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Kerala Fish Moilee

A gentle, golden fish stew in silky coconut milk, scented with ginger, curry leaves, and green chilies — Kerala at its most elegant.

⏱ 15 minPrep time
🔥 25 minCook time
🍽 4Servings
🏷 DinnerCategory
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Kerala Fish Moilee - gentle fish stew in silky coconut milk

Fish moilee is the milder, creamier cousin of Kerala’s fiery fish curry, a dish that traces its roots to the Syrian Christian homes of the coast. Mild white fish poaches in a pale coconut gravy that is rich but never heavy. It is the curry you serve when you want something comforting without any of the heat, and it pairs perfectly with a stack of soft appams.

Silky, golden, and whisper-mild

The gravy is luxurious and satiny, sweet with coconut milk and bright with ginger and curry leaves, with just a hint of green chili warmth. The fish stays tender and flaky, and the whole dish is light enough for a weeknight yet special enough for company. Serve it with appam to mop up every last drop, and watch the pot come back empty. It is gentle enough for children and elegant enough for guests, and it comes together in under an hour.

Craving more? Explore all South Indian Kitchen recipes.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. 1. Rub the fish with turmeric, salt, and pepper and set aside 10 minutes.
  2. 2. Heat the coconut oil and cook the onion, ginger, chilies, and curry leaves over medium-low until the onion is soft and translucent, about 6 minutes.
  3. 3. Add 1 cup of the coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. 4. Lay the fish in the gravy and cook, covered, 8 to 10 minutes until just opaque.
  5. 5. Stir in the remaining coconut milk and lemon juice and warm through without boiling.
  6. 6. Serve hot with appam or steamed rice.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Use thick coconut milk for the best body. Keep the heat low once the fish goes in so the milk stays smooth and the fish stays moist.

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Recipe details

Prep15 min
Cook25 min
Servings4
CategoryDinner
PublishedAugust 17, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →