Coastal Fish Curry
Tilapia in coconut-tamarind gravy — coastal Karnataka style.
For 2 servings
Sauté the aromatics and spices
- Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
- Stir in the ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, and coriander powder, cooking for 5 minutes.
Create the coconut-tamarind base
- Pour in the light coconut milk and water.
- Whisk in the tamarind paste until completely dissolved.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes to develop the base flavors.
Poach the tilapia in the gravy
- Gently add the cubed tilapia to the simmering gravy.
- Cover the pan and cook for 10 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
- Season with salt and remove from heat.
TIPAvoid stirring the curry vigorously once the fish is added to keep the cubes intact.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use light coconut milk rather than full-fat to keep the calorie count lower while maintaining a creamy texture.
- 2If the tamarind paste is very thick, dilute it with a tablespoon of warm water before adding to the pan.
- 3For a deeper flavor, toast the coriander powder in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding to the oil.
- 4Always add the fish last to ensure it remains tender and does not become rubbery from overcooking.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace the tilapia with extra-firm cubed tofu or boiled chickpeas for a plant-based version.
low sodiumLow sodium
Omit the added salt and double the amount of tamarind and ginger to provide a sharp, savory flavor.
spicierSpicier
Add two slit green chilies or a half-teaspoon of Kashmiri red chili powder during the sautéing step.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Source
Tilapia provides high-quality protein essential for muscle maintenance.
Anti-Inflammatory Spices
Turmeric and ginger contain compounds that help reduce systemic inflammation.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Light coconut milk provides MCTs which can be used efficiently for energy.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this dish uses lean tilapia and light coconut milk, making it a high-protein, heart-healthy option low in saturated fats.