup, lime zest, salt, and black pepper.
Stir well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
5. Cook the Fish
Carefully place the fish pieces into the simmering coconut sauce.
Cover partially and cook for approximately 7–10 minutes, gently spooning sauce over the fish occasionally.
The fish is ready when it becomes opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Avoid vigorous stirring because delicate fish can break apart.
6. Add Spinach and Lime
If using spinach, stir it into the curry during the final 1–2 minutes of cooking.
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the fresh lime juice.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning. Add more lime for brightness, a little salt for depth, or extra curry paste for additional heat.
7. Serve
Spoon fluffy jasmine rice into serving bowls and ladle the coconut lime fish curry over the top.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. For extra color and flavor, add sliced fresh chili, toasted coconut, or additional lime zest.
Tips
Use firm white fish so it holds together during cooking. Full-fat coconut milk creates the creamiest sauce, while light coconut milk can be used for a lighter version.
For a spicier curry, add sliced fresh chili or extra curry paste. You can also add vegetables such as broccoli, zucchini, snap peas, or mushrooms.
Servings
Serves 4–6
Nutritional Information
Approximately 520 calories per serving, including jasmine rice. Actual values vary depending on the fish, coconut milk, and amount of rice served.
Benefits
Fish provides high-quality protein and important nutrients, while coconut milk creates a rich, flavorful sauce. Lime, ginger, garlic, bell peppers, and spinach add freshness, vegetables, and a variety of micronutrients.
This Coconut Lime Fish Curry is a comforting, colorful meal that combines tender fish, aromatic coconut sauce, and fragrant jasmine rice in one satisfying dish.