Easy Curry Fish in Coconut Milk: Bold Caribbean Flavors in 30 Minutes
A comforting Caribbean-style dish where golden fried fish is gently simmered in a rich coconut milk curry sauce.
A Sunday kind of meal
I always look forward to Sunday cooking. That’s my time to slow down, put some real love into a meal, and make something that feels like home. During the week, it’s usually a rush; meals that are fast and fuss-free. But on Sundays? I get to indulge a bit.
This fish in coconut milk recipe is a perfect example of that. It starts with fried fish seasoned up and lightly coated in flour, then it all comes together in a sauce that’s rich with coconut milk and fragrant with curry and herbs.
And while it tastes like you’ve been at it for hours, the whole thing comes together in about 30 minutes. A weeknight win or a Sunday favorite.
Why you’ll love this recipe
This fish in coconut milk is pure comfort food. The rich, creamy sauce made with coconut milk and curry clings to every piece of golden fried fish, giving you bold, familiar Caribbean flavors in every bite. Even better, it’s a dish that feels fancy but takes only about 30 minutes from start to finish — perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want something special on the table.
I also love that it leans into pantry staples and simple ingredients without sacrificing taste. With just a few herbs, coconut milk, and a little curry powder, you can transform everyday fish into a meal that feels like Sunday dinner. This dish always hits the spot.
How to make fried fish in coconut curry sauce
Key Ingredients (and why they matter)
- I usually choose kingfish steaks for this recipe, but salmon or tilapia work beautifully too. Just pick a firm fish that can withstand frying and simmering without falling apart.
- Coconut milk is essential here. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can grate and blend your own from a dry coconut (bless you if you do), but tinned coconut milk is absolutely fine for busy days.
- Curry powder brings the depth and signature golden hue. A Caribbean-style curry blend works best for this dish.
- And don’t forget the aromatics, green seasoning, garlic, and onion build the flavor base long before the coconut milk even hits the pan.
- For richness, a little butter or oil ties everything together without overpowering the sauce.
How to Make Fish in Coconut Milk
- Season and marinate the fish. Clean your fish and then season it with green seasoning, lime juice, salt, black pepper, and (if you like) a flavoring pepper. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes so the flavors start to soak in.
- Fry the fish. Mix the flour with the salt and black pepper. Remove the fish from the seasoning (but don’t throw it out, we’ll use it in the sauce). Lightly coat each piece of fish with the flour mix. Then shallow fry until golden on both sides. Drain and set aside.
- Make the coconut curry sauce. Heat the oil in a saucepan. Add the onions and crushed garlic and saute until the onions are opaque. Add the curry powder and about ½ cup of liquid, including any reserved seasoning juices from the fish. Follow with the coconut milk, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer and thicken for about 10 minutes.
- Combine and simmer. Nestle the fried fish into the sauce and spoon the mixture over each piece. Let it all simmer on low for about 5 minutes so the flavors come together.
Tips for success
- To make the best fish in coconut milk, start with a firm fish that can hold its shape while frying and simmering. King fish and salmon are great choices, but if you’re using something more delicate like tilapia, just be gentle when flipping and simmering.
- Take the time to build your flavor base with green seasoning, onion, and garlic. That simple blend is the foundation of flavor for both the fish and the sauce. It might seem like a small step, but it makes a big difference once everything comes together.
- And finally, give the sauce time to simmer and thicken before adding the fish back into the pan. The coconut milk needs a little time to reduce and concentrate its flavor. Once you add the fish, just a few more minutes on low heat is enough to bring everything together without breaking up the pieces.
What to Serve It With
Yes, plain white rice is the usual go-to, but don’t feel like you have to stick to that. This fish in coconut milk goes beautifully with so many other Caribbean sides.
Try it with:
- Butter cassava – That soft, buttery texture is perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Cornmeal dumplings – Hearty and filling, these are great when you want something a little more grounding.
- Potato pie – If you’re in the mood for something creamy and baked, this one’s a winner.
Whichever you choose, you’ll want something that holds on to every bit of that coconut curry goodness.
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop so the sauce doesn’t break. If it thickens too much, add a splash of coconut milk or water.
I don’t suggest using the microwave for this. It makes the fish rubbery, and the sauce dries out.
More Caribbean recipes to try
If you loved this fish in coconut milk, here are a few more recipes to bring bold island flavor to your table:
- Sweet and Sour Fish – Trini-style fish with a tangy pineapple kick
- Stew saltfish – A quick saltfish cook-up dish.
- Curry Stew Chicken – If you’re craving chicken next time
- Fish Broth – A lighter, soupier take on Caribbean fish comfort
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold together during frying.
Only if you want it to be. The flavoring pepper adds aroma, not heat, but you can use hot pepper if you prefer a kick.
Yes! The flavors get even better the next day. Just don’t over-simmer the fish when reheating.
Recipe
Curry Fish in Coconut Milk
Ingredients
Method
- Wash and clean fish with water and lime juice. Discard water and pat fish dry.
- Season fish with green seasoning, salt, lime juice, and flavoring pepper. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Remove fish from seasoning (reserve the seasoning for the sauce).
- Lightly coat each fish piece with flour.
- Heat oil and shallow fry fish until golden brown on both sides.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In a wide saucepan, heat oil or butter.
- Add onions, reserved seasoning, and sliced hot pepper. Sauté until translucent.
- Stir in curry powder and water. Let cook until slightly reduced and curry thickens.
- Add coconut milk, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Taste and adjust salt as needed.
- Gently place the fried fish into the sauce, spoon sauce over, and simmer on low for about 10 minutes.
Notes
- For a milder dish, deseed the hot pepper.
- Roucou adds a vibrant color but is optional.
- Use firm fish like kingfish, salmon, or tilapia to prevent breakage.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
