This Malaysian fish curry is a popular comfort food with hints of Indian and Thai spices accented with citrus flavors. Variations of this dish are found throughout Southeast Asia. Coconut milk cools the spiciness and creates a creamy and satisfying meal.
How does our recipe differ from other Malaysian fish curry recipes
I love the flavors of Malaysian coconut curries and have adjusted the ingredients of this recipe to suit our family’s gluten-free diet. After many revisions, I am excited to share with you our Malaysian fish curry recipe.
In addition to being gluten-free, it is naturally dairy-free.
I think the kaffir lime leaf and Thai red curry paste more than make up for the onion flavor. The red chili paste contains garlic. The small amount used limits the fructan effects.
If you have a sensitivity to citrus juices, omit the lemon juice and substitute with grated lemon zest or lemon grass.
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What you need to make a Malaysian fish curry
Spices are the key to this dish. They create an entirely different flavor range than I was accustomed as I grew up in New York City. Don’t let them scare you as they are simple to use and quite foolproof.
I think the authenticity of the flavor comes from the Thai red curry paste, fish sauce, kaffir lime leaf, lemon juice, and ginger root. The turmeric and basil leaf are subtle and complement the flavor.
Cook the fish, red peppers, and ginger with rice bran oil for neutral flavor. Use coconut milk to make the creamy tropical sauce. Garnish with lemon slices for an attractive plate.
One final note on this recipe; it is easy to make. I was a bit nervous the first time I attempted to cook this curry but I was shocked at how easily and quickly it came together.
If you like Asian coconut curries but are not a fish fan, try this lemongrass tofu curry.
Some of the cooking steps for this Malaysian curry recipe
Serving suggestions
This curry can be served over rice or rice stick noodles.
If using rice stick noodles, I use 5mm wide noodles, cook them in boiling water for 2 -3 minutes, drain, and rinse under cool water to keep them from getting too soft and mushy.
Our Malaysian fish curry recipe
Malaysian Fish Curry
This hearty and tasty coconut curry dish is gluten and dairy-free. Flavors of citrus and coconut make this recipe an all-season favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb white fish, firm texture once cooked
- 1 teaspoon turmeric, ground
- 1 tablespoon rice bran oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger root, minced
- 1 red pepper, chopped
- 1 kaffir lime leaf, finely chopped
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon basil leaf, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoon Thai red curry paste
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup bean sprouts, rinsed
Instructions
- Cube the fish (about ½") and coat with turmeric in a bowl. Set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a pan on medium and fry the ginger until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Add the red pepper and sauté for 3 minutes.
- Add the fish and cook until firm, about 5 minutes.
- Set the temperature to medium-low and add the chopped kaffir lime leaf, coconut milk, basil, salt, curry paste, lemon juice, and stir. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the bean sprouts and mix through.
- Serve over steamed rice or rice stick noodles and garnish with slices of lemon.
Notes
- Examples of firm fish are grouper, lemonfish (shark), monkfish, and mackerel.
- The dish can be made spicier with the addition of extra Thai red curry paste or crushed chilli peppers.
- 2 medium onions (finely diced) can be added at step 3 for more flavor.
- For citrus juice sensitivity, replace the lemon juice with the zest from a lemon or a crushed lemongrass stalk added when the coconut milk is added.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 481Total Fat: 25gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 87mgSodium: 673mgCarbohydrates: 32gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 33g
Nutritional information isn't always accurate and it will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
Additional Southeast Asian curry recipes to try
- If you’re looking for chicken instead of fish, then try this Gordon Ramsay Malaysian chicken curry recipe.
- Thai curry dishes are similar in ingredients and flavors. This Thai green chicken curry from the BBC is classic.
- Libby Jenkinson provides a low-carb slow cooker recipe for beef curry with coconut here.
Will you try this Malaysian fish curry with rice or noodles?
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Wow – looks like an interesting dish!
I LOVE a good fish curry. The flavors are so delicious. Can’t wait to try your version.
What a delicious recipe. Love the spice blend used in the recipe. Looks fragrant and yum.
One of my favorite meals – a good fish curry! Lovely to come across this recipe. I am getting the ingredients to make this today
Love curries so much! Always browsing and looking for more inspiration. Thanks for the great recipe!
I am always looking for new ways to eat more fish, and this curry looks delicious.