Easy fish curry [mild, kid-friendly]


You guys, this fish curry is perfect for WFH days… you know, the kids are hungry, you’ve been on the laptop for the last few hours and you want something quick and easy but also delicious and nutritious before that next videoconference starts. Problem solved!
This fish curry is fast to make, you only need a few ingredients but it’s such a delight! Real food in lockdown – what a win. It’s mild and light in flavour, so it’s perfect for all members of the family (even young kids who don’t think they like curry or spices). In my mind this lightness also makes it suitable for all seasons – it’s not necessarily just a winter dish because it’s not heavy. And, as if you need another reason, it’s so cheap! I’ve used basa fish here which for 350g of fresh fish fillet from the deli cost me all of $2.50! Add a few other bits and pieces but altogether this meal won’t break the bank. And honestly, isn’t it also pretty to look at? I love all the different colours and textures in this, with so little effort. So, make this fish curry today!

Jamie’s 5 ingredient inspiration for this fish curry
The recipe for this delightful fish curry is based on a recipe from Jamie’s 5 Ingredients cookbook which is dubbed his most straightforward book and I have to agree – if you don’t have it, definitely look it up. I love the simplicity of the ingredients and page layouts, and the variety of meals you can make with only five ingredients each.
I’ve changed it slightly because I couldn’t find lime pickle here in Australia (so I subbed in some finely chopped pickle instead), changed the quantities slightly based on what I had and added some more veggies – but it’s a fantastic base recipe on which you can build, and add to or tweak in a way that’s just yours, depending on what veggies you might have or your personal preferences.

Kid-friendly fish curry
My twins turned 7 in July but they still vehemently object to eating anything which might even remotely appear to be spicy. If your child is the same, then fear not, this fish curry is very mild and should not offend the little one’s sensitivities (and who knows, it might even start the journey to building up their palate to more spicier food – here’s hoping, anyway).
To achieve this, the recipe uses a store-bought korma curry paste and quite a small amount at that, which is mild in terms of the spiciness level and does not seem quite as objectionable as some other curry flavours. This is well diluted by coconut milk which gives it a lovely Caribbean-type of smell and taste.

What fish to use in your fish curry?
I have used basa fish in this recipe because it’s easy to find, cheap and tasty but you could use any white mild flavoured fish you might have at home or can find in the shops. Barramundi, snapper, flathead, ling, blue-eye trevalla, coral trout, mahi mahi or roughy should all work. You could even try salmon or tuna, although they may be a bit stronger in taste (as well as more expensive) and change the flavour profile slightly.
If you are interested in finding out more about basa, I have previously posted about it here.


Recipe
Easy fish curry [mild, kid-friendly]
Ingredients
- 350 g basa fillets (or other white mild flavoured fish), no skin and pin boned (if needed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 250 g cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered, depending on size (you want bite size chunks)
- 1 bunch spring onions, finely sliced (white parts only)
- 1 large handful snow peas, ends trimmed and sliced
- 1 medium-sized pickle, chopped finely
- 1 heaped tbsp korma curry paste
- 400 ml coconut milk
Instructions
- Heat a large pan with the olive oil over high heat.
- Put in the spring onions, cherry tomatoes and snow peas and cook over medium to high heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Try not to stir the ingredients more than once, to allow the tomatoes to blister rather than stew.
- In the meantime, slice the fish fillets into bite sized chunks and chop the pickle.
- Add the pickle, coconut milk and curry paste into the pan, mixing until the coconut cream off the top of the can is dissolved.
- Then add the fish and stir it in gently (you don't want to break the pieces).
- Increase the heat and bring the whole pan to the boil, then cook for about 6 minutes uncovered over medium to high heat. When stiring, remember to be gentle so as not to break up the fish.
- You can season with salt and pepper if desired (I didn't), then take off the heat and serve when it's cooled down a little (and you won't burn little tongues).
- We have served this gorgeous fish curry simply with some steamed rice and quinoa but mashed potato, veggies or even a big chunk of sourdough would go nicely with this.
- Enjoy and happy WFH if you are still doing so!
Notes

Recipe notes
This recipe makes about 4 to 6 portions, depending on your appetite and what you’re eating with this curry.
It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 or 5 days but is best eaten as soon as possible.
Some ideas for sides include steamed rice or quinoa, mashed potato, sweet potato chips, veggies – steamed or salad, or a chunk of sourdough.


58 Comments
Shannon
Delicious Katerina! This beautiful curry is calling my name! I absolutely love it when meals are healthy, delicious, fast, or budget-friendly, and you’ve managed to do all four with this curry. Can’t wait to try it! 😋
Katerina
Thanks so much Shannon, much appreciated! Hope you’ve been well!
Neil
Yes! Basa fish is also pretty cheap here too. And I love it as its also sustainable. You know Katerina, I make lots of curries, but hardly ever a fish curry. My Lynne is a bit fussy about finding bones in her fish. But as the Basa is boneless I’m pretty sure I could persuade her with this amazing fish curry!
Katerina
Ahh, sounds like a pretty good option for you then, Neil! Hope you and Lynne get to enjoy this curry soon. Take care – I hope you’re well.
CoCo
I’ve never had fish curry before, Katerina, so I’m super excited to try your recipe. I love spicy things but I’m definitely a picky eater. If your twins love this, I’m willing to give it a try too. It looks like the perfect way to end a busy day. Hope you guys are settling into your new home and are having fun making new memories together, CoCo
Katerina
Thanks very much for your kind words, CoCo! The kids definitely have fairly good palates 🙂 We’re going very well – hope you’ve been well too!
Logan
I’m not sure if you can hear my stomach growling from here but errrrmygod this sounds amazing! Definitely adding it to my list.
xo Logan
https://peculiarporter.com/
Katerina
Haha, thanks so much Logan, the best kind of compliment!
Molly Pisula
This recipe looks so delicious! I love curry of all kinds, and love that this is a mild one that will appeal to all (well except my children who are extremely picky). The pickle in there is so interesting–I’ve never tried that before in a curry recipe, and I bet it adds great flavor!
Katerina
Thanks very much, Molly, yes I haven’t either but it works so well. Hope you’ve been well!
Sophie
This sounds lovely! I was never a huge fish fan before I was vegan but a milder one this way is probably something I would have really enjoyed. Your photos here are beautiful too x
Katerina
Thank you so much Sophie, much appreciated!
Rashmi
This curry looks so yummy…thanks for sharing the recipe dear 🙂
Beauty and Fashion/Rampdiary/Glamansion
Katerina
Thanks very much Rashmi!
Jamie
This recipe looks so delicious! I haven’t had a fish curry before and I can’t wait to try! Just added the ingredients to my list.
Katerina
Woohoo! I hope you love it, Jamie! I made your addictive Thai chicken soup yesterday and oh my gosh, it was amazing 😍
Laura
Katerina, curry is one of my all-time favorite dishes, whether it’s Thai curry, Indian curry, or you name it, I love it! the fact that it’s so simple makes it worthwhile any night of the week, and this dish is gorgeous! Love the cherry tomatoes in there, too!
Katerina
Thanks so much Laura! I love adding cherry tomatoes to everything, they’re so cheery, don’t you think?
Marissa
How did you know that I’ve been craving curry!? This looks wonderful Katerina!
Katerina
Haha.. it’s a special skill, Marissa! And thank you, I’m glad you think so!
Rach
This fish curry looks incredible!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Katerina
Thanks Rach!
Lovely
Wow! This looks super yum! Thanks for the recipe!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Katerina
Thanks Lovely!
2pots2cook
Oh yes ! With you all the way Katerina !!!!
Katerina
Thanks so much Davorka!
Carrie+@+Curly+Crafty+Mom
This looks so delicious! I recently started to love curry!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Katerina
Perfect timing then, Carrie! Thank you 🙂
Hasin
Katerina,
This fish curry sounds not just delicious but nutritious too. You made WFH days meal cooking a breeze. Thanks for taking time for those extra tips. Lovely recipe.
Katerina
Thank you so much Hasin, your kind words are much appreciated!
Susanne
This looks lovely! We should try fish curry sometime.
Katerina
I’m very glad you think so, Susanne, thank you!
David Gascoigne
We eat basa regularly and curries regularly, but have not tried the two together. I think it’s time to give it a try!
Katerina
I do hope you like this one, David, thank you!
Jeff the Chef
I love getting more fish in my diet, and I love curries, so this sounds fantastic. And it’s always good to know of something that you can whip up quickly. Thanks!
Katerina
No worries at all Jeff, hope you enjoy this!
Allie Mackin
Oh my this DOES sound good!! Perfect for chilly fall days. And yes easy to make I may have to try this. And only $2.50 that is good, not sure if I would find that in the NY area LOL.
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
Katerina
Thanks Allie, glad you think so!
Spoonful passion
This is a great idea for my next meal! Thank you for sharing~ I must say you capture the dish so perfectly simple 😊
Katerina
Thanks so much, much appreciated!
Healthy World Cuisine
Love how quick and easy this recipe is with just a few ingredients. Using a premade curry paste you like, really does make this dish ready in a flash. And if you can get kids to eat fish… even better! Take Care
Katerina
Exactly my thinking Bobbi! Thanks so much for your comment.
John / Kitchen Riffs
This looks great — love dishes like this, and a good fish curry has such good flavor. I like spicy, but mild is a nice change from time to time. Thanks!
Katerina
Thanks very much John! We are definitely going to graduate up to spicier, but slowly!
David+@+Spiced
We do enjoy curries in our house, but I have to admit that I don’t usually add fish. I’m intrigued with this recipe – it sounds quite tasty! And you make an excellent point about real food in a pandemic. It’s so easy to call and get take-out, but I’m all about cooking and enjoying the process. I hope the pandemic situation is improving down in your area!
Katerina
Thanks very much David, I hope this has inspired you! And yes, currently in lockdown, so fingers crossed it’ll improve soon!
Raymund
You cooked it pefectly specially knowing that you used basa fish which is quite delicate and flaky when cooked. Nice one
Katerina
Thanks so much Raymund, much appreciated!
Michelle
This fish curry looks so hearty and delicious, Katerina! Will have to give it a try when it gets a little colder over here!
Katerina
Thanks so much Michelle, I’m glad you think so!
Kathrine Eldridge
Thanks for sharing this recipe! My hubby is allegic to fish so I need to try this when he isn’t around. 🙂
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Katerina
You could probably substitute chicken if you’d like? Hope you enjoy this either way, Kathrine!
jodie filogomo
I would never have thought to use a pickle but I will try it. We love curry (mild only) and will have fun with this one,
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Katerina
It is a bit of a strange ingredient, isn’t it! But it does work beautifully. Thanks very much Jodie, hope you like it!
angiesrecipes
I haven’t had a fish curry in a long time. This looks really inviting and it makes such a wonderful meal with rice. I would love mine with some homemade sourdough bread.
Katerina
Homemade sourdough bread sounds divine, Angie! Thanks so much – hope you enjoy it!
Renuka Walter
I like the photo you have shared of a finished plate in the end. 🙂 I simply love fish! This fish curry looks different – looks like you have added a lot of veggies along with it. Will check out the recipe later and save it for my kitchen. Thanks so much for sharing!
Katerina
Thanks very much Renuka, so happy you like it!