Mustard-Crusted Fish with Coconut Curry
Tender fish fillets coated in a fragrant mustard paste and simmered in a creamy coconut curry, a classic Bengali dish with a modern twist. This indian ready in about 45 minutes pairs Rohu fish, Mustard seeds, Water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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 lbs Rohu fish
- 1 tbsp Mustard seeds
- 1 tbsp Water
- 1 tbsp Plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup Coconut milk
- 1 medium Yellow onion
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1 inch Fresh ginger
- 1 Green chili
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric
- 1/2 tsp Cumin
- 1/2 tsp Coriander
- 1 tsp Salt
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine mustard seeds, water, and yogurt to form a smooth paste; set aside.
- Step 2: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and sauté until golden, about 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and finely chopped green chili, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in turmeric, cumin, and coriander, and cook for 30 seconds.
- Step 5: Add fish pieces to the skillet, then pour the mustard paste over the fish, ensuring each piece is coated.
- Step 6: Pour in coconut milk and add salt, then bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 7: Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until fish is cooked through and sauce has thickened slightly.
- Step 8: Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mustard-Crusted Fish with Coconut Curry take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Mustard-Crusted Fish with Coconut Curry?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep rohu fish from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mustard-Crusted Fish with Coconut Curry?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Mustard-Crusted Fish with Coconut Curry for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Mustard-Crusted Fish with Coconut Curry?
Indian indian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The mustard crust was perfect, and the coconut curry added a lovely depth. My family devoured it!
- ★★★★★
Authentic Indian flavors with a twist. The fish was so moist and the crust crunchy.
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a winner! The mustard and coconut combo is unexpected but delicious.