Mustard-Coconut Stewed Hilsa Fish
A traditional Bengali dish featuring tender fish simmered in a fragrant mustard and coconut sauce, with subtle spice notes. This Indian recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, pairs Hilsa fish fillets, Mustard paste, Coconut milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb Hilsa fish fillets
- 3 tbsp Mustard paste
- 1 cup Coconut milk
- 1 medium Onion
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1 tbsp Ginger
- 2 Green chilies
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Cumin seeds
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 cup Water
- 2 tbsp Cilantro
- 2 tbsp Cooking oil
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Equipment for this recipe
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Instructions
- Step 1: Pat the Hilsa fish fillets dry with paper towels and season with 1/2 tsp turmeric powder and 1/2 tsp salt. Set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tsp cumin seeds and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Step 3: Add 1 medium chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, and 2 chopped green chilies to the skillet, sautéing until the onion is golden brown (about 5 minutes).
- Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp mustard paste and cook for 2 minutes, then add 1 tsp coriander powder and 1/2 cup water, stirring to combine into a smooth sauce.
- Step 5: Place the seasoned Hilsa fish fillets in the skillet, then pour 1 cup coconut milk over them. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, turning the fish once halfway.
- Step 6: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped cilantro and cook for 1 more minute until flavors meld. Remove from heat.








