Introduction
As a chef, I’ve always loved dishes that bring comfort with a touch of adventure. The first time I made this Coconut Lime Fish Curry with Jasmine Rice!
I was amazed by the way coconut milk and lime created such a tropical harmony. The fragrant jasmine rice absorbs every bit of that creamy, tangy curry, making it a meal that feels both nourishing and luxurious. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or to impress guests, this dish is a true winner.
So let’s dive into the recipe!
🥘 What is Coconut Lime Fish Curry?
» Coconut Lime Fish Curry with rice, is a Thai-inspired dish that blends creamy coconut milk, zesty lime, and tender pieces of fish. The balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors makes it unique. You can serve with Jasmine or Basmati rice for a tropical asian flavor.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Fish Curry Recipe
» Bursting with tropical coconut & lime flavors 🌴
» Healthy, wholesome & protein-rich 🐟
» Quick weeknight dinner in under 40 minutes ⏱️
» Easily adjustable spice levels 🌶️
» Restaurant-quality dish made at home 🍲
🍴 Kitchen Equipment Required
» Small grater or zester
» Medium saucepan with lid
» Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
» Ladle – for serving curry over rice.
» Tongs or fish spatula – to gently flip fish while searing.
» Serving bowls or plates – to present the dish beautifully.
» Cutting board & sharp knife – for chopping onions, garlic, ginger, and fish.
» Measuring cups & spoons – to measure rice, coconut milk, curry paste, and spices.
» Large skillet, wok, or sauté pan – for building the curry base and simmering fish.
» Mixing bowls – to hold prepped ingredients like fish pieces and chopped vegetables.
Ingredients Required For Coconut Lime Fish Curry
Here are the key ingredients for Coconut Lime Fish Curry with Jasmine Rice 2025, listed with quantities!
For the Curry!
» 750 g, white fish fillets
» 2 tbsp coconut oil (or olive oil)
» 1 medium onion, finely chopped
» 3 cloves garlic, minced
» 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
» 2 tbsp red curry paste
» 1 can of coconut full-fat milk
» ½ cup fish stock (or vegetable stock)
» 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
» 1 tsp lime zest
» 1 tbsp soy sauce (or fish sauce for authentic depth)
» 1 tsp brown sugar (optional, balances flavors)
» 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced thinly
» 1 medium zucchini, sliced
» 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
» Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
» 1–2 Thai chilies (optional, for extra heat)
For the Rice!
» 1 ½ cups jasmine rice (uncooked)
» 3 cups water (or coconut water for extra flavor)
» ½ tsp salt
» 1 tsp coconut oil (optional, for aroma)
How to Cook Coconut Lime Fish Curry with Jasmine Rice
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions!
1️⃣ Cook the Jasmine Rice
♥ First of all, you need to rinse 1 cup of jasmine rice in water until you get clear water, and you can also remove the extra starch.
♥ Now, take a pan and add rice with 1½ cups of water.
♥ Boil on the medium flame and simmer it for at least 10–15 minutes.
♥ Once cooked, check the fluffiness of the rice with a fork, keep it warm, and set aside the rice!
2️⃣ Prepare the Fish
♥ Choose firm, white fish fillets like cod, halibut, or tilapia (around 1 lb).
♥ Pat the dry fish gently with a paper towel to remove extra moisture.
♥ And, now you can lightly season the fish with the salt, black pepper, and a splash of lime.
♥ Cut into bite-sized pieces for easy serving.
How do I keep the fish tender?
Add it toward the end of cooking and simmer gently.
3️⃣ Sear the Fish (Optional but Recommended)
♥ Now, heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a frying pan over a medium-high flame.
♥ Place the fish pieces in the hot pan and sear for 1–2 minutes per side, until lightly golden (do not cook through completely).
♥ Now remove the fish from the pan and set aside—this process adds texture and keeps the fish perfectly stable in the curry.
What’s the best fish for this curry?
Cod, halibut, or tilapia are suitable options. Salmon adds a richer flavor.
4️⃣ Build the Curry Base
♥ First of all, take a large pan & heat 2 tbsp of coconut oil.
♥ Now, add the following ingredients: 1 finely chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1inch of grated ginger.
♥ Sauté for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
5️⃣ Add the Aromatics & Spices
♥ Stir in 2–3 tbsp red curry paste (or curry powder for milder flavor).
♥ Cook for 1–2 minutes to release oils and deepen flavor.
♥ Sprinkle in a pinch of turmeric and chili flakes if you like extra heat.
6️⃣ Add the Coconut Milk
♥ Add 1 can of full-fat coconut milk to a separate pan.
♥ Stir well to combine with spices and aromatics.
♥ Bring mixture to a gentle simmer (do not boil vigorously).
7️⃣ Add Lime for Brightness
♥ Stir in the juice and zest of 1 lime.
♥ Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a touch of fish sauce for umami.
8️⃣ Simmer & Add Fish
♥ Return seared fish pieces to the curry sauce.
♥ And reduce the flame and simmer it for at least 6–10 minutes until you get the finely cooked and tender fish.
♥ Stir gently to avoid breaking the fillets.
9️⃣ Serve with Jasmine Rice
♥ Add a handful of fresh cilantro leaves and thinly sliced red chili on top.
♥ Spoon fluffy jasmine rice onto plates or bowls.
♥ Ladle the coconut lime curry over the rice.
♥ Garnish with lime wedges and extra herbs for a restaurant-style presentation.
Tips for Perfect Coconut Lime Fish Curry with Rice
» Here are some of my favorite tips for making the perfect Coconut Lime Fish Curry with Jasmine Rice 2025 👇
🌿 Tips for Perfect Coconut Lime Fish Curry
♥ Choose firm white fish 🐟 – Opt for cod, halibut, tilapia, or snapper so the pieces stay intact while simmering. Avoid very delicate fish that may break apart.
♥ Use full-fat coconut milk – For a more creamy texture, & light coconut milk makes the fish curry more watery.
♥ Balance flavors carefully 🍋 – The lime juice adds tang, coconut milk brings creaminess, and curry paste/spices bring heat. Taste and adjust salt, lime, or sugar to achieve harmony.
♥ Bloom your curry paste/spices 🔥 – Cook curry paste or dry spices in hot oil for 1–2 minutes before adding coconut milk. This deepens the flavor.
♥ Rice texture matters 🍚 – Rinse jasmine rice until the water runs clear, then cook covered for fluffy, fragrant grains that pair perfectly with the curry.
♥ Finish with freshness 🌱 – Add lime zest, cilantro, or Thai basil at the end for a fresh burst of aroma and color.
Optional heat boost 🌶️ – If you love spice, stir in extra chili flakes or sriracha at the end.
🥡 Storage Tips
Here are the best Storage & Reheating Tips for Coconut Lime Fish Curry with Jasmine Rice 2025 👇
» Refrigerator – Store curry and rice in separate airtight containers. The curry keeps well for 2–3 days.
» Freezer – Fish curry isn’t ideal for freezing (fish can get mushy), but the sauce alone can be frozen for up to 1 month. Freeze rice separately.
» Cool before storing – Let the curry cool completely before refrigerating to avoid condensation and sogginess.
🔥 Reheating Tips
» Stovetop – Warm curry gently over medium-low heat. Stir often and add a splash of coconut milk or water if the sauce thickens.
» Microwave – Reheat rice and curry in separate bowls, covered loosely. Use short intervals, stirring in between.
» Avoid overcooking – Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice after reheating to refresh the flavors and balance any lost aroma.
🍽 Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
» Calories: ~420
» Protein: 28g
» Carbs: 45g
» Fat: 15g
» Fiber: 4g
🥄 Ingredient Substitutes & Variations
» Swap fish with shrimp, chicken, or tofu.
» Use basmati rice, brown rice, or quinoa instead of jasmine rice.
» You can use cashew cream for a nutty twist in place of coconut milk.
» Try spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra veggies.
» You can also try jalapeños, sriracha, or chili paste to add extra spiciness.
What to Serve With Coconut Lime Fish Curry
🫓 Garlic naan or roti.
🥒 Asian cucumber salad.
🥭 Fresh mango salsa.
🥦 Steamed or roasted vegetables.
Alternate Recipes You Can Try at Home
» Here are some tasty Alternate Recipes You Can Try at Home alongside Coconut Lime Fish Curry with Jasmine Rice 2025 👇
🌶️ Thai Red Curry with Shrimp
🐟 Indian Fish Masala Curry
🥦 Vegetable Coconut Curry
🍋 Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
🍗 Chicken Panang Curry
🥭 Mango Coconut Rice
Coconut Lime Fish Curry with Jasmine Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook jasmine rice according to package directions. Fluff and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat oil. Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
- Add curry paste, and cook for at least 1- 2 minutes to spark flavors.
- Add coconut milk, bell pepper, zucchini, and fish sauce. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Gently add fish chunks and cook until opaque and tender (6–8 minutes).
- Stir in lime juice and zest. Adjust seasoning with salt & pepper.
- Serve hot with jasmine rice, and garnish with coriander and lime wedges.
Notes
- Use salmon for a richer version or shrimp for variety.
- For a dairy-free/vegan option, swap fish with tofu or chickpeas.
- Curry tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken instead of fish?
Yes! Chicken works wonderfully in coconut lime curry. Use boneless, skinless thighs or breast, cut into cubes. Cook them thoroughly before adding sauce. Adjust cooking time since chicken takes longer to cook than fish.
Can I use frozen fish for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just thaw frozen fish completely before cooking. Pat it dry to remove excess water; otherwise, the curry may turn watery and the fish won’t hold its texture.
How do I make the curry spicier or milder?
Adjust spice levels easily. Add extra chili flakes, Thai chilies, or hot curry paste for more heat. To make it milder, use less paste and balance flavors with extra coconut milk or lime juice.
Can I replace coconut milk with something else?
If you don’t like coconut milk, substitute it with cashew cream, almond milk, or evaporated milk. The flavor will differ slightly, but the curry will still be creamy and delicious with lime and spice balance.
Can I make this curry dairy-free and gluten-free?
Absolutely! To keep it gluten-free, ensure the curry paste or spices used contain no hidden gluten-based thickeners or additives.
What type of fish works best for coconut lime curry?
Firm white fish like cod, halibut, snapper, or tilapia works best. These varieties hold up well in curry without breaking apart. Avoid delicate fish like sole or flaky varieties that disintegrate quickly.
What can I serve with coconut lime fish curry besides rice?
This curry pairs beautifully with naan bread, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a lighter option. Steamed vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or green beans also balance the richness of the coconut sauce.
My Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Cooking Coconut Lime Fish Curry with Jasmine Rice is like bringing a tropical getaway straight to your dinner table. As a chef, this is one of my go-to meals when I want something cozy yet exciting.
The rich coconut base, zing of lime, and perfectly cooked fish create a dish that’s both elegant and soul-warming. Try it once, and I guarantee it’ll earn a permanent spot on your recipe list!
If you have any thoughts, share them with me in the comment section below. I’d love to hear from you!
» Until Next Time, Happy Cooking!
