5 Must-Try Indian Salmon Fish Curry Recipes

Indian cuisine is renowned for its rich tapestry of flavors and one of the best carriers of these flavors is the humble fish curry. Salmon, with its firm texture and ability to absorb spices, makes an excellent choice for various Indian curry recipes. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore five must-try Indian salmon fish curry recipes that not only tantalize the taste buds but also offer a healthy dose of nutrition.

1. Kerala-Style Fish Curry with Kokum

This recipe hails from the beautiful southern state of Kerala where coconut and kokum are staple ingredients.

• Ingredients:
  • 500g Salmon fillets
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1 cup grated coconut
  • 4-5 kokum petals
  • 2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 2 green chilies
  • 1 tbsp coriander seeds
  • 1 tsp fenugreek seeds
  • Mustard seeds
  • Curry leaves
  • Small onion
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Tamarind
• Preparation:
  1. Marinate: Rub the salmon with salt, turmeric, and set aside for 30 minutes.
  2. Coconut Paste: Blend coconut, coriander, and fenugreek into a fine paste with a little water.
  3. Cooking: Heat oil, add mustard seeds to crackle, followed by curry leaves, green chilies, and sautéed onions, garlic, and ginger. Add the coconut paste, kokum, and simmer.
  4. Final Touch: Gently place the salmon into the simmering curry, cover, and cook until done.

💡 Note: Use fresh kokum for the authentic taste of Kerala!

2. Bengali Fish Curry - Macher Jhol

Known for its light yet flavorful broth, Macher Jhol is a beloved Bengali dish.

• Ingredients:
  • 500g Salmon
  • Panch Phoron (5 spice mix)
  • Mustard oil
  • Tomatoes
  • Green chilies
  • Ginger paste
  • Turmeric powder
  • Salt
  • Coriander leaves
• Method:
  1. Marinate: Turmeric and salt for the salmon.
  2. Frying: In mustard oil, fry the fish till golden.
  3. Base: In the same pan, add panch phoron, then ginger paste, chopped tomatoes, and slit green chilies. Cook until oil separates.
  4. Cook: Add the fried salmon, cook gently in the spice-infused broth.
  5. Garnish: Sprinkle fresh coriander before serving.

3. Punjabi Style Fish Curry

This rich and creamy curry uses tomatoes and spices to create a dish that pairs wonderfully with rice or flatbreads.

• Ingredients:
  • 500g Salmon
  • Tomato puree
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Spice mix (cumin, coriander, garam masala)
  • Yogurt
  • Butter
  • Kasuri Methi
• Cooking Process:
  1. Marination: Mix salt, lemon juice, and turmeric with salmon for 30 minutes.
  2. Curry Base: Sauté onions in butter, add ginger-garlic paste, then spices, followed by tomato puree. Cook until the oil separates.
  3. Cooking: Add marinated salmon, cook on low heat. Finish with yogurt, a dash of cream, and kasuri methi.

💡 Note: Yogurt and cream add a luxurious touch to this Punjabi curry, making it perfect for special occasions.

4. Goan Fish Curry

With its vibrant flavors thanks to the use of coconut and vinegar, Goan fish curry is a must-try for seafood lovers.

• Ingredients:
  • 500g Salmon
  • Coconut milk
  • Goan vinegar or tamarind
  • Turmeric, Red chili, coriander seeds
  • Onions, Garlic
  • Mustard seeds, Curry leaves
  • Tender Coconut
• Steps:
  1. Masala: Grind spices to make a paste.
  2. Cooking: In oil, fry mustard seeds, curry leaves, followed by onions, garlic, and the spice paste. Add water, coconut milk, and vinegar.
  3. Fish: Add salmon, cook until done, ensuring it absorbs the flavors well.

5. Rajasthani Safed Machli Ki Curry (White Fish Curry)

Subtle and creamy, this Rajasthani version uses a unique blend of spices with yogurt for a lighter curry experience.

• Ingredients:
  • 500g Salmon
  • Onions, Garlic, Ginger
  • White pepper, Fennel seeds
  • Cardamom, Cloves, Cinnamon
  • Yogurt, Milk
• Procedure:
  1. Marination: Salt, yogurt, and lemon juice for salmon.
  2. Masala: Lightly roast and grind all spices except white pepper.
  3. Cooking: In ghee, sauté onions, garlic, ginger, add ground spices, then yogurt and milk for the base. Add fish, cook gently.

In this blog post, we’ve delved into five distinct Indian salmon fish curry recipes, each with its own unique flavor profile that showcases the diversity of Indian cuisine. From the tangy and spicy Kokum curry of Kerala to the creamy, rich Punjabi version, these recipes can elevate your home cooking to new heights. They offer a balance of health benefits, thanks to salmon’s rich Omega-3 fatty acids, and culinary adventure, making them a great choice for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.

Can I use other types of fish for these recipes?

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Absolutely, while salmon has its unique flavor and texture that works well with these recipes, you can substitute it with other firm, white fish like cod, tilapia, or even sea bass. Just ensure the fish isn’t too delicate or it might fall apart in the curry.

What are the health benefits of eating salmon curry?

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Salmon is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are excellent for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation. Combined with the spices used in Indian curries, which have various health benefits like reducing cholesterol levels and improving digestion, salmon curry becomes a powerhouse of nutrition.

How can I make these curries less spicy?

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To reduce the heat in the curry, either reduce the number of chilies or omit them entirely. Additionally, you can increase the amount of creamy ingredients like coconut milk or yogurt to mellow out the spices. Remember, the flavor will still be rich, but less fiery.