Surmai fish curry is a popular and tasty seafood dish. This curry is rich in taste and texture. It is prepared from Surmai fish, also known as kingfish or Seer fish. This curry is a staple in many coastal regions. It’s especially popular in Indian cuisine, where Surmai fish is common.
Surmai Fish Curry is famous for its rich, aromatic flavours. It is a delightful dish for seafood fans. Adjust the spice and ingredients to your taste. This guide will give you a personalized culinary experience.

Ingredients to Make Surmai Fish Curry with Coconut Milk
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a delicious Curry. Simply follow these steps to make delicious fish curry.
- 500 grams of Surmai fish fillets (cut into pieces)
- 1 large onion (finely chopped)
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tomatoes (finely chopped)
- 2-3 green chillies (slit lengthwise, adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chilli powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
- 2-3 tablespoons cooking oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
For the Tamarind Paste
- Small lemon-sized ball of tamarind
- 1/4 cup warm water
Step-by-Step Instructions to Cook Surmai Fish Curry
Here are a few Steps method which you can follow to Cook a very delicious Surmai Fish recipe.
- Soak the tamarind in warm water for about 15 minutes to soften it. After soaking, extract the tamarind pulp by squeezing it. Discard any seeds or fibres. Set the tamarind paste aside.

2. In a bowl, mix the fish pieces with turmeric powder and a pinch of salt. Allow them to marinate for about 15-20 minutes. You can also add one cup of coconut milk to taste.

3. Heat the cooking oil in a deep pan or kadai over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds to the hot oil. Let them splutter.

4. Add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) to the oil. Now add the chopped onions and green chillies to the pan. Sauté until the onions become translucent.

5. Use the ginger-garlic paste and cook for a few more minutes until the raw smell disappears. Add red chilli powder and coriander powder. Mix well and cook for a couple of minutes. Take the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and the oil begins to separate from the masala.

6. Add the tamarind paste to the masala. Adjust the quantity to your taste preferences for tanginess. Add water to achieve your desired consistency for the curry. Start with about 1 to 1.5 cups of water. Bring the curry to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld.

7. Put the marinated fish pieces to the simmering curry. Cook the fish on low to medium heat for about 8-10 minutes until it cooks through. Be careful not to overcook as fish can become dry.

8. Garnish the Kingfish Curry with fresh coriander leaves.
Serve hot with steamed rice or Indian bread (roti/naan).
Enjoy your homemade Surmai Fish Curry!

Different Styles of King Fish Surmai Curry in India
People in different styles prepare Kingfish curry recipes all over India. Every region has its own style of cooking. Some cooking styles of the Surmai fish recipe are given below.
King Fish Surmai Curry Maharashtrian style
People make Surmai Fish in the traditional Maharashtrian style. It’s a blend of aromatic spices and coastal flavours. The chef cooks the slices of marinated Surmai in a rich masala paste. The paste contains coconut, coriander, cumin, and spices. It creates a vibrant curry. Tamarind pulp adds a tangy twist while Malvani masala or Garam masala infuses warmth.
The result is a sumptuous fish curry, rich in texture and taste. Fresh coriander garnishes it. The dish is best with steamed rice. It captures the essence of Maharashtrian coastal cuisine in every flavorful bite.
Konkani style Surmai Fish Curry
The Konkani-style King Fish surmai Curry is a dish with the coastal flavours of the Konkan region. In this recipe, Coconut-based masala enhances the aromatic spices of Surmai fish. The addition of tamarind gives the curry a tangy taste that enhances the flavour balance.
This dish is rich and spicy, representing the essence of Konkani cuisine. It is enjoyed with steamed rice and showcases the culinary expertise of the Konkan region.
King Fish Surmai Curry in Malvani style
In the Malvani culinary tradition, Curry offers a symphony of robust flavours. People use Marinated Surmai slices immersed in a vibrant masala blend. This style features Malvani spices, coconut, and a hint of tamarind for a perfect balance of heat and tang.
Slow-cooked to perfection, the result is a mouthwatering curry. With fresh coriander, this Malvani-style Curry is served alongside steamed rice or bhakri. It delivers a memorable culinary experience with each flavorful bite.
Surmai Fish Mangalorean Style
Mangalorean-style fish Curry is a masterpiece that captures the essence of coastal Karnataka. In this preparation, fragrant masala with fish increases taste. It contains a blend featuring mustard seeds, fenugreek, coconut, and a medley of spices.
The addition of tamarind imparts a delightful tanginess to the curry. This Slow-cooked delicious curry represents the culture of Mangalore. Best enjoyed with rice, this curry is a testament to the region’s culinary expertise. It delivers a savoury journey through the coastal gastronomy of Mangalore.
Surmai Fish Curry Bengali-style
Bengali-style Curry is a celebration of many flavours. It shows the culinary heritage of Bengal. It features a blend of mustard paste, poppy seeds, and the subtle heat of green chillies. The curry consists of coconut milk or grated coconut and imparts a creamy texture. The distinctiveness of Bengali spices elevates the dish, creating a symphony of tastes.
It is also served with steamed rice and enhances the spicy flavour. This curry is a great source of tasty seafood for Bengali People.
Kerala Style Surmai Fish Curry
In Kerala style, Surmai Fish Curry showcases the distinctive flavours of South India. The Seerfish is bathed in a rich, coconut-based curry with a harmonious blend of spices. The curry features ingredients like:
- Curry leaves
- Mustard seeds
- Fenugreek
- Tamarind
offering a perfect balance of tanginess and spice. The Kerala-style Surmai Fish Curry captures the essence of the region’s culinary expertise.
Surmai Fish Fry A Delectable Seafood Delight
Kingfish fry is a popular and delicious seafood dish. This dish features marinated fish fillets. These fillets are coated with a flavorful spice mixture. Then shallow-fried until they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Here’s how to prepare fish Fry:
Ingredients for making Surmai Fish Fry
- 500 grams of Surmai fish fillets (cut into pieces)
- 1 teaspoon red chilli powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Cooking oil for frying (about 2-3 tablespoons)
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Cook Seerfish Curry
Marinate the Fish
In a mixing bowl, combine the red chilli powder, turmeric powder and cumin powder. You can also add coriander powder, ginger-garlic paste, salt, and lemon juice in it.
Coat the Seerfish pieces with this marinade, ensuring their coverage. Allow them to marinate for about 20-30 minutes to absorb the flavours.
Heat the Oil
Heat cooking oil in a shallow frying pan or skillet over medium heat. You’ll need enough oil to submerge the fish pieces.
Shallow-Fry the Fish
Once the oil is hot, add the marinated fish pieces to the pan in a single layer. Be cautious to avoid overcrowding the pan; you may need to fry the fish in batches.
Fry the fish on one side until it turns golden brown and crispy, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
Flip and Fry
Flip the fish pieces using a spatula. Continue frying the other side until it’s golden and crispy.
Drain Excess Oil
Once you cook the fish with a crispy coating, use a slotted spatula or tongs to remove the fried fish from the oil. Place the fish on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Garnish and Serve
If desired, garnish the Surmai Fish Fry with fresh coriander leaves. Serve the hot and crispy fish fry immediately with slices of lemon. You can also use dipping sauce or chutney.
Surmai Fish Fry is a delightful dish that you can enjoy as an appetizer or a side dish with rice and Indian bread. Its crispy exterior and flavorful spices make it a favourite among seafood enthusiasts.
10 Delicious Recipes of Surmai Fish
Surmai fish, or King Mackerel, is a versatile seafood with different cooking patterns. You can also prepare it in a variety of mouthwatering ways. Here are some delicious recipes to make the most of this delectable fish:
Surmai fish, or King Mackerel, is a versatile seafood with different cooking patterns. You can also prepare it in a variety of mouthwatering ways. Here are some delicious recipes to make the most of this delectable fish:

1. Surmai Fish Curry
Seerfish curry is a classic preparation enjoyed in coastal regions. Prepare the fish with a blend of spices, coconut milk, and tamarind for a rich and tangy taste.
2. Surmai Fish Fry
Kingfish fry is a simple yet irresistible dish. Marinate the fish pieces in a mixture of spices. This fry is very crispy and has a delicious taste. Most of the people in India love to eat the fry.
3. Surmai Fish Biryani
This biryani features Surmai fish pieces layered with fragrant rice, herbs, and spices. It’s a one-pot meal that’s both flavorful and filling.
4. Tandoori Surmai
Tandoori Surmai is also a delightful dish. Prepare it with a yoghurt-based mixture of spices. Then cook it in a tandoor (clay oven) or bake for a smoky, charred flavour.
5. Surmai Fish Tikka
Surmai fish tikka is a popular appetizer. Fish tikka is also a good delicious seafood to enjoy. Many people also prepare it with their masala flavours.
6. Surmai Fish Masala
In this recipe, you cook fish pieces in a thick, aromatic tomato-based gravy. This easy fish gravy recipe is enriched with spices and herbs. It’s a hearty and flavorful dish that pairs well with rice or bread.
7. Surmai Fish Tawa Fry
Tawa fry is a quick and easy way to prepare Surmai fish. Soak the pieces with spices, and sear on a hot grill or tawa. After that serve it with a squeeze of lemon.
8. Surmai Fish Kebabs
Prepare the flavorful kebabs by mincing Surmai fish and mixing them with a blend of spices and herbs. Shape the mixture into patties or skewer and grill it to perfection.
9. Surmai Fish Coconut Curry
This recipe uses a coconut-based curry with aromatic spices to cook Surmai fish. The creamy coconut sauce complements the fish’s natural flavours.
10. Surmai Fish Tacos
For a fusion twist, you can use grilled or fried Surmai fish as a filling for soft tacos. Top them with fresh salsa, lettuce, and a squeeze of lime for a delightful meal.
These recipes showcase the versatility of Surmai fish. It allows you to savour its delicious taste in various culinary styles. Explore these options to enjoy the delightful flavours of Surmai in your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Surmai Fish?
Surmai, also known as Kingfish or Seer Fish, is a popular marine fish. It is found in the Indian Ocean, particularly in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. It has a firm texture, mild flavour, and versatility in various culinary preparations.
Which fish is best for Indian fish curry?
Several fish varieties work well for Indian fish curry, each offering a unique flavour and texture. Some popular choices include Surmai or Kingfish, Rohu Fish, Salmon Fish, Katla Fish etc.
How to cut Surmai Fish?
Cutting surface fish or any fish is done by a shaped Knife or cutting board. remove the head and then remove the Fins. Also, remove scales from the body. Remove internal organs and then cut them into desired pieces.
Is Surmai fish healthy?
Yes, Surmai fish is good a healthy food choice. It is a good source of high-quality protein and essential omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains various vitamins and minerals. The fatty acids like EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) exist.
What is the taste of Surmai fish?
It has a mild and sweet flavour with a firm and meaty texture. The flesh of Surmai is white and can be distinguished by its taste, which is not fishy.
Conclusion
Surmai’s culinary potential is diverse. Surmai offers an array of delectable dining experiences. It’s crucial to be mindful of factors like mercury content. For pregnant individuals, it is essential to take safety precautions.
In conclusion, Surmai Fish is a delightful addition to the world of seafood. It is also a source of nourishment, culinary inspiration, and cultural significance. Its taste and versatility are helpful for those who appreciate the flavours of the sea.
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