How to Make Kerala Style Salmon Curry
If you love bold spices, creamy coconut flavors, and tangy curries that awaken your senses, then Kerala Style Salmon Curry is a must-try dish. Inspired by the traditional fish curries of Kerala (a coastal state in South India), this recipe blends aromatic spices, curry leaves, coconut milk, and tangy notes into one unforgettable seafood experience.
While traditional Kerala curry uses local fish like kingfish or sardines, salmon works beautifully thanks to its rich, buttery texture. In this blog, you’ll learn step-by-step how to make authentic Kerala-style salmon curry at home.
What Makes Kerala Fish Curry Special?
Kerala cuisine is famous for:
Fresh coconut and coconut milk
Coconut oil
Curry leaves
Mustard seeds
Tamarind or Kodampuli (Malabar tamarind)
Bold spices like turmeric, chili powder, coriander
The result? A curry that is spicy, tangy, slightly creamy, and deeply aromatic.
Ingredients for Kerala Style Salmon Curry
Main Ingredients:
500g salmon (cut into medium pieces)
1 medium onion (finely sliced)
2 tomatoes (chopped)
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
2 green chilies (slit)
1 cup thick coconut milk
½ cup thin coconut milk (or water)
1 tablespoon tamarind extract (or small piece soaked)
1 sprig curry leaves
2 tablespoons coconut oil
Spices:
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
½ teaspoon fenugreek seeds (optional but traditional)
½ teaspoon turmeric powder
1½ teaspoons Kashmiri chili powder
1 tablespoon coriander powder
½ teaspoon black pepper powder
Salt to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Salmon (Optional but Recommended)
Lightly marinate salmon with:
A pinch of turmeric
A little salt
A few drops of lemon juice
Let it rest for 10–15 minutes. This enhances flavor and reduces any strong fishy smell.
Step 2: Prepare the Base
Heat coconut oil in a clay pot (traditional) or deep pan.
Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
Add fenugreek seeds and sauté briefly.
Toss in curry leaves and green chilies.
Add sliced onions and sauté until soft and lightly golden.
The aroma at this stage is incredible!
Step 3: Add Spices
Add ginger-garlic paste and cook until raw smell disappears.
Lower the heat and add:
Turmeric powder
Chili powder
Coriander powder
Black pepper
Stir gently so the spices don’t burn.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes & Tamarind
Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft and oil starts separating.
Pour in thin coconut milk (or water).
Add tamarind extract.
Add salt and let the curry simmer for 5–7 minutes.
The gravy should slightly thicken and develop deep color.
Step 5: Cook the Salmon
Gently place salmon pieces into the curry.
Cover and cook on low heat for 6–8 minutes.
Do not stir aggressively — salmon is delicate.
Shake the pan gently instead of stirring to avoid breaking the fish.
Step 6: Finish with Thick Coconut Milk
Add thick coconut milk.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Turn off the heat.
Add a few fresh curry leaves and a drizzle of coconut oil on top for authentic Kerala flavor.
What to Serve with Kerala Salmon Curry
This curry pairs beautifully with:
Steamed Kerala red rice
White basmati rice
Appam (soft rice pancakes)
Idiyappam (string hoppers)
Kerala parotta
For the best taste, let the curry rest for a few hours — it tastes even better the next day!
Tips for Authentic Taste
Use coconut oil — it makes a huge difference.
If available, use Kodampuli (Malabar tamarind) instead of regular tamarind.
Cook in a clay pot for traditional flavor.
Avoid overcooking salmon to keep it soft and juicy.
Variations You Can Try
Add drumsticks (moringa) for traditional Kerala style.
Make it extra spicy with bird’s eye chilies.
Skip coconut milk for a more traditional “Meen Curry” version using only tamarind base.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Kerala Style Salmon Curry is:
✔ Rich and flavorful
✔ Perfect balance of spicy and tangy
✔ Easy to make at home
✔ Restaurant-quality taste
✔ Great for seafood lovers
It’s a comfort food that brings the warmth of South Indian coastal kitchens right to your dining table.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to elevate your seafood cooking game, this Kerala Style Salmon Curry recipe is the perfect dish to try. It’s simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough for guests.
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