Easy Coconut Lime Fish Curry with Jasmine Rice

Easy Coconut Lime Fish Curry with Jasmine Rice

If you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and vibrant, this coconut lime fish curry is the answer. With creamy coconut milk, a hint of lime, and tender fish simmered in fragrant spices, it strikes the perfect balance of rich and refreshing. Served alongside fluffy jasmine rice, this curry transforms weeknight dinners into something special without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is designed to bring bold flavors to your table without unnecessary effort. The coconut milk provides a silky, rich base, the lime brightens every bite, and the tender fish absorbs the curry beautifully. It’s one of those meals that feels restaurant-quality but comes together in your own kitchen in less than half an hour.

  • Creamy yet refreshing flavor combination
  • Ready in under 30 minutes
  • Protein-rich and family-friendly
  • Pairs beautifully with jasmine rice
  • Great for weeknights or entertaining

Nutritional Information

Healthy and satisfying, this dish offers the best of both worlds. With lean protein from the fish, healthy fats from the coconut milk, and energy-giving carbs from jasmine rice, it’s a balanced meal that nourishes your body while delighting your taste buds.

  • Calories: 450–500 per serving
  • Protein: 30–35g
  • Carbohydrates: 45–50g
  • Fat: 18–22g
  • Fiber: 3–4g

Time Breakdown

Busy days call for meals that don’t compromise on flavor or quality, and this curry delivers exactly that. From chopping a few ingredients to letting the curry simmer, the entire dish can be prepared and served in under thirty minutes, making it a weeknight hero.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Total Time: 28 minutes

Ingredients You’ll Need

At its heart, this recipe relies on a handful of simple yet powerful ingredients. Fresh fish, creamy coconut milk, aromatic spices, and the zesty punch of lime come together to create layers of flavor that are both comforting and exotic.

  • 1 lb (450g) white fish fillets (cod, halibut, or tilapia)
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons red or yellow curry paste
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice + zest of 1 lime
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Cooked jasmine rice for serving
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Condensed Grocery Checklist

When you head to the store for this dish, you’ll be relieved by how manageable the list is. With just a few fresh ingredients and pantry staples, you’ll have everything you need to create a flavorful and satisfying curry.

  • White fish fillets
  • Coconut milk
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Fresh ginger
  • Curry paste
  • Lime
  • Soy sauce or fish sauce
  • Jasmine rice
  • Fresh cilantro

How to Make – Step by Step

Cooking this curry is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Each step builds flavor, from sautéing aromatics to gently simmering the fish in coconut milk, and in no time, you’ll have a steaming, fragrant curry ready to enjoy.

  1. Heat oil in a skillet and sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
  2. Stir in curry paste and cook for a minute to release flavors.
  3. Add coconut milk, lime juice, lime zest, and soy sauce or fish sauce. Simmer gently.
  4. Place fish fillets into the curry, cover, and cook until the fish flakes easily.
  5. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot with jasmine rice.

Ingredient Swaps & Variations

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Whether you prefer shrimp over fish, want to add vegetables for extra nutrition, or adjust the spice level to suit your taste, this curry adapts easily to your needs and preferences.

  • Swap fish for shrimp, chicken, or tofu.
  • Use brown rice or quinoa instead of jasmine rice.
  • Add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrients.
  • Adjust curry paste for spice level—mild or hot as you prefer.
  • Replace soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free version.
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Serving Suggestions

While the curry and jasmine rice are a satisfying pairing on their own, there are many ways to enhance the meal. Whether served with fresh garnishes, a simple side salad, or warm flatbread for dipping, this dish can be tailored for casual dinners or special occasions.

  • Serve with naan or flatbread for dipping.
  • Add a cucumber salad for freshness.
  • Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for extra flavor.
  • Pair with a crisp white wine or iced tea for balance.

Storing Tips

One of the perks of curry is how well it keeps. This dish not only tastes delicious freshly made but also develops deeper flavors when stored properly, making it ideal for meal prep or enjoying leftovers the next day.

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently on the stove to avoid overcooking the fish.
  • Freeze the curry base without fish for up to 2 months; add fresh fish when reheating.

Chef’s Special Tips

A few small details can elevate your curry from good to unforgettable. From balancing flavors with the right amount of lime to ensuring the fish stays tender, these little chef’s secrets will help you master this dish effortlessly.

  • Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best brightness.
  • Don’t overcook the fish; remove from heat as soon as it flakes easily.
  • Stir in a splash of coconut cream at the end for extra richness.
  • Balance flavors by tasting as you go, and add more lime or salt if needed.
  • Serve rice slightly sticky so it absorbs the curry beautifully.
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Conclusion

Easy Coconut Lime Fish Curry with Jasmine Rice is the kind of dish that feels luxurious yet takes only minutes to make. With creamy coconut, zesty lime, and tender fish, it brings vibrant flavors to the table in a comforting, family-friendly way. Quick, versatile, and delicious, it’s a recipe worth adding to your weekly rotation.

FAQs

Firm white fish such as cod, halibut, tilapia, or snapper work beautifully because they hold their shape in the sauce without falling apart.

Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat it dry before adding it to the curry to prevent excess water from thinning the sauce.

It depends on the curry paste you use. Red curry paste tends to be spicier, while yellow curry paste is milder. You can also adjust the spice by using less paste.

If you’d like to reduce richness, you can use light coconut milk. For a dairy-based option, evaporated milk works, but it won’t have the same tropical flavor.

Add the fish toward the end of cooking and simmer gently. Overcooking will make the fish dry or rubbery.