Description
This rich and comforting fish gravy is a quick and easy dinner that brings big flavor with minimal effort. Made with tender fish pieces simmered in a spiced coconut milk curry, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes using pantry staples like onions, ginger-garlic paste, and red chilies. It’s the perfect weeknight meal when you need something cozy, satisfying, and family-approved!
Ingredients
Fish Gravy Essentials
- 500g firm fish (tilapia, kingfish, or catfish), cleaned and cut
- 2 tbsp oil (coconut oil preferred)
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- A sprig of curry leaves
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1–2 red chillies (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chilli powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup thick coconut milk
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Sizzle the Spices
Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and let them pop, then add curry leaves and let them crackle.Build the Flavor Base
Add chopped onions and sauté until golden. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook until fragrant.Spice It Up
Add turmeric, red chilli powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well. Add red chillies (whole or sliced).Make It Saucy
Pour in water and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.Cook the Fish
Add fish pieces and let them cook for 6–8 minutes. Avoid over-stirring to keep them intact.Add the Coconut Milk
Reduce heat and stir in the coconut milk. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until creamy. Do not boil.
Finish and Serve
Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with rice.
Notes
You can use frozen fish—just make sure to thaw it fully before cooking.
For a tangy twist, add a splash of tamarind water or squeeze of lime before serving.
Adjust red chilli to taste for a milder or spicier gravy.
This dish pairs wonderfully with plain rice, jeera rice, or even dosa.
Don’t skip the curry leaves—they add a unique depth of flavor!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 315
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: fish gravy, Indian fish curry, coconut fish curry, easy fish recipe, quick fish dinner, fish curry with coconut milk, spicy fish gravy, South Indian curry, weeknight fish curry