Tomato Coconut Curry Poached Cod
Updated Jul 14, 2025, Published on Oct 07, 2023
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This Tomato Coconut Curry Poached Cod is a must make if you're tired of the same old dinner recipes and craving something exciting, yet easy to prepare! Everything simmers together in one pan and a lot of the cooking time is hands-off.
Also, if you love seafood - check out my other seafood recipes! I really enjoy cooking with seafood because not only is it healthy and supper yummy, it also cooks faster than many other proteins.
Recipe Ingredients
Spice Blend
- 1 tsp Curry Powder
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric
- 1/2 tsp Cumin
- 1/2 tsp Coriander
- 3/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes more or less to taste
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
Other Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Avocado Oil or any neutral oil
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 tsp Ginger grated; or use 2 frozen cubes (such as the ones from Trader Joe's) - I always keep some cubes of the frozen ginger from trader Joe's on hand. It's so much easier than grating fresh ginger, but still tastes fresh and flavorful.
- 1 Shallot thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 14 oz Diced Tomatoes I used a can of no-salt added fire roasted tomatoes
- 1 can Full Fat Coconut Milk
- 1 tbsp Fish Sauce
- 2 lbs Cod cut into about 6 inch filets
- 1 Lime for serving
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley roughly chopped; for serving
- 1/4 cup Cilantro roughly chopped; for serving
While this recipe features cod as its star, don't hesitate to experiment with other fish options. Haddock, with its similar texture and flavor, makes a worthy substitute. Pollock, halibut, grouper, and tilapia are other types of fish that would work well in this recipe!
Recipe Instructions
Spice Blend
- Add all spices to a small bowl and mix together. Set aside.
Other Instructions
- Heat avocado oil over medium heat in a large high-rimmed pan. Add the sliced shallots, minced garlic, and grated ginger or frozen cubes. Cook 2-3 minutes until fragrant, stirring often.
- Mix in the spice blend. Cook for another 2 minutes. Add the tomato paste and stir to combine. Cook for 3 more minutes, allowing the tomato paste to darken in color.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes and stir to combine. Then pour in the can of coconut milk and fish sauce and stir to combine. Bring to a boil then lower to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the cod filets in an even layer. They should be almost entirely submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes or until cod is cooked through. Before serving, taste the sauce and season to taste with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Divide the cod among shallow bowls. Spoon over additional sauce. Squeeze with lime juice and sprinkle with chopped parsley and cilantro as desired.
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In just 45 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your home all in one pan. Serve this up with some rice, vegetables, or whatever you like! Fair warning: the sauce is so good you may want to just drink it.
If you try this recipe, feel free to rate/leave a review. You can also tag me on Instagram or TikTok!
Tomato Coconut Curry Poached Cod
Equipment
Ingredients
Spice Blend
- 1 teaspoon Curry Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon Cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon Coriander
- 3/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes, more or less to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Avocado Oil, or any neutral oil
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoon Ginger, grated; or use 2 frozen cubes (such as the ones from Trader Joe's)
- 1 Shallot, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoon Tomato Paste
- 14 oz Diced Tomatoes, I used a can of no-salt added fire roasted tomatoes
- 1 can Full Fat Coconut Milk
- 1 tablespoon Fish Sauce
- 2 lbs Cod, cut into about 6 inch filets
- 1 Lime, for serving
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, roughly chopped; for serving
- 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro, roughly chopped; for serving
Instructions
Spice Blend
- Add all spices to a small bowl and mix together. Set aside.
Other Instructions
- Heat avocado oil over medium heat in a large high-rimmed pan. Add the sliced shallots, minced garlic, and grated ginger or frozen cubes. Cook 2-3 minutes until fragrant, stirring often.
- Mix in the spice blend. Cook for another 2 minutes. Add the tomato paste and stir to combine. Cook for 3 more minutes, allowing the tomato paste to darken in color.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes and stir to combine. Then pour in the can of coconut milk and fish sauce and stir to combine. Bring to a boil then lower to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the cod filets in an even layer. They should be almost entirely submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes or until cod is cooked through. Before serving, taste the sauce and season to taste with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Divide the cod among shallow bowls. Spoon over additional sauce. Squeeze with lime juice and sprinkle with chopped parsley and cilantro as desired.
Video
@carolbeecooks Cod poached in a flavorful tomato coconut curry. So comforting yet not too heavy. Recipe coming soon! 🥥 #cod #poachedfish #curry #coconutcurry #onepanmeal
♬ original sound - Carolyn | Easy Recipes
Notes
- Haddock: Haddock is a white fish that is similar to cod in texture and flavor. It's often used as a substitute in recipes that call for cod.
- Pollock: Pollock is another white fish that is commonly used as a substitute for cod. It has a mild flavor and flaky texture, making it suitable for various dishes.
- Halibut: Halibut is a firm, white fish with a slightly sweet flavor. While it can be more expensive than cod, it works well in recipes that require a sturdy fish.
- Grouper: Grouper is a lean, white fish that is popular in many cuisines. It has a mild, sweet flavor and can be used in a variety of dishes.
- Tilapia: Tilapia is a mild-flavored fish that is readily available and often used as a budget-friendly alternative to cod. It has a slightly sweeter taste and a tender texture.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Can you omit the fish sauce?
Yes you could omit. You could also add a small splash of soy sauce for some extra flavor and saltiness if you’re omitting.