Fish curry is one of the most beloved and authentic dishes from Asia, offering a delightful and exciting experience with its blend of aromatic spices and strong flavors. This dish is especially ideal for those who enjoy spicy and flavorful food. Fish curry is prepared in different countries such as India, Indonesia, and Lebanon, each with its own unique variations and characteristics.
Not only does fish kari offer an extraordinary taste experience, but it is also highly nutritious due to the use of fish, which is rich in protein and other essential nutrients beneficial for health. Below are a few enticing fish curry recipes you can try at home.
1. Indian Fish Curry – A Delicious Taste
Indian fish curry is made with aromatic spices, tamarind, and tomatoes, offering a spicy and fragrant flavor profile. This dish is a favorite among those who love dishes with bold spices.
Ingredients:
- 5 pieces of fish fillet (such as kingfish)
- 2 onions (grated)
- 2 tomatoes (grated)
- 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
- 1/4 tsp fenugreek seeds
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp fennel and cumin seeds
- 2 tbsp tamarind pulp (dissolved)
- Salt, pepper, turmeric to taste
Preparation:
- Marinate the fish with turmeric, salt, and pepper for 15 minutes.
- In a hot pan with oil, fry the fish and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté mustard seeds, fenugreek, fennel, and cumin for a minute.
- Add grated onions and sauté until golden, then add garlic and ginger and fry for a minute.
- Add grated tomatoes, turmeric, pepper, and coriander powder and sauté until the tomato water evaporates.
- Add tamarind and some water, bring it to a boil, then add the fried fish and simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh coriander and enjoy the exceptional flavors of this fish curry.

2. Indonesian Fish Curry – Fragrant and Mild
This Indonesian variation uses coconut milk and lemongrass for a delicate and fragrant taste. Its aroma is irresistible and will tempt anyone who comes close.
Ingredients:
- 5 pieces of fish fillet (such as tilapia or kingfish)
- 2 onions (finely chopped)
- 1 tsp lemongrass or lemon zest
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1/2 tsp coriander powder
- 2 tbsp tamarind pulp
- 2 lime leaves (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
- Sauté the onions in some oil until soft.
- Add lemongrass, lime leaves, and ginger, and sauté for a minute.
- Add coconut milk, tamarind, and spices, and let it come to a boil.
- Add the fish pieces and simmer for about 15 minutes on low heat.
- Serve this fragrant fish kari with steamed rice.
3. Lebanese Spicy Fish
This Lebanese version of fish curry is simple, quick, and packed with flavor. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for a fast, tasty, and healthy meal.
Ingredients:
- 500g salmon or trout fillet
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 2 tbsp fresh coriander (chopped)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves (grated)
- Salt, pepper, and olive oil to taste
Preparation:
- Mix all ingredients (except the fish) to create the marinade.
- Coat the fish fillets with the marinade and wrap them in foil.
- Bake the fish in the oven at 200°C (392°F) for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Serve with rice or bread, enjoying the simple yet delightful flavors of this spicy fish curry.
Fish Curry: A Special Dish in Southern Iran
Fish curry is a popular dish in southern Iran, especially in Bandar Abbas. This flavorful dish, with its aromatic spices, is an essential part of the region’s culinary culture. The people of Bandar Abbas use fish as a primary ingredient in a variety of dishes, from stews and pilafs to fritters and kebabs.
The fish curry of Bandar Abbas, in particular, is quick to prepare and an excellent choice for lunch or dinner. The unique flavor of this dish comes from the masterful use of local spices and fresh ingredients, which are abundant in this region. If you’re looking to prepare a dish that takes you to the heart of the Persian Gulf, Bandar Abbas fish kari is a fantastic choice.
Ingredients for Bandar Abbas Fish Curry (serves 4):
- 400g fish fillet (such as kingfish, cut into pieces)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 2 tomatoes (chopped or grated)
- 2 garlic cloves (finely chopped or mashed)
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 1 tsp fresh ginger (grated)
- 1 tbsp fresh coriander (chopped)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- Salt and red pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp oil for frying
Preparation:
- Sauté the diced onion and garlic in oil over low heat until soft and golden to create the base aroma.
- Add the fish pieces to the pan and fry them slightly until they change color.
- Add salt, red pepper, curry powder, and ginger, stirring well to mix the spices into the fish.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste, mixing them thoroughly. Let the tomatoes soften and the paste blend with the other ingredients.
- Add a cup of warm water, cover the pan, and let the fish cook on low heat for 30 minutes until the stew thickens.
- Garnish the dish with fresh coriander and serve with rice or bread.

Golden Tips for Preparing Fish Curry:
- Reducing the Fishy Smell: Using ingredients like tamarind, lemon juice, or fresh ginger helps reduce the fishy odor.
- Freshly Ground Spices: If possible, use freshly ground spices for a more intense flavor and fragrance.
- Choosing the Right Fish: Use firm-fleshed fish like kingfish or salmon for curry. These fish hold up well during cooking and retain their texture.
- Boiling Water: If adding water during cooking, use hot water to avoid a sudden drop in temperature.
- Final Garnish: Adding fresh coriander or mint leaves at the end adds a fresh aroma and flavor to the curry.
Conclusion
Fish curry is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines fresh fish with aromatic spices to create a unique and exciting taste. This dish is not only popular in southern Iran, particularly in Bandar Abbas, but also in many Asian countries, where it is prepared with different styles and ingredients. From Indian fish kari to Indonesian and Lebanese variations, each recipe has its distinct characteristics.
To prepare this dish, it is essential to use fresh fish and high-quality ingredients. Hypermarket Faraz is an excellent source for fresh fish, spices, and other essential ingredients to make the perfect fish curry. By using their high-quality products, you can achieve the best possible result and enjoy an exceptional fish curry experience at home.
If you’re looking for a unique and flavorful taste from East Asia, fish curry is an excellent choice, and with the right ingredients from Hypermarket Faraz, you can recreate this dish at home with an authentic and fresh flavor.