Main Course · Dinner · Asian ·

Aromatic Maldivian Fish Curry

Name: Aromatic Maldivian Fish Curry
Prep time: 23 min
Cook time: 70 min
Total time: 93 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Firm white fish, 500g, cut into chunks; Lime juice, 1 tbsp; Turmeric powder, 1 tsp; Salt, to taste; Vegetable oil, 2 tbsp; Onion, 1 large, finely chopped; Garlic cloves, 3, minced; Ginger, 1-inch, grated; Green chilies, 2, slit; Cumin seeds, 1 tsp; Fennel seeds, 1 tsp; Coriander powder, 1 tbsp; Chili powder, 1 tsp; Coconut milk, 400ml, canned or fresh; Sugar, 1 tsp; Fresh curry leaves, 10-12

A traditional Maldivian fish curry featuring a medley of spices, coconut, and fresh curry leaves, offering a warm and aromatic culinary experience.

4.2(263 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·November 3, 2025

Aromatic Maldivian Fish Curry — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

23 min

Cook

1 h 10 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Fish Marinade

For the Curry Base

For the Spice Blend

For the Coconut Milk

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 328 kcal
Protein: 29.5 g
Carbs: 10.5 g
Fat: 17.5 g
Fiber: 2.25 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1311 kcal
Protein: 118 g
Carbs: 42 g
Fat: 70 g
Fiber: 9 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
Firm white fish 500g, cut into chunks	550	110	0	5	0
Lime juice 1 tbsp	4	0	1	0	0
Turmeric powder 1 tsp	8	0	1	0	1
Salt to taste	0	0	0	0	0
Vegetable oil 2 tbsp	240	0	0	28	0
Onion 1 large, finely chopped	60	2	14	0	3
Garlic cloves 3, minced	13	1	3	0	0
Ginger 1-inch, grated	5	0	1	0	0
Green chilies 2, slit	10	0	2	0	1
Cumin seeds 1 tsp	8	0	1	0	1
Fennel seeds 1 tsp	8	0	1	0	1
Coriander powder 1 tbsp	22	1	3	1	2
Chili powder 1 tsp	6	0	1	0	0
Coconut milk 400ml, canned or fresh	360	4	10	36	0
Sugar 1 tsp	16	0	4	0	0
Fresh curry leaves 10-12	1	0	0	0	0

These are estimates for nutritional content of the recipe, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Fish

1
Combine ingredients
In a bowl, combine fish chunks with lime juice, turmeric, and salt.
2
Mix well
Mix well to coat the fish evenly.
3
Set aside
Set aside for 20 minutes to marinate.

Preparing the Curry Base

1
Heat oil
Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2
Sauté aromatics
Add onion, garlic, ginger, and green chilies; sauté until onions are translucent.
3
Add spice blend
Stir in the prepared spice blend and cook for 2 more minutes.
Tip: Do not over-sauté the spices, as they may lose their aroma.

How to Make Aromatic Maldivian Fish Curry

Total time: 1 h 33 min · Yields 4 servings

1
Toasting the Spices
Dry roast cumin and fennel seeds until fragrant, then grind to a powder.
2
Simmering the Curry
Add marinated fish to the sautéed onion and spice mix. Pour in coconut milk, add sugar, and curry leaves.
3
Finishing Touch
Simmer on low heat until the fish is cooked through and tender.