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Hungry Healthy Happy » Recipes » Curry

Cod Curry

Updated: Nov 5, 2024 · Published: Jun 7, 2021 · Written by Dannii Martin · This post may contain affiliate links which earn us commissions if purchases are made · 7 Comments

9 shares
Diet: Gluten Free / High Protein
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Cod curry with a text title overlay.

A light, fresh and fragrant curry that is ready in just 20 minutes. Tender chunks of cod in a creamy tomato based sauce that is veggie packed and bursting with garlic, ginger and spices. This Cod Curry is much healthier than ordering a takeaway and something a little different for curry night.

A bowl of cod curry, rice and naan bread next to a blue towel.

We love a one pan dish, and this cod curry is one of our favourites. If you are looking for more ways to include fish in your diet, then this is an easy place to start, as it is so simple. A basic, but delicious, curry sauce and then the cod cooked on top for the last 10 minutes.

If you are looking for more recipes that use cod, try our easy Air Fried Cod Loin, delicious Mediterranean Cod Bake, our simple Baked Cod Parcels or our quick Air Fryer Fish Tacos.

Jump to:
  • Why You Will Love It
  • Ingredients and Substitutions
  • Step by Step
  • How to Adapt this Curry
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Extra Tips
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Curry Recipes
  • Recipe
  • Feedback

Why You Will Love It

  • A delicious way to eat more fish
  • Ready in just 20 minutes
  • Cooked in one pan
  • A healthier alternative to ordering a takeaway
  • Easy to adapt
  • Veggie packed
  • Dairy free

Ingredients and Substitutions

All the ingredients needed for this recipe with text overlay labels.

A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.

  • Oil - We used olive oil for this recipe, but any will work.
  • Onion - You can swap the medium brown onion for 4 small shallots, which will give the curry a sweeter flavour. You can also save yourself some time by using frozen chopped onion.
  • Garlic and Ginger - For convenience, we used a garlic and ginger paste from a jar, but it is easy to make yourself. Just crush some garlic cloves and grate some fresh ginger.
  • Curry powder - We have used 2 tablespoon of a hot curry powder. However, you could make your own spice blend. You can also use a mild curry powder if you don't want it too spicy. Make sure that your curry powder hasn't been opened too long, otherwise it won't have as much flavour.
  • Cauliflower and Aubergine (eggplant) - This gives some chunky texture to the curry, as well as a vegetable boost. We have given some options below on how you can adapt it with different vegetables.
  • Chopped tomatoes - This is the base of the curry sauce. Try to use the best quality tinned tomatoes that you can, as the cheap ones are really liquidy and it will make the sauce too thin and flavourless.
  • Coconut Milk - We have used full-fat coconut milk, to add maximum flavour. However you could swap it to reduced fat to save yourself some calories.
  • Cod fillets - We used fresh fillets, but you could use frozen and defrost them in the fridge overnight. When choosing cod in the shops, the flesh should be firm and it should appear moist. The colouring should be even and white, with no darkened areas.
  • Lime - This adds some freshness to the dish, and fish and lime always go well together. You could use lemon instead.
  • Coriander (cilantro) - A great way to finish off the dish and lighten it up even more.

More ingredient substitutions and variations can be found in the recipe card.

Step by Step

Chopped onions and aubergine cooking in a large pan.
  1. Step 1: Heat the oil in a large pan or skillet and add the onions and aubergine. Cook until softened (about 2 minutes).
Garlic and ginger paste added to the pan.
  1. Step 2: Add the garlic and ginger paste and stir well.
Curry powder added to the pan.
  1. Step 3: Stir in the curry powder and cook for a further minute.
cauliflower, tomatoes and coconut milk added to the pan.
  1. Step 4: Add the cauliflower, tomatoes and coconut milk.
Everything mixed together.
  1. Step 5: Stir well so everything is combined and simmer for 8 minutes.
Two cod fillets added to the sauce.
  1. Step 6: Place the cod fillets on top of the sauce and cover the pan with a lid. Cook until the cod is cooked through, about 5-10 minutes.
The cod now cooked and chopped coriander sprinkled over the curry.
  1. Step 7: Squeeze over the lime juice and sprinkle with chopped coriander (cilantro).

How to Adapt this Curry

Think of this as an easy curry base that you can adapt in lots of different ways. We love anything that we can add lots of different vegetables to, and this is exactly one of those recipes. You can give this cod curry a green veggie boost by stirring in some spinach a few minutes before serving. You could use kale or chard too.

When cooking the onion, you could add some finely diced bell pepper, mushrooms and courgette too. One of the great things about this curry is how quick it is to cook, so make sure you only use quick cooking vegetables that will all cook at the same rate. Peas are also a good addition to this curry.

If you didn't want to serve this curry with rice, then you could add some cubes of sweet potato or butternut squash directly to the curry to make it more filling. Par-boil it first and then add at the same time as the coconut milk.

Two cooked cod fillets on top of a curry sauce topped with chopped coriander.

Serving Suggestions

Curry goes perfectly with rice, which soaks up all that incredible creamy sauce. You could just go with plain basmati rice, or why not try our Turmeric Rice for something a little different? You could swap rice for quinoa for a protein boost.

Soft and fluffy bread is always a good option with curry too, so why not try making our Homemade Flatbreads - they are so simple. And then dip them in some of our homemade cucumber raita. If you want lots of flavour, then try our Peshwari Naan.

If you want a little more colour, then our Cucumber Tomato Salad or Carrot and Coriander Salad go well with a curry.

Extra Tips

  • Once the cod has been added to the sauce, stir the sauce occasionally but very carefully as you don't want the fillets to break up in the sauce.
  • Make sure you don't over-cook the cod, as it will become very tough.
  • You can use light coconut milk instead of full fat in this cod curry, but you won't get the same creamy flavour.
  • Add a little crunch to this curry by serving with some cashew nuts on top.
  • This is a really mild curry, making it perfect for serving up to the whole family. However you you can always add a finely diced read chilli to the sauce, or just sprinkle some red chilli flakes.
  • You can give this an extra protein boost by adding some quick cook lentils at the same time as the coconut milk.
  • Make a vegetarian version of this by swapping the cod for chickpeas, halloumi/paneer or even just loads of vegetables. Make up a big pan of sauce and then swap the cod for a veggie alternative.
  • An easy way to add a little extra flavour, texture and creaminess is by adding a spoonful of peanut butter (or almond or cashew).
  • If you want a smooth sauce, then you could swap the tinned tomatoes for passata.
  • You could cut the fish into bite sized pieces, rather than adding whole fillets, if you prefer.
Cooked cod on top of curry sauce with naan breads and rice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you know when cod is cooked?

We always like to use a food thermometer. The cooked temperature of cod is 58°C/136°F. However, if you don't have a food thermometer, then it is best to use your judgement and stick a knife in it. If it flakes easily, then it is cooked. If it doesn't then it will need a bit longer. Be careful not to overcook it, otherwise it will become tough.

What other fish can you use?

If cod isn't for you, or you just fancy trying something a bit different, then you can swap it for prawns, haddock or salmon. Why not try our Salmon Curry recipe?

Is this curry spicy?

This curry is full of spice flavour, but it isn't necessarily spicy hot. This particular recipe uses just some curry powder, which can add a good level of heat to the dish depending on which one you use. You can adjust the amount to your own taste.
If the dish is still too spicy once you have cooked it, you can cool it down by adding a teaspoon of palm sugar (or brown sugar) or by stirring through a tablespoon of plain yogurt.

Can I use a curry paste instead?

Yes, you can swap the garlic, ginger and curry powder for curry paste instead. That way you can use a different curry paste each time to change the flavour. We like making a Thai version of this with Thai red curry paste.

How to store cod curry.

This recipe is always best made fresh, as is anything with fish in our opinion. However, if you do have leftovers then they can be stored in an air tight container in the fridge for 2 days.

Can you freeze cod curry?

Yes, once you have let the curry fully cool, you can transfer it into a freezable container and then it will keep for 3 months.

How to reheat a cod curry.

Make sure to fully defrost the curry in the fridge overnight and then you can reheat the curry in a saucepan over a medium heat until piping hot all the way through. Stir the curry the curry carefully so that you don't break up the fish. 

Why is my curry too thick/thin?

If you have problems with the consistency of the curry, then we have some tips for you. If it is too thick, then you can thin it out with some more coconut milk or stock. This has probably happened because it was cooked at too high a heat. If the sauce is too thin, then simmer it for a bit longer before you put the cod in.

More Curry Recipes

  • Prawn tikka masala in a bowl with rice and a naan bread.
    Prawn Tikka Masala
  • Prawn, Tomato and Coconut Curry and rice in a wooden bowl. Coriander leaf is scattered around it.
    Prawn, Tomato and Coconut Curry
  • Paneer curry and rice in a round bowl.
    Paneer Curry
  • Salmon curry and rice in a large bowl.
    Easy Salmon Curry

If you’ve tried this cod curry, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.

Recipe

A bowl of cod curry with rice and naan breads.

Cod Curry

By: Dannii Martin
This Cod Curry is much healthier than ordering a takeaway and something a little different for curry night.
A circular logo saying GF.
Gluten Free
A circular logo saying HP.
High Protein
4.82 from 16 votes
Pin Print Save recipe Saved!
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Prep: 5 minutes mins
Cook: 16 minutes mins
Total: 21 minutes mins
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 376kcal
Allergens:
An illustration of a fish.
Fish

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 1 Onion - diced
  • 2 tablespoon Garlic and ginger paste
  • 2 tablespoon Curry powder
  • 100 g (1 cups) Cauliflower - chopped into small florets
  • 0.5 Aubergine (eggplant) - diced
  • 400 g (14 oz) Chopped tomatoes - canned
  • 100 ml (0.5 cups) Coconut milk
  • 240 g (8.5 oz) Cod fillets - (about 120g/4oz per fillet)
  • 0.5 Lime - juice only
  • Fresh coriander (cilantro) - to serve

Instructions

  • Heat 1 tablespoon Olive oil in a large pan and add 1 Onion and 0.5 Aubergine (eggplant). Cook until softened (about 2 minutes).
  • Add 2 tablespoon Garlic and ginger paste and stir well.
  • Stir in 2 tablespoon Curry powder and cook for a further minute.
  • Add 100 g Cauliflower, 400 g Chopped tomatoes and 100 ml Coconut milk. Stir well so everything is combined and simmer for 8 minutes.
  • Place 240 g Cod fillets on top of the sauce and cover the pan with a lid. Cook until the cod is cooked through, about 5-10 minutes.
  • Squeeze over the juice of 0.5 Lime and sprinkle with Fresh coriander (cilantro).

Recipe Tips

  • Once the cod has been added to the sauce, stir the sauce occasionally but very carefully as you don't want the fillets to break up in the sauce.
  • Make sure you don't over-cook the cod, as it will become very tough.
  • You can use light coconut milk instead of full fat in this cod curry, but you won't get the same creamy flavour.
  • Add a little crunch to this curry by serving with some cashew nuts on top.
  • This is a really mild curry, making it perfect for serving up to the whole family. However you you can always add a finely diced read chilli to the sauce, or just sprinkle some red chilli flakes.
  • You can give this an extra protein boost by adding some quick cook lentils at the same time as the coconut milk.
  • Make a vegetarian version of this by swapping the cod for chickpeas, halloumi/paneer or even just loads of vegetables. Make up a big pan of sauce and then swap the cod for a veggie alternative.
  • An easy way to add a little extra flavour, texture and creaminess is by adding a spoonful of peanut butter (or almond or cashew).
  • If you want a smooth sauce, then you could swap the tinned tomatoes for passata.
  • You could cut the fish in to bite sized pieces, rather than adding whole fillets, if you prefer.
  •  

Nutritional Information

Serving: 1portion | Calories: 376kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 52mg | Sodium: 1131mg | Potassium: 1588mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 380IU | Vitamin C: 57mg | Calcium: 160mg | Iron: 7mg

The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.

As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.

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Comments

  1. Gavin Sutherland says

    June 09, 2021 at 12:33 am

    5 stars
    I've never used fish in curry much before (other than prawns) - this was inspiring and tasted amazing!

    Reply
  2. Lauren Michael Harris says

    June 09, 2021 at 12:00 am

    Cod and curry - two of my favorite foods! I can't believe that I never thought to put the two together before - so good!

    Reply
  3. Amanda says

    June 08, 2021 at 10:54 pm

    5 stars
    Such a delicious curry recipe! The cod made it perfectly light for the summer, and that creamy broth was loaded with flavor.

    Reply
  4. Beth says

    June 07, 2021 at 9:31 pm

    5 stars
    What a lovely dish! I never though of making curry with cod before and it looks so delicious! Excited to try this recipe soon!

    Reply
  5. Claudia Lamascolo says

    June 07, 2021 at 8:47 pm

    5 stars
    This made the cod taste so delicious I was shocked on how well it complimented this mild fish flavor

    Reply
  6. Marlynn says

    June 07, 2021 at 8:35 pm

    5 stars
    This is such a flavorful dish, and I love that it can be made in just one pan! We enjoyed it with flatbread.

    Reply
  7. Sara Welch says

    June 07, 2021 at 7:57 pm

    5 stars
    What a unique and unexpected dish! Served this for dinner last night and the whole family loved it!

    Reply
4.82 from 16 votes (10 ratings without comment)

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My name is Dannii. Here you will find easy family recipes with a healthy twist.

Established in 2011, Hungry Healthy Happy has become one of the UK's most popular food blogs, with two successful recipe books published.

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