Caribbean Fish Curry Recipe {Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free} (2024)

Last Updated on By Vicky 44 Comments

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Caribbean Fish Curry is a one pot meal ready in 30 minutes that is a creamy blend of coconut milk, tomatoes, curry spices and tender red snapper. Both Gluten Free and Dairy Free.

Caribbean fish curry is going to be your new favorite 30 minute weeknight meal. I made this recipe for the first time while house sitting in Costa Rica, and finding alternatives for my favorite salmon and tuna. All I could get my hands on was snapper so I needed some new snapper recipes.

Since I knew I couldn’t have my smoked salmon rice bowl, or Asian salmon salad, or any paleo salmon recipes for that matter, I would have to come up with some new fish recipes. So using my vegan butternut squash curry as an idea, I decided I wanted to create a red snapper fish curry – more accurately this Caribbean fish curry.

Is red snapper easy to find in the US? Is it expensive? I don’t even remember. I feel like its not a super common fish though. Help me out here. Am I right?

Well here in Costa Rica it seems to be just plentiful. Just the other day D and I took the ATV to the beach – yepour only mode of transport around here is an ATV, and we do in fact ride it all through the dirt road village, cross a highway (more like a one lane asphalted road) and turn onto another dirt road to reach the beach.

On the way there we passed by a small house which had been pointed out to us as the local fish market. Hmm, well being the foodie that I am, I had to at least take a look around. In a big cooler they had a bunch of freshly caught fish – mostly red snapper. I quickly asked for a whole fish as well as a few fillets. Luckily I was able to communicate that I wanted the whole fish scaled by the fish monger.

Have you tried scaling a fish yourself? Without any of the proper equipment? In a tiny tiny kitchen? Unknowingly I had purchased several whole fish a few weeks ago while on vacation with D’s family and therefore had to take on the miserable task of scaling the fish with dull knives. Cue fish scales coating my body and my dress permanently smelling like the sea.

Nope I will not be doing that again. Also no easy task to make fillets out of a whole fish with a dull knife. I’ve tried it once, gotten that checked off the list, won’t be doing that again (at least not with a set of butter knives). Leave it to the professionals.

Happily seated on the ATV with my fresh fish we made our way back to the house. After a bit of mental recipe brainstorming I settled on a Caribbean fish curry as my meal of choice.

A dish I never make that has been inspired by my travels to the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica and Panama. The cuisine differs from that of the Pacific side in the use of Caribbean flavors and coconut milk. I had several incredibly fragrant coconut based curries while on that side of the country and it quickly popped into my mind as a recipe I needed to recreate.

Probably not quite an authentic traditional recipe and more of my own take either way, this Caribbean fish curry was rich, creamy, fragrant and flavorful. The red snapper is a firm and mild white fish that blends in with the creamy undertones of the curry, tomatoes and coconut milk.

The optional element to this Caribbean Fish Curry is the pan frying of the fish. I chose to pan fry the red snapper fillets for a few minutes separately just to get a bit of a crispy crust on them. This is entirely optional though. You can instead, season the fish, cut into bite sized pieces and add directly to the curry.

If you’re thinking of what to serve for dessert after this Caribbean fish curry dinner check out my pomegranate coconut chia pudding.

If you’re looking for other super quick weeknight fish recipes check out my seared Chilean sea bass recipe, Oven Baked Trout, Mok Pa Recipe, Asian noodle bowls with sesame fish, Broiled Whole Red Snapper Recipeand quick Mexican tuna salad.

How to make Caribbean fish curry

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Caribbean Fish Curry Recipe {Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free} (4)

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Caribbean Fish Curry

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

20 mins

Total Time

30 mins

This Caribbean Fish Curry recipe is a one pot meal ready in 30 minutes that is a creamy blend of coconut milk, tomatoes, curry spices and tender red snapper. Both Gluten Free and Dairy Free.

Course:Dinner

Cuisine:Fish, gluten free, Healthy

Servings: 4

Calories: 257 kcal

Author: Vicky Berman

Ingredients

  • 1tablespoonextra virgin olive oil
  • 1small oniondiced
  • 3clovesgarlicchopped
  • 2red bell pepperschopped (about 2 cups)
  • 1 tomatochopped (1 cup)
  • 1-2teaspoonsalt
  • 1/2teaspoonblack pepper
  • 1/2teaspooncrushed red pepper flakes
  • 1teaspooncurry powder
  • 1teaspooncumin
  • 1 15ozcan diced tomatoes
  • 1can coconut milk
  • For the fish:
  • 1and 1/2 pounds red snapper filletor other firm white fish
  • squeeze of lime juice
  • sprinkling of saltblack pepper and cumin
  • For garnish: lime juice and cilantro

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook for a couple minutes.

  2. Add garlic, cook until fragrant

  3. Add diced bell peppers, cook for 1 minute.

  4. Add tomatoes, salt, black peppers, crushed red pepper flakes, cumin and curry powder. Cook for 2 minutes, mixing everything together.

  5. Add can of diced tomatoes, increase heat to high and bring to a boil.

  6. Add coconut milk in 3 parts, adding 1/3 at a time, bring the mixture to a boil and then adding the 2nd and 3rd part. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.

  7. Season fish with salt, black pepper, cumin and a squeeze of lime juice.

  8. Optional: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a pan over medium-high heat and add fish once pan is hot. Pan fry for 3-4 minutes per side. Cut fish into bite sized pieces and add to the curry.

  9. Instead, cut the fish into bite sized pieces and add directly to the curry.

  10. Cook the curry for a few more minutes until fish is cooked through.

  11. Serve garnished with lime juice and cilantro.

Nutrition Facts

Caribbean Fish Curry

Amount Per Serving

Calories 257Calories from Fat 54

% Daily Value*

Fat 6g9%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Cholesterol 62mg21%

Sodium 857mg37%

Potassium 1106mg32%

Carbohydrates 12g4%

Fiber 3g13%

Sugar 6g7%

Protein 36g72%

Vitamin A 2175IU44%

Vitamin C 92mg112%

Calcium 109mg11%

Iron 2.2mg12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Caribbean Fish Curry Recipe {Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free} (2024)

FAQs

What can you use in curry instead of coconut milk? ›

10 substitutes for coconut milk
  • Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt adds creaminess and body much like coconut milk does in a sauce. ...
  • Heavy cream. Some curries or Indian dishes call for heavy cream as a thickener, so this is another choice that works well. ...
  • Half and half. ...
  • Sour cream. ...
  • Milk. ...
  • Cashew cream. ...
  • Almond milk. ...
  • Soy milk.
Dec 16, 2023

How long to reheat fish curry? ›

Reheat the curry in a saucepan or wok over a medium heat until piping hot all the way through. It is best to do this carefully and watch until the curry just comes to the boil, then remove the pan from the heat or turn the heat to low until you serve the curry. If the curry boils hard it will toughen the fish.

How many calories are in coconut fish curry? ›

As we have mentioned above, you get a total of 200.6 calories from one bowl of coconut fish curry. To burn these calories, you are required to do any of the following: 1-hour brisk walk. 40 minutes cycling.

How long does fish curry last in the freezer? ›

The base of the curry, the sauce and pumpkin, can be cooked in advance up to step 5 of the recipe. At this point the mixture can be cooled and refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Can you skip coconut milk in curry? ›

We often have customers who buy our curry pastes ask us, “Do I have to use coconut milk?” The answer is “absolutely not“! There are other options, depending on one's concern about said milk.

Can you use Greek yogurt instead of coconut milk in curry? ›

I love curries and make them often, but am just not a fan of coconut milk despite it being a very common curry ingredient. I find the taste overpowering, and am also not a fan of how much saturated fat and calories a can of coconut milk adds.

How long will fish curry last in the fridge? ›

Leftovers of the fish curry will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Transfer leftovers to the fridge as soon as possible and within 2 hours of cooking. Reheat in a saucepan over a low heat until piping hot.

How many days can I keep fish curry in the fridge? ›

Cooked fish and other seafood can be safely stored in the refrigerator 3 to 4 days. Refrigeration slows but does not prevent bacterial growth. Therefore, it's important to use food within recommended time before it spoils or becomes dangerous.

Can I keep fish curry outside overnight? ›

Refrigeration: The fish curry should have been promptly refrigerated after it was prepared and allowed to cool to room temperature within two hours. Refrigeration helps slow down bacterial growth. Storage Container: Store the fish curry in an airtight container to prevent contamination and moisture loss.

Can we eat fish curry during weight loss? ›

It can be a healthy option for those looking to lose weight. Fish curry is typically made with fresh ingredients like kokum, coconut, coriander, mint and spices, providing a nutritious and flavorful meal. In addition, fish is an excellent source of protein.

Is fish curry healthy or not? ›

Fish curry is a flavorful and nutritious dish that offers numerous health benefits when prepared with wholesome ingredients. This traditional dish, popular in many cuisines around the world, combines fish with an array of spices, herbs, and vegetables, creating a satisfying and nutrient-rich meal.

Which fish curry is good for health? ›

Oily fish – such as salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines and herring – contain all-important omega-3 essential fatty acid, which is important for heart and brain health as well as mood regulation.

How to know if curry is spoiled? ›

Signs of Spoilage

Some common indicators include: Foul Odor: If the food emits an unpleasant or sour odor, it's likely spoiled and should be discarded. Mold Growth: Any visible mold on the food is a clear sign of spoilage. Discard the affected portion and check the rest for safety.

Can you eat cooked fish after 5 days? ›

Fresh fish can last in the fridge for up to two days, while cooked fish can be refrigerated for up to four days. If the fresh fish smells fishy or sour, or has any discoloration around the edges, it's best to throw it out.

Can I reheat cooked fish curry? ›

You can safely reheat seafood for up to 4 days after it has been cooked. Seafood dishes with garlic or onions can taste even better the second time around. The only challenge to reheating seafood is that it can dry out or get a fishy smell.

How do you thicken curry without coconut milk? ›

Use flour and cooking fat. Two tablespoons of flour (30 mL) mixed with two tablespoons (30 mL) of a cooking fat like butter can thicken curry. Remove a cup of curry (240 mL) and mix it with your flour and cooking fat mixture. Return the curry to the main pot and mix it in to thicken your curry.

Is coconut milk important in curry? ›

Coconut is a common ingredient in many curry recipes, but it is not essential. There are many alternative ingredients that can be used to add flavor and thickness to the curry sauce, such as tomatoes, yogurt, or heavy cream.

Can I make curry with regular milk? ›

This is now my go to Chicken Curry recipe. I have made this with regular milk or Coconut milk and the coconut milk is now a must for me. It gives this a better texture and taste!

Can you use almond milk in curry instead of coconut milk? ›

Almond milk can also be used instead of coconut milk in many recipes. It has a nutty flavor like coconut milk, so it is a great substitute, though the flavor will not be as pronounced. Compared to coconut milk, almond milk has fewer calories, fat, and carbohydrates.

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