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    Home / Dinner / Cape Malay Fish Curry

    Cape Malay Fish Curry

    Flaky white fish simmered in a golden turmeric and coconut curry — a gentle, fragrant main that captures the flavors of the Cape.

    ⏱ 15 minPrep time
    🔥 30 minCook time
    🍽 4Servings
    🏷 DinnerCategory
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    Cape Malay fish curry is a weeknight staple in Cape Town homes, where fresh catch meets a gently spiced sauce of turmeric, tomato, and coconut milk. Unlike fiery curries, this one is mellow and aromatic, letting the fish stay the hero. It is quick enough for a busy evening and comforting enough to make any day feel like a small celebration.

    Golden sauce, flaky fish, and a squeeze of lemon

    The sauce is silky and fragrant, with turmeric giving it a sunny color and coconut milk softening the spices into something luxurious. Firm white fish cooks in minutes, staying flaky and tender, and a squeeze of lemon at the end brightens the whole pot. Serve it over steaming rice with fresh cilantro, and spoon the sauce over everything.

    Craving more? Explore all South African Kitchen recipes.

    Curious how this curry compares to others? Our World of Curries guide explains 8 styles.

    South African recipes →

    Step by stepInstructions

    1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat and cook the onion until soft, about 6 minutes.
    2. Add the garlic, ginger, curry powder, turmeric, and ground coriander and stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
    3. Add the tomatoes and salt and cook for 5 minutes, until the tomatoes break down into a thick sauce.
    4. Pour in the coconut milk and chili, and simmer gently for 8 minutes until the sauce is slightly reduced.
    5. Slide the fish chunks into the sauce and spoon some sauce over the top.
    6. Simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily; do not stir too much or the fish will break.
    7. Stir in the lemon juice and most of the cilantro, taste for salt, and serve over rice with the remaining cilantro scattered on top.

    💡 Chef tips & storage

    Add the fish in the last few minutes so it stays flaky instead of breaking apart. If you like more heat, slice the chili with its seeds or add a pinch of cayenne with the spices.

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    Recipe details

    Prep15 min
    Cook30 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 →

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