17 Best Indian Fish Recipes

These Indian fish recipes are a terrific way to incorporate Omega-3 fatty acids into your diet.

They’re spicy and packed with wonderful flavors everyone will love. But don’t worry, they’re not too spicy!

The great thing about these Indian fish recipes is that you can use almost any kind of fish you like.

As long as it’s firm and meaty, you’re good to go. So, you can choose anything from salmon and cod to rockfish and halibut.

From a warming and spicy fish curry to crunchy fried fish (aka Amritsari), these flavorful Indian meals will make you forget all about chicken. 

Easy Indian Fish Curry and More!

1. Indian Fish Masala

This Indian fish masala is spicy (but not too spicy) and jam-packed with rich Indian flavors.

Better yet, you won’t need to hunt down unusual ingredients. Instead, this flavorful fish dish calls for herbs that are likely right in your cupboards. 

The trick to hearty and flavorful masala is to use freshwater fish, such as catfish, trout, or salmon.

Even if freshwater fish isn’t your favorite fish, the robust flavors in this recipe mask any muddy and overly fishy notes. 

2. Goan Fish Curry

Goa is a small pocket of beach paradise on the southwest coast of India, and they know seafood!

This Goan curry celebrates seafood with rich spices accenting the fish’s flavor. 

You may need to make a trip to your local Asian supermarket for some unique seasonings, but it’s well worth it!

Herbs such as Kashmiri chili and fenugreek take this recipe to new heights.

And fenugreek has slightly sweet maple notes that pair so well with spicy seasoning. 

3. Kerala-Style Fish

Kerala-style dinner is the perfect fish dinner for a hot summer night when you want to eat light.

It can be grilled or baked, and almost any type of fish works wonderfully. 

Coat the fish with rich and punchy Kerala paste that takes rich seasoning on a quick trip in the blender.

Chili powder, yellow curry paste, fresh curry leaves, and garlic lend spicy notes, while a heavy squeeze of lemon juice lifts those beautiful flavors. Yum!

4. Baked Fish Masala

Cooking a whole fish is my favorite way to pretend I’m a 5-star chef! And while it may look intimidating, this recipe is surprisingly easy.

If you can, take a trip to your local market for pre-cleaned Asian fish like Rohu, Pomfret, or Hilsa. They’re meatier, which yields a tender, flaky fish. 

However, this recipe is so simple that any fish works in a pinch.

The star of the show is the robust Masala sauce, so even a cheap cut of tilapia will be delicious if you’re on a budget.  

5 Indian Fish Curry With Coconut Milk

I love this dish because it’s easy to make and tasty. After all, there’s never a wrong time of year to whip up an easy coconut milk curry.

And while the recipe calls for monkfish because it has a hearty, meaty texture of lobster (at a fraction of the price), you can use whatever fish I have on hand.

The curry sauce incorporates spicy seasonings such as chili powder, cumin, garlic, and garam masala.

Adding coconut milk makes this hearty curry sauce so incredibly creamy and delicious and balances the punchy spices perfectly. 

6. Meen Kolambu

This dish tastes like something right out of southern India.

Ingredients such as fresh coconut (which isn’t always easy to find), fenugreek seeds, and tamarind seeds deliver punchy and authentic flavors. 

As far as the fish is concerned, any meaty and hearty white fish works in this dish.

Cut the fish into pieces, and marinate it in the fridge for at least 3 hours. After that, it’ll come together in around 30 minutes. 

7. Indian Spiced Fish

Unlike most curries or other Indian dishes, the ingredient list for this recipe is surprisingly short. 

When you have everything ready to go, toss the ingredients together and coat the fish.

Then, it’s time for a quick sear – a few minutes on either side should do the trick.

This delightful fish recipe calls for plaice, which is a generally cheap cut of fish often found at Asian grocery stores.

If you can’t find plaice, I suggest using cod. It has a similar texture, but the flavor is slightly stronger than plaice. 

8. Tandoori Fish Tikka

Tandoori fish tikka is a classic Northern Indian comfort food.

It’s brimming with flavors and doesn’t require special seasonings – all of the ingredients needed are likely in your fridge as we speak!

The key to flavorful and beautiful tandoori fish tikka is the marinade. And it will bring to life any fish you have, fresh or frozen.

The red food coloring in the marinade is optional, but it adds a punchy red hue that’s ideal for Instagram photos!

9. Fish Biryani

This recipe may seem fancy, but it’s the perfect quick dish to whip up on a hectic weeknight.

The fish marinates in rich seasonings while you prep the rice and gravy. That shouldn’t take too long, and then the fish just needs to sear.

Layer rice on the plate, add the fish, and top with a rich and punchy Biryani gravy.

It’s so indulgent and delicious!

10. Fish Pulusu

Fish pulusu is tart, tangy, and incorporates spicy Indian seasoning for a unique fish dish.

Again, any fillet of white fish works perfectly in this dish, so pick something you and your family love. 

The fish marinates in a tart lemon, chili powder, and turmeric sauce for minutes. And when it hits the pan with fresh aromatics, you’ll go weak in the knees.

Serve this simple dish alone, or pair it with white basmati rice. 

11. Andhra Fish Fry

If your family loves fried fish, this Andhra fish fry will be a big hit!

The recipe list for this dinner dish is short and sweet but delivers massive flavors. 

For the marinade, you’ll need a simple mixture of garlic, turmeric, chili powder, and rock salt.

And unlike other meaty proteins, white fish only takes 10 minutes to soak up all that flavor.

For the ultimate Indian flavor, try swapping out oil for Ghee, and garnish with a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. 

12. Amritsari Fish

Don’t let the title trick you into thinking this dish is fancy or complicated. Amritsari fish is simply Indian fish fritters.

This popular street food is found all over Northern India because it’s fun to eat and full of rich flavors.

It gives Tandoori chicken a run for its money!

The best part about this dish is that it comes together in a flash.

The fish batter includes delicious seasoning such as yogurt, ginger, garlic, and spicy Indian herbs.

Add a few drops of orange food coloring to help them pop off the plate. 

Batter, fry, and serve alone or with a side of veggies or rice. Delish!

13. Chilli Fish/Fish Manchurian

This flavorful dish is thick and hearty – almost like an Indian stew.

Cubes of your favorite fish soak in a scrumptious marinade and then fry until golden brown. 

Toss the hot, fried fish into an aromatic mixture of cooked veggies and spices, and serve with steamed rice. 

14. Baked Fish Masala

Are you looking for a recipe that’s a little more healthy?

This baked fish masala is brimming with rich and punchy Indian flavors. And since it’s baked, you know it’s nutritious and healthy.

Since this recipe uses a whole fish, be sure to marinate it overnight to infuse all of those rich flavors.

Don’t worry, though; once it’s ready, it only takes a few minutes to cook. Garish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and pair it with rice. 

15. Spicy Kerala Baked Fish

If you’re not ready to tackle a whole fish, these spicy Kerala baked fish fillets are a fantastic alternative.

Use whatever fish you like, but if possible, I suggest cod. It’s thick, meaty, and holds its shape beautifully after cooking.

You’ll need a spicy rub of Kashmiri chili, turmeric, ginger, garlic, and shallots. And that needs to sit for at least one hour before hitting the oven. 

When it’s done, it’s spicy, crispy, and oh-so-simple.

16. Goan Prawn Curry

This Goan prawn curry is spicy, slightly sour, and the perfect meal to warm your bones this winter.

It’s thick and hearty, with an added kick of spice that’s muted by fresh coconut and coconut milk. 

You’ll get the spice from Kashmiri red chilies, coriander seeds, turmeric, and cumin seeds, which are aromatic and punchy.

Of course, you can adjust these to your liking.

Meanwhile, the sour notes come from the tamarind, giving this dish its unique flavor. 

17. Coconut Curry Salmon

If pungent fish (like cod or plaice) isn’t your jam, this coconut curry salmon is an excellent option.

Salmon is rich and meaty with such a lovely color that it always makes your plate look appetizing.

You’ll brush a decadent and slightly sweet sauce over the salmon, then bake in the oven until golden and delicious.

While the salmon cooks, you’ll make a creamy coconut curry sauce on the stove.

It features coconut milk, lemongrass paste, garlic, ginger, and fresh herbs and is light, bright, and zesty. 

Place the cooked salmon atop white rice, and pour that flavorful curry sauce on top. Serve with a naan so you can soak up every last drop.