🐟 Pan-Seared Fish with Spicy Coconut Curry Sauce

⏱ Time

Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Serves: 2

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I. INGREDIENTS

🐟 Fish

• 2 white fish fillets (cod, halibut, or sea bass)

• Salt and black pepper

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or coconut oil)

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🍚 Base

• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice

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🌶 Coconut Curry Sauce

• 1 tablespoon oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

• 1–2 red chilies, sliced

• 1 tablespoon red curry paste

• 1 cup coconut milk (full-fat for creaminess)

• ½ cup vegetable or chicken broth

• 1 teaspoon fish sauce

• 1 teaspoon brown sugar

• Juice of ½ lime

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🥬 Vegetables

• ½ cup baby spinach or bok choy

• ¼ red onion, sliced

• Extra sliced chilies for garnish

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🌿 Garnish

• Fresh cilantro

• Sesame seeds

• Lime wedges

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II. COOKING METHOD

1️⃣ Season & Sear the Fish

1. Pat fish dry (very important for crispy crust).

2. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

3. Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat.

4. Sear fish 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.

Fish should flake easily but stay moist.

Remove and set aside.

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2️⃣ Make the Coconut Curry Sauce

In the same pan:

1. Add oil if needed.

2. Sauté garlic, ginger, and chilies (30 seconds).

3. Stir in red curry paste. Cook 1 minute.

4. Pour in coconut milk and broth.

5. Add fish sauce and sugar.

Simmer 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.

Finish with lime juice.

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3️⃣ Add Vegetables

Stir in spinach and red onion.
Cook 1–2 minutes until wilted but still vibrant.

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4️⃣ Assemble

1. Spoon rice onto plate.

2. Pour coconut curry sauce around rice.

3. Place fish on top.

4. Garnish with cilantro, sesame seeds, and fresh chilies.

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III. HOW TO KNOW IT’S PERFECT

✔ Fish is golden outside, tender inside
✔ Sauce is creamy but not too thick
✔ Balance of spicy, sweet, salty, and tangy
✔ Fresh herbs brighten the dish

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IV. CHEF TIPS

✔ Do not move fish while searing — it forms better crust.
✔ Use full-fat coconut milk for richer sauce.
✔ Adjust chili level to taste.
✔ For extra depth: add a splash of soy sauce.

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V. OPTIONAL VARIATIONS

• Add shrimp instead of fish
• Make it Thai-style with basil
• Add bell peppers or zucchini
• Make it dairy-free (already dairy-free)
• Serve over cauliflower rice for low-carb