Slow-Simmered Tanzanian Coconut Fish Curry

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-31 · Updated 2026-05-31

A fragrant, mildly spiced fish curry simmered in creamy coconut milk with traditional Tanzanian flavors. This African-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs coconut milk, onion, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 lb white fish fillets (e.g., tilapia or snapper)
• 14 oz (1 can) coconut milk
• 1 medium, finely chopped onion
• 3, minced garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp, grated fresh ginger
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped medium onion, sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic.
3. Step 3: Add 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp ground turmeric, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1/2 tsp chili powder. Cook while stirring for 2 minutes until the spices bloom and the mixture thickens.
4. Step 4: Pour in 14 oz coconut milk, stir well, and bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
5. Step 5: Season with 1 tsp salt, then add 1 lb white fish fillets cut into large chunks. Simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes until the fish is opaque and cooked through.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat, stir in 1 tbsp fresh lime juice and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for brightness before serving.