Thai Fish Curry
Making Green Curry Fish is one of my favorite ways to bring the vibrant, comforting flavors of Thai cooking right to your weeknight table. This easy green curry recipe with white fish is a true family secret, passed down with love and designed for a quick seafood dinner that feels both special and simple.
A Taste of Tradition, Made Simple
- Quick & Flavorful – This Thai fish curry comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy evening.
- One-Pan Wonder – Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means more flavor and less cleanup for you.
- Wholesome & Nourishing – Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, it’s a healthy choice the whole family will love.
- Authentic Taste – Using traditional green curry paste gives you that genuine, aromatic flavor you’d find in a Thai kitchen.
What You’ll Need for Your Coconut Curry Fish
For the Curry Base
- 1 1/2 pounds white fish fillets (cod or halibut) – Cut into 1-inch pieces for even, flaky cooking.
- 1 1/2 cups canned coconut milk – This creamy base is essential for the rich sauce.
- 1/4 cup green curry paste – The heart of the dish, providing authentic Thai flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce – Adds that irreplaceable savory umami depth.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar – A touch to perfectly balance the spice.
For the Aromatics & Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil – For sautéing our vegetables to perfection.
- 1 medium white onion, thinly sliced – The sweet foundation of our flavor base.
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced – Adds beautiful color and a crunchy texture.
- 1 zucchini, cut into half-moons – A fresh, summer squash that soaks up the curry.
For the Fresh Finish
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped – An aromatic Thai herb that brings everything to life.
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped – A fresh herbal garnish for brightness.
- 1 lime, cut into wedges – The essential citrus finishing touch for serving.
Your Cozy Cooking Time for Green Curry Fish
My dear, one of the best parts of this recipe is how quickly it comes together. With just 15 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a total time of only 30 minutes. This makes our Green Curry Fish a true lifesaver for an easy weeknight dinner.
It’s the kind of quick recipe that feels like a slow-cooked meal, thanks to the way the flavors develop. Compared to other curries that can take much longer, this is a wonderfully efficient way to get that authentic taste. I love that you can have a healthy, impressive meal on the table with so little effort.
For another fantastic quick dinner idea, you might enjoy my easy chicken fajitas, which are also ready in about 30 minutes.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
In our family, we believe good food is for everyone. This Green Curry Fish recipe is wonderfully adaptable for those who are sugar-conscious or managing their glycemic intake. The small amount of brown sugar balances the spice, but you can easily make it a low sugar version.
For a diabetic-friendly option, you could use a natural sugar alternative like stevia. Another tip is to load up on the non-starchy vegetables like bell pepper and zucchini. This creates a more filling meal that’s great for glycemic control.

Green Curry Fish
Equipment
- large skillet or wok
- knife
- cutting board
- measuring spoons
- measuring cups
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds white fish fillets (such as cod or halibut), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1.5 cups canned coconut milk
- 0.25 cup green curry paste
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium white onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 zucchini, cut into half-moons
- 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 0.5 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the onion and red bell pepper, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the green curry paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Pour in the coconut milk, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Stir well to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the fish pieces and zucchini to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fish is opaque and cooked through.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh basil and cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve the curry hot with steamed rice and lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the dish.
Notes
My Family’s Pro Tips for Perfect Green Curry Fish
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make this Thai fish curry truly special. These are the little touches that turn a good meal into a great one, made with love.
- For a Flavor Swap: If you love ginger, stir in a tablespoon of freshly grated ginger with the curry paste. It adds a wonderful warmth. You can see how I use it in my ginger coconut curry.
- For a Diet Tweak: To make it richer, use full-fat coconut milk. For a lighter version, light coconut milk works beautifully.
- For the Perfect Texture: Be gentle when stirring in the fish pieces. You want them to stay intact for that lovely flaky texture. For another great fish recipe, check out my tips for perfect baked cod.
- For Storage: This coconut curry fish reheats beautifully. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nourishing Your Family: Nutrition and Health Benefits
This dish isn’t just delicious; it’s a powerhouse of good nutrition. White fish like cod is an excellent source of lean protein and is rich in vitamins like B12. The coconut milk provides healthy fats, and the vegetables add fiber and essential nutrients.
Compared to heavier meals, this is a light yet satisfying option. The combination of ingredients makes it a great choice for a balanced diet. For another healthy seafood option, my healthy salmon recipe is also packed with omega-3s. You might also enjoy the wholesome ingredients in this vegan coconut curry. For more general information on the benefits of a balanced diet, the Harvard Healthy Eating Plate is a wonderful resource.
Creating a Lighter Version of This Green Curry Fish
If you’re looking to lighten things up, this recipe is very forgiving. You can use light coconut milk to reduce the fat content without sacrificing creaminess. Another idea is to double the amount of zucchini and bell pepper for extra volume and nutrients.
For a different take on a light, vegetable-forward dish, my roasted broccoli is a simple and delicious side that would pair wonderfully with this curry.
From Our Table to Yours: How to Serve Green Curry Fish
I always say that how you serve a meal is just as important as how you cook it. In our family, we love to serve this Green Curry Fish over a bed of steaming jasmine rice. The rice soaks up the incredible sauce, making every bite a delight.
I remember my grandmother serving her curry with a big platter of fresh herbs and lime wedges on the side. It’s a tradition I continue today. For a complete meal, a simple cucumber salad or some quick vegan Thai wraps make excellent starters. If you have leftovers, this pineapple curry recipe is another fantastic way to enjoy tropical flavors later in the week.
Common Mistakes to Avoid for the Best Green Curry Fish
Even the most experienced cooks can make little mistakes. Let me share some common ones so your Green Curry Fish turns out perfectly every time. The first is overcooking the fish. It only needs a few minutes to become opaque and flaky.
Another mistake is not tasting the curry paste first. Some brands are spicier than others, so you can adjust the amount. Also, don’t skip the fresh herbs at the end! They are not just a garnish; they add a crucial layer of fresh aroma.
For a different but equally tasty protein, my sweet and spicy Thai chicken teaches you how to balance flavors. And if you love crispy textures, the technique in my crispy garlic chicken is a game-changer. For more on safe food handling, especially with seafood, the FoodSafety.gov website has excellent guidelines.
I’ve made these mistakes myself over the years, and learning from them is part of the joy of cooking. It’s how we grow and make each meal better than the last.
Preserving the Love: How to Store Your Green Curry Fish
This curry stores wonderfully, and I often make a double batch. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld together even more, making the leftovers a real treat.
When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the fish from breaking apart. You can add a splash of water or coconut milk if the sauce has thickened. For another great make-ahead fish dish, my sheet pan salmon is also perfect for meal prep.
Why You Should Try This Green Curry Fish Recipe
This recipe is more than just a list of ingredients; it’s a piece of my family’s history. It represents generations of wisdom in the kitchen, all focused on creating meals that nourish both the body and the soul. The combination of flaky fish, creamy coconut, and aromatic curry is truly magical.
I hope this Green Curry Fish brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. It’s a traditional recipe that is both easy and deeply satisfying. For more inspiration, you might also love my tofu broccoli curry, baked salmon, or my unique mandarin tofu salmon bowl. And for a different kind of comforting chicken dish, my spinach artichoke chicken is always a hit. This is the perfect Green Curry Fish to start with if you’re new to Thai cooking.
More Cozy Dinner Ideas You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this recipe, here are a few more family favorites that are perfect for a comforting weeknight meal. Each one is made with the same love and attention to detail.
Tofu Broccoli Curry – A vegetarian twist on curry that’s just as hearty and flavorful.
Vegan Coconut Curry – Creamy, dairy-free, and packed with vibrant vegetables.
Ginger Coconut Curry – For when you want an extra kick of warm, aromatic ginger.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of white fish is best for green curry?
Firm white fish like cod or halibut work best for Green Curry Fish because they hold their shape well during cooking and have a lovely flaky texture. Avoid more delicate fish that might fall apart easily in the simmering sauce.
Can I make green curry fish less spicy?
Absolutely. The spice level of this Thai fish curry depends on your curry paste. Start with less paste and taste the sauce before adding the fish. You can also add a bit more coconut milk or a touch more brown sugar to mellow out the heat.
How long does coconut curry fish last in the fridge?
Your coconut curry fish will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often improve after resting for a day, making leftovers a real treat.
What can I serve with green curry fish?
Steamed jasmine rice is the classic pairing for Green Curry Fish. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice. A simple side salad or some steamed green beans also complement the rich flavors of the curry beautifully.