Name: Tomato Coconut Curried Cod Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 yellow onion, diced; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1.5 tablespoons curry powder; 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes; 1 cup vegetable stock; 1 can (14 oz) full fat coconut milk; Kosher salt, to taste; Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste; 1 pound fresh cod fillets; 1/2 cup freshly chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish; 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lime juice

Print Recipe· 4.1 from 14 reviews

If you have ever wished to bring a dish to your table that bursts with vibrant flavors and comforting warmth, then this Tomato Coconut Curried Cod Recipe is here to make that dream come true. This delightful combination of tender cod simmered in a luscious coconut curry sauce with fresh tomatoes and aromatic spices will dazzle your senses. It’s the perfect marriage of creamy, tangy, and spicy notes in a quick, wholesome meal that everyone will want to dive into again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pan with two handles is placed on a white marbled surface. Inside the pan, there is a layer of light golden oil covering half of the bottom. On the other side, there are chopped white onions with some black pepper sprinkled on top, showing a mix of white and black colors. Next to the pan, on the marble surface, are two small wooden bowls, one filled with coarse white salt and the other with ground black pepper. A black and white striped cloth is partially visible on the right edge of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Tomato Coconut Curried Cod Recipe is carefully chosen to build a harmony of flavors and textures. These simple staples come together beautifully, creating a dish that balances richness, freshness, and a touch of spice.

Olive oil: A heart-healthy base that gently sautés the aromatics to release their fragrance.
Yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and a subtle crunch when caramelized.
Garlic: Brings depth and warmth to the curry with its pungent aroma.
Curry powder: The star spice mix infusing the dish with vibrant Indian-inspired flavors.
Cherry or grape tomatoes: Burst with juiciness and add a natural tang and color contrast.
Vegetable stock: Enhances the sauce with savory notes and keeps it light.
Full fat coconut milk: Lends a rich, creamy texture that softens the spices and adds tropical sweetness.
Fresh cod: A flaky, mild white fish that soaks up the curry sauce beautifully.
Fresh cilantro: Brightens the dish with a fresh, herby finish.
Lime juice: Adds a zesty zing to balance the creamy richness.
Kosher salt and cracked pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out every flavor in the recipe.

How to Make Tomato Coconut Curried Cod Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. This step is crucial to build the flavor base. Add the diced yellow onion with a pinch of salt and pepper, cooking for about 3-4 minutes while stirring often until the onions turn soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute, letting the fragrant garlic bloom without browning it.

Step 2: Build the Curry Sauce

Now, toss in the cherry or grape tomatoes along with the curry powder. The tomatoes will soften and release their natural juices, mingling with the fragrant spices. Pour in the vegetable stock and creamy coconut milk, seasoning again with salt and pepper. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and let this simmer on a slightly higher heat for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld into a luscious sauce.

Step 3: Simmer the Cod

Gently nestle the fresh cod fillets into the bubbling curry sauce. Cover the pan again and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Let the fish cook for 7 to 10 minutes, or until it is fully cooked through and flakes effortlessly with a fork. This timeframe ensures the cod is tender while soaking up all the delicious curry flavors.

Step 4: Finish with Freshness

Once the cod is cooked, stir in the freshly chopped cilantro and squeeze in the vibrant lime juice. These additions lift the dish with brightness and herbal freshness, rounding out the deep, creamy curry beautifully.

How to Serve Tomato Coconut Curried Cod Recipe

A white round pan sits on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth on one side. Inside the pan, there is a layer of cooked, chopped onions with a soft yellowish color and some black pepper seasoning scattered over. On top of the onions, vibrant red cherry tomatoes are being poured from a white bowl held by a woman's hand with a tattoo on the forearm. A dark wooden spoon rests in the pan among the onions. Near the pan on the surface are two small wooden bowls, one filled with coarse salt and the other with ground black pepper, as well as a small glass jar of yellow spice. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The simple garnish of extra chopped cilantro adds a pop of color and an herbaceous punch that complements the richness of the tomato coconut curry. For an added touch, consider a sprinkle of toasted cumin seeds or thinly sliced fresh chilies if you like a bit more heat.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with fragrant basmati rice to soak up every drop of that silky sauce. Alternatively, try serving it with warm naan bread for an inviting, hands-on experience. Lightly steamed greens or sautéed spinach also make fresh, nutritious accompaniments to balance the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stylish dinner presentation, serve the cod fillets over a bed of turmeric-infused rice, then spoon generous amounts of the tomato coconut curry around and over the fish. Garnish with a lime wedge and extra cilantro sprigs. Serving in individual shallow bowls allows the vibrant colors and textures to shine, making it as delightful to look at as to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of the Tomato Coconut Curried Cod Recipe keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors continue to deepen after resting, making reheated portions just as satisfying.

Freezing

Freezing this dish is best avoided if possible because the texture of cooked cod can become a little grainy. However, if necessary, freeze only the curry sauce without the fish and add fresh cod when reheating to maintain optimum freshness and texture.

Reheating

When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent the coconut milk from separating. If needed, add a splash of vegetable stock to loosen the sauce and keep it silky smooth.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of fish for this dish?

Absolutely! While cod works wonderfully due to its flaky texture and mild flavor, other firm white fish like haddock or halibut can also be great substitutes in the Tomato Coconut Curried Cod Recipe.

Is this recipe very spicy?

No, the curry powder adds warmth and depth but is not overly spicy. You can adjust the heat level by choosing a mild or hot curry powder or adding fresh chilies to suit your taste.

Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the cod with sturdy vegetables like cauliflower florets or chickpeas for protein. The tomato coconut curry base is already packed with plant-based ingredients.

What if I can’t find fresh cilantro?

Dried cilantro isn’t quite the same, but fresh parsley can be a good alternative for garnish and freshness. Or omit it altogether if unavailable—the dish will still shine.

How do I know when the cod is perfectly cooked?

The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork yet remains moist and tender. Cooking time depends on thickness but usually takes 7 to 10 minutes simmering in the curry sauce.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Tomato Coconut Curried Cod Recipe enough for anyone looking to elevate weeknight dinners or impress guests with an exotic yet approachable dish. It’s a brilliant blend of simple ingredients coming together into a flavorful, heartwarming meal. Give it a try—you’ll soon wonder how you ever lived without this delicious curry in your repertoire!