Authentic Malabar Fish Curry Recipe – Kerala Style Spicy Coconut Fish Curry

Learn how to make authentic Malabar Fish Curry at home with this Kerala-style recipe. Spicy, tangy, and cooked in coconut gravy – perfect with steamed rice or appam.

 

By Amit Kaul
Location: India
Published on: February 19, 2026 

 

 

Malabar Fish Curry – A Coastal Kerala Classic

If you love bold spices, creamy coconut, and tangy flavors, Malabar Fish Curry is a dish you must try. Originating from the coastal Malabar region of Kerala, this curry is famous for its rich coconut base, fiery red chilies, and the subtle sourness of tamarind or kodampuli (Malabar tamarind).

Unlike North Indian gravies, Kerala fish curry is lighter yet intensely flavorful. Fresh coconut, curry leaves, mustard seeds, and coconut oil create its signature aroma. Paired with steamed rice, appam, or Kerala parotta, this dish captures the true essence of South Indian coastal cuisine.

The beauty of this authentic Malabar fish curry lies in its simplicity — fresh ingredients and perfectly balanced spices.

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Best Fish for Malabar Fish Curry

For the best results, use firm, fresh fish such as:

1. King Fish (Surmai)
2. Seer Fish
3. Pomfret
4. Tilapia
5. Mackerel

Fresh fish enhances the flavor profile of this coconut fish curry Kerala style recipe.

Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

Fish

1. 600 g fish pieces
2. ½ tsp turmeric
3. Salt to taste

Coconut Masala

1. 1 cup grated fresh coconut
2. 3–4 dried red chilies
3. 1 tsp coriander seeds
4. ½ tsp cumin seeds
5. 4 shallots
6. 3 garlic cloves
7. 1-inch ginger
8. ¼ tsp turmeric powder

For the Curry

1. 2 tbsp coconut oil
2. ½ tsp mustard seeds
3. 8–10 curry leaves
4. 2 green chilies (slit)
5. 1 small onion (sliced)
6. 1 tomato (optional, chopped)
7. 1 tbsp tamarind pulp or 2 pieces kodampuli
8. 1½ cups water
9. Salt as required

How to Make Malabar Fish Curry (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

Wash fish pieces and marinate lightly with turmeric and salt. Keep aside for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare Coconut Paste

Dry roast red chilies, coriander seeds, and cumin until aromatic.

Blend with coconut, shallots, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and a little water into a smooth paste.

This masala forms the base of the Malabar fish curry recipe.

Step 3: Tempering

In a clay pot (manchatti preferable), heat the coconut oil.

Add mustard seeds; let them splutter.

Add curry leaves, green chilies, and sliced onions. Sauté until translucent.

Step 4: Build the Curry

Add ground coconut paste and cook for 3–4 minutes until oil separates slightly.

Add water and tamarind/kodampuli. Bring to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Cook the Fish

Add fish pieces carefully.

The fish should be cooked after 8 to 10 minutes of simmering over low heat. . Avoid stirring too much to prevent breaking.

Turn off heat and let the curry rest for at least 20 minutes — resting enhances flavor.

Pro Tips for Authentic Kerala Fish Curry

1. Always use coconut oil for authentic taste.
2. Clay pot cooking enhances traditional flavor.
3. Do not overcook fish — it becomes rubbery.
4. Resting time is crucial for deeper spice infusion.
5. Slight sourness balances coconut richness.

Why Malabar Fish Curry is Special

This how to make Malabar fish curry method preserves:

1. Traditional Kerala cooking techniques
2. Balanced spice and tang
3. Fresh coconut richness
4. Light yet deeply satisfying texture

It’s naturally gluten-free and protein-rich, making it both indulgent and wholesome.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with:

1. Steamed Kerala rice
2. Appam
3. Idiyappam
4. Kerala parotta
5. Add a side of cabbage thoran or papadam for a complete coastal meal.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Kerala fish curry, you’ll understand why it’s a staple in South Indian homes. With its creamy coconut gravy, bold spices, and tangy finish, Malabar fish curry recipe delivers restaurant-style results with homely comfort.

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Simple ingredients. Authentic flavors. Coastal magic in every bite. Make this coconut fish curry Kerala style today and bring the taste of Malabar to your kitchen.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

Amit Kaul is a food content writer and digital publisher based in India. He specializes in creating original, experience-driven recipes and home-cooking guides. All recipes published on this website are personally researched, tested, and written by him, following Google’s E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) guidelines.