Main Course · Lunch · Dinner · Asian ·

Sri Lankan Fish Ambul Thiyal with Sour Goraka and Pepper

Name: Sri Lankan Fish Ambul Thiyal with Sour Goraka and Pepper
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 1 lb firm white fish (e.g., tuna), cut into 2-inch cubes; 2 tbsp goraka (dried tamarind) paste; 1 tsp ground turmeric; 1 tsp salt; 2 tbsp black peppercorns, freshly ground; 1 tbsp coriander seeds, toasted and ground; 1 tsp cumin seeds, toasted and ground; 2 tbsp coconut oil; 1 medium onion, finely sliced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1-inch piece of ginger, grated; 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise; 1 cup water; 1 tbsp sugar; Salt, to taste

Dive into the rich flavors of Sri Lanka with this tangy, aromatic fish curry, enhanced by the unique taste of goraka (tamarind).

4.6(595 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·June 22, 2025

Sri Lankan Fish Ambul Thiyal with Sour Goraka and Pepper — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Fish Marinade

For the Spice Mix

For the Aromatic Base

For the Cooking Liquid

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 241 kcal
Protein: 23.8 g
Carbs: 11.3 g
Fat: 10.2 g
Fiber: 2.6 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 962 kcal
Protein: 95.2 g
Carbs: 45 g
Fat: 40.9 g
Fiber: 10.2 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
1 lb firm white fish (e.g., tuna) cut into 2-inch cubes	500	90	0	10	0
2 tbsp goraka (dried tamarind) paste	20	0	4	0	1
1 tsp ground turmeric	8	0.3	1	0.2	0.3
1 tsp salt	0	0	0	0	0
2 tbsp black peppercorns freshly ground	35	1	6	1	3
1 tbsp coriander seeds toasted and ground	22	1	3	0.9	2
1 tsp cumin seeds toasted and ground	8	0.4	1	0.5	0.6
2 tbsp coconut oil	240	0	0	28	0
1 medium onion finely sliced	44	1	10	0	1.5
4 cloves garlic minced	18	0.8	4	0	0.2
1-inch piece of ginger grated	6	0.2	1	0.1	0.1
2 green chilies slit lengthwise	12	0.5	3	0.2	1.5
1 cup water	0	0	0	0	0
1 tbsp sugar	49	0	12	0	0
Salt to taste	0	0	0	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Fish

1
Combine Marinade Ingredients
In a bowl, combine fish cubes, goraka paste, turmeric, and salt.
Tip: Use fresh fish for the best texture and taste.

Preparing the Aromatic Base

1
Heat Oil
Heat coconut oil in a pan over medium heat.
Tip: Grinding spices fresh before cooking elevates the dish’s flavor profile.
2
Sauté Onions
Sauté onions until golden brown.
3
Add Aromatics
Add garlic, ginger, and green chilies, and cook until fragrant.

How to Make Sri Lankan Fish Ambul Thiyal with Sour Goraka and Pepper

Total time: 2 h · Yields 4 servings

1
Assembling the Curry
Add marinated fish to the aromatic base.
2
Adding Spice Mix and Cooking Liquid
Sprinkle ground spices over fish, stir gently, pour in the water, and bring to a simmer.
3
Finishing Touches
Adjust seasoning with sugar and additional salt if needed; cook until fish is done.