Fish Korma Recipe: If you’re a fan of seafood and rich, flavorful curries, then fish korma is the dish for you. This creamy, flavorful curry, filled with delicate fish pieces, is a popular dish in South Asian cuisine, especially Indian and Pakistani cuisine. Fish korma combines tender fish with a delicious blend of spices and a creamy base, making it a luxurious dish for special occasions or anytime you want something truly indulgent.
Fish Korma Ingredients:

To make fish korma, you will need the following ingredients:
For the marinade:
500 grams fish fillet (such as tilapia, cod or any firm white fish)
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chilli powder
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt to taste
For the korma gravy:
2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
2 green cardamom pods
1 cinnamon stick
4-5 cloves
1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
2 teaspoons coriander powder
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon garam masala
1/2 cup yogurt, beaten
1/4 cup cashews, roasted into a paste
1/4 Cup fresh cream
Salt to taste
Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Step by step fish korma recipe:
Step 1: Marinate the fish
To start, prepare the fish by cutting it into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix the fish pieces with the ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Toss well to coat the fish, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step ensures that the fish absorbs all the flavours and spices.
Step 2: Prepare the korma gravy
In a large pan, heat the ghee over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks and cloves. Fry for a minute until the spices release their aroma. Add the finely chopped onions and cook until they turn golden brown. This caramelization step is key to creating the flavor base of your fish korma.
Next, add the ginger-garlic paste and fry for another 2 minutes. Follow this with the coriander powder, cumin powder, and garam masala. Stir well, let the spices blend, and cook for a minute to release their oils.
Step 3: Add the curd and cashew paste
Once the spices are well cooked, reduce the heat and add the beaten curd to the pan. Stir continuously to prevent curdling. Once the curd is well mixed, add the cashew paste, which will help thicken the curry and add a creamy texture. Let the mixture cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally so that it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
Step 4: Cook the fish
Now gently add the marinated fish pieces to the gravy. Be careful not to break the fish while stirring. Cover the pan and let the fish simmer for 10-15 minutes. The fish should be tender and soaked in the delicious flavour of the korma gravy.
Step 5: Finish with cream and garnish
Once the fish is cooked, add fresh cream to the curry for extra richness and a velvety texture. Stir gently to combine. Adjust salt to taste and let the curry simmer for another 5 minutes on low heat.
Garnish your fish korma with freshly chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with naan bread, steamed rice or roti for a complete meal.
Tips for the best fish korma:
Choosing the fish: It is important to choose firm white fish like tilapia, cod or snapper. These types of fish hold their shape well during cooking and absorb the flavours of the curry nicely.
Marinating the fish: Don’t skip the marination process. This infuses the fish with spices, making each bite fragrant and flavorful.
Cashew paste: Cashew paste adds richness and creaminess to the curry, but if you don’t have cashews, you can substitute with almonds or use store-bought cashew cream.
Adjusting the spice level: If you prefer a milder version of fish korma, reduce the amount of red chili powder or use milder yogurt.
Fish korma is a luxurious and aromatic dish that combines tender fish with a creamy, spicy gravy. It’s perfect for those who want to try something new in their seafood repertoire or who appreciate the flavors of South Asian cuisine. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving a delicious meal, fish korma is sure to impress. Savor the flavors of this rich, aromatic dish and treat your taste buds to a delightful experience!
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