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Creamy Coconut Indonesian Fish Curry

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  • Author: lilly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: Indonesian
  • Diet: Pescatarian

Description

A vibrant and aromatic fish curry that combines fresh herbs and spices with creamy coconut, perfect for sharing with family and friends.


Ingredients

  • 400 g white fish (cut into 5 cm / 2 in pieces)
  • 1 lemongrass stalk (cut in half, bruised)
  • 6 Thai makrut / kaffir lime leaves (whole)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup coconut cream (sub coconut milk)
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 6 cloves garlic (roughly chopped)
  • 3 large red chillis (deseeded and chopped)
  • 2-3 shallots (roughly chopped)
  • 1 tomato (chopped)
  • 3 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp turmeric powder
  • 2 tsp ginger (chopped or minced)
  • 2 tsp lemongrass (finely sliced)
  • 2 tsp palm sugar
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp lime juice (or tamarind paste)
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 pinch nutmeg
  • 13 small red chilli (for heat, to taste)
  • White rice (for serving)
  • Crispy fried shallots (for garnish)


Instructions

  1. Blend garlic, red chillis, shallots, turmeric, ginger, finely sliced lemongrass, palm sugar, ground coriander, lime juice, black pepper, and nutmeg into a smooth paste.
  2. In a large pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat and sauté the spice paste for about 5 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Pour in water and coconut cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  4. Add bruised lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves, allowing them to infuse the broth.
  5. Gently place fish pieces into the curry, ensuring they are well-coated by the sauce.
  6. Simmer until the fish is cooked through, approximately 8-10 minutes.
  7. Finish with additional red chillis for heat if desired.
  8. Serve hot over fluffy white rice and top with crispy fried shallots.

Notes

Fresh ingredients are essential for maximum flavor. Batch-prep the spice paste ahead of time for convenience.