Name: Green Curry Fish
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds white fish fillets (cut into 1-inch pieces); 1.5 cups canned coconut milk; 1/4 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 medium zucchini (cut into half-moons); 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (roughly chopped); 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves (roughly chopped); 1 lime cut into wedges

Brighten up your weeknight dinner with Green Curry Fish, a vibrant dish that pairs flaky white fish with a fragrant coconut milk sauce. Zucchini and red bell pepper add fresh texture, while a quick simmer in green curry paste infuses everything with bold, aromatic flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pan wonder makes a satisfying and healthy meal the whole family will love.

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A vibrant bowl of Green Curry Fish with zucchini and bell peppers simmering in coconut milk

Ingredients for Green Curry Fish

For the curry

White Fish Fillets – Cod or halibut works beautifully here, but any firm white fish will do.

Canned Coconut Milk – This is the creamy base that makes the curry so rich and dreamy.
Green Curry Paste – The star of the show! Use a good quality one for the best flavor.

Fish Sauce – Don’t skip this—it adds that essential umami depth.
Brown Sugar – Just a touch to balance out the tang and spice.

Vegetable Oil – Any neutral oil will work fine for sautéing.

For the vegetables

White Onion – Thinly sliced so it melts into the curry perfectly.
Red Bell Pepper – Adds a pop of color and sweetness.

Zucchini – Cut into half-moons for a lovely texture.

For garnish

Fresh Basil Leaves – Roughly chopped for a fragrant finish.
Fresh Cilantro Leaves – A must for that fresh, herby kick.
Lime – Wedges on the side for that bright, zesty touch.

Fresh ingredients for Green Curry Fish including coconut milk, fish, and vegetables

Cook Time for Easy Green Curry Fish

One of the things I love most about this Thai coconut curry with white fish is how quickly it comes together on a busy night. In the time it takes to cook a pot of rice, you can have this fragrant basil cilantro lime fish stew ready to serve.

Truthfully, this is one of those dishes that tastes like it simmered for hours but only takes moments to prepare. Here’s the breakdown of your timing:

Step	Time
Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	15 minutes
Total Time	30 minutes

If you’re looking for more quick and satisfying meals, you’ll love my collection of healthy soup recipes that are perfect for weeknights.

How to Make Thai Green Curry Fish

This easy Green Curry Fish recipe comes together in one pan, making cleanup just as simple as the cooking process. Let’s walk through each step to create that perfect savory fish simmered in coconut milk.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and red bell pepper, and sauté for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly translucent.

Step 2: Bloom the Curry Paste

Stir in the green curry paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the paste is fragrant and evenly coats the vegetables.

Cooking green curry paste with vegetables for Green Curry Fish

Step 3: Create the Sauce Base

Pour in the canned coconut milk, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Stir thoroughly with a spatula to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Cook the Fish and Vegetables

Add the fish pieces and zucchini half-moons to the skillet. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fish is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and the zucchini is tender but still slightly firm.

Simmering fish and zucchini in green curry sauce for Green Curry Fish

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the roughly chopped fresh basil and cilantro. Taste the curry and adjust seasoning with additional fish sauce or brown sugar if desired.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the stir-fried fish in green curry sauce hot, accompanied by steamed rice and lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the dish.

Finished bowl of Green Curry Fish with fresh herbs and lime garnish

Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks

Over the years, I’ve made this zucchini and bell pepper curry dish countless times, and I’ve picked up some tricks that make it even more wonderful. Here are my favorite ways to customize this recipe to make it your own.

Flavor Swap: If you’re out of basil, try mint or even a handful of spinach for a different herbal note that still tastes fantastic.

Diet Tweak: For a sugar-free version, substitute the brown sugar with a pinch of stevia or monk fruit sweetener—it balances the acidity just as well.
Prep Fix: To ensure your fish stays firm, pat it completely dry before adding it to the curry. This helps it simmer rather than steam in the sauce.
Storage Tip: This Coconut Fish Curry keeps beautifully for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Gently reheat it on the stove over low heat to prevent the fish from breaking apart. For more make-ahead ideas, check out my air fryer salmon recipe that’s perfect for meal prep.

When selecting your fish, I always recommend making sustainable seafood choices whenever possible to support healthy oceans.

Nutrition and Health Benefits

This vibrant Thai Green Curry Fish isn’t just a feast for your taste buds – it’s packed with nourishing ingredients that make you feel as good as it tastes. I love serving my family dishes that balance bold flavors with wholesome goodness, and this one checks all the boxes.

The combination of lean white fish and colorful vegetables creates a meal that’s naturally rich in protein, vitamins, and antioxidants. Coconut milk provides healthy fats, while the aromatic herbs add both flavor and beneficial plant compounds. It’s truly a heart-healthy fish curry that satisfies without weighing you down.

For those watching their nutrition, here’s a breakdown of what makes this dish so nourishing:

Ingredient	Health Benefit
White Fish	High-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids
Coconut Milk	Medium-chain triglycerides for energy
Bell Peppers & Zucchini	Vitamins A and C, fiber
Fresh Herbs	Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties

If you enjoy nutrient-packed meals, you’ll appreciate my collection of colorful vegetable side dishes that pair beautifully with fish. For another healthy seafood option, try my gluten-free salmon cups that are perfect for light lunches.

A Lighter Version of Green Curry Fish

Sometimes I want all the vibrant flavors of this dish but with a lighter touch, especially when I’m craving something nourishing but not too rich. Over the years, I’ve discovered some simple tweaks that make this recipe even more waistline-friendly without sacrificing that authentic Thai taste.

One of my favorite adjustments is using light coconut milk instead of the regular variety. It still provides that creamy coconut base but with significantly less fat. I also increase the vegetables – adding extra zucchini and bell peppers makes the curry more substantial while keeping it light.

Here are my go-to modifications for a lighter Green Curry Fish:

Use light coconut milk instead of regular for reduced fat content
Increase vegetables by 50% for more fiber and volume
Reduce oil to 1 tablespoon when sautéing aromatics
Add a splash of lime juice at the end for brightness without added calories

These small changes create a lighter but equally delicious version of this Thai coconut curry with white fish. For more healthy seafood inspiration, check out my smoked trout recipe or these refreshing shrimp sesame salad options.

Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets

I’ve had many friends and family members with different dietary needs around my table over the years, and I’ve learned that with a few thoughtful adjustments, this Green Curry Fish can suit almost everyone. Whether you’re sugar-conscious, managing blood sugar, or simply prefer lower glycemic meals, these tweaks maintain all the flavor while being more inclusive.

For my diabetic-friendly version, I replace the brown sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit – just a pinch is enough to balance the flavors without spiking blood sugar. I also make sure to include plenty of non-starchy vegetables like the zucchini and bell peppers, which help create a more glucose-friendly meal.

Here are my favorite adaptations for special diets:

Use sugar alternatives like stevia or erythritol instead of brown sugar for a truly sugar-free version

Serve with cauliflower rice instead of white rice for lower carb content and better glycemic control
Increase the protein portion slightly while reducing the sauce for a more blood sugar friendly balance

Remember, the key is making adjustments that work for your body while still enjoying the vibrant flavors of this beautiful dish.

How to Serve Green Curry Fish

I’ll never forget the first time I served this Green Curry Fish to my extended family during a summer gathering in Provence. The sun was setting over the lavender fields, and the aroma of coconut and spices filled our outdoor kitchen. My cousin’s children, who usually turned up their noses at fish, asked for second helpings – that’s when I knew this recipe was something special.

The way you serve this dish can transform it from a simple weeknight meal to something truly memorable. I love how the fragrant steam rises from the bowl, carrying scents of basil and lime that transport me straight to a Thai marketplace.

Beautifully served Green Curry Fish with jasmine rice and lime garnish

For the perfect presentation, I always start with a bed of fluffy jasmine rice that soaks up the incredible sauce. The contrast of the white rice against the vibrant green curry makes for a stunning visual appeal. I garnish generously with fresh cilantro and basil leaves, then add lime wedges on the side for that final bright squeeze.

Pairing suggestions that complement this fragrant basil cilantro lime fish stew beautifully:

Steamed jasmine or brown rice as the classic base
Quick-pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast
A simple cucumber salad to refresh the palate between bites
Crispy oven-baked zucchini fries as a fun side
A light, crisp white wine or iced lemongrass tea

For another Asian-inspired dish that pairs well with this curry, try my shrimp noodle bowl recipe that’s equally quick and flavorful. However you choose to serve it, this Green Curry Fish brings people together around the table, creating moments worth savoring.

Mistakes to Avoid

Over the years, I’ve made my fair share of mistakes with this Green Curry Fish recipe – and learned valuable lessons from each one. I’ll never forget the time I accidentally used red curry paste instead of green, creating a completely different dish that left my guests confused but oddly delighted. These small errors can dramatically change your final result.

Here are the most common pitfalls I’ve encountered and how to avoid them:

Overcooking the fish – add it last and simmer gently until just opaque

Using old curry paste – check expiration dates for maximum flavor
Not tasting as you go – adjust seasoning gradually rather than all at once
Skipping the fresh herbs – they add essential brightness at the end

Boiling instead of simmering – high heat can cause coconut milk to separate

I’ve found that following traditional cooking methods helps prevent these issues while maintaining authentic flavors. For another seafood dish that requires careful timing, try my pan-seared mahi mahi recipe that teaches perfect searing technique. The key is patience and attention – this fragrant basil cilantro lime fish stew rewards those who take their time.

How to Store Green Curry Fish

When my daughter left for college, I packed her a container of this Green Curry Fish that she could reheat in her dorm kitchen. She called me that evening, saying the aroma filled the entire hallway and three of her friends asked for the recipe. That’s when I realized good food travels well, both in distance and time.

This Thai coconut curry with white fish stores beautifully if you follow a few simple guidelines. Let the curry cool completely before transferring to airtight containers – I prefer glass because it doesn’t absorb odors. The flavors actually improve overnight as the spices meld together.

Here’s my storage advice for optimal freshness:

Storage Method	Duration
Refrigerated in airtight container	3-4 days
Frozen (without rice)	2-3 months

When reheating, do so gently over medium-low heat to prevent the coconut milk from separating. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of water or coconut milk. For more storage tips and delicious make-ahead meals, explore my collection of healthy soup recipes that keep beautifully.

Try This Green Curry Fish Yourself

I truly hope this Green Curry Fish becomes a regular in your kitchen rotation like it has in mine. There’s something magical about how this dish brings people together – whether it’s a busy Wednesday night or a special weekend gathering. The first time I made it for my book club, they declared it restaurant-quality but so much more heartfelt.

This easy Green Curry Fish recipe has become my go-to when I want to impress without stress. The combination of tender fish, creamy coconut, and vibrant herbs never fails to delight. It’s the kind of meal that creates memories around the table while nourishing both body and soul.

If you enjoy this Thai Green Curry Fish, you might also love these other seafood favorites from my kitchen: Mexican shrimp cocktail for something refreshing, air fryer salmon for quick weeknights, or my tuna salad recipe for light lunches. Each shares that same commitment to fresh ingredients and big flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Green curry fish recipe?

This Green Curry Fish recipe combines white fish with coconut milk, green curry paste, and fresh vegetables for an authentic Thai-inspired dish. It’s surprisingly easy to make at home with simple ingredients you can find at most grocery stores.

Thai green curry fish?

Thai Green Curry Fish typically features firm white fish simmered in a coconut-based sauce with green curry paste, eggplant, bamboo shoots, and Thai basil. My version uses accessible ingredients like zucchini and bell peppers while maintaining those authentic flavors.

Easy Thai green fish curry recipe?

For an easy Thai green fish curry, use store-bought green curry paste to save time while still achieving great flavor. The key is gently simmering the fish in the coconut sauce until just cooked through – it comes together in under 30 minutes.

Fish green curry with coconut milk?

Yes, coconut milk is essential for authentic fish green curry – it creates the creamy, rich base that balances the spicy curry paste. I recommend full-fat coconut milk for the best texture and flavor, though light coconut milk works for a lighter version.

More Flavor-Packed Recipes You’ll Love

If this Green Curry Fish sparked your appetite for global flavors, here are more of my favorite dishes that bring restaurant-quality excitement to your home kitchen.

Tom Kha Gai Soup – A creamy coconut Thai soup with chicken and mushrooms that’s both comforting and exotic.
Japanese Chicken Teriyaki – Sweet and savory glazed chicken that comes together faster than takeout.

Healing Chicken Soup – The ultimate comfort food with tender chicken, vegetables, and healing broth.
Salmon Farro Bowl – A nutrient-packed grain bowl with crispy salmon and vibrant vegetables.

Simple Green Curry Fish

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