Fish Head Curry

Fish head curry is immensely popular in Malaysia and Singapore. With South Indian origins, it uses a combination of various spices and ingredients to create its well accepted delectable taste.

4.4 stars

Preparation 20 mins
Cooking 55 mins

Side

Kari Kepala Ikan

Malaysian, Singaporean

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Nutrition per Serving

412 kcal
54 g
18 g
17 g


One of the most sought after curry in both Malaysian and Singapore is the fish head curry. Commonly found at many Indian eateries like "mamak", fish head curry is ordered as an additional dish to go with steamed white rice.

Just like some dishes found in Malaysia and Singapore, this recipe has been adapted to the taste of the locals ever since it was introduced by the Indian migrants when they moved to the region.

Thus, it is no surprise that fish head curry is not known in India.

But, why fish head?

The meat located at the jaws of red sea bream, below the gills and the back of the neck is sweet and delicate. It is where the layers of fine meat structure absorb the flavours of the curry or sauce that it is cooked in, hence making fish head much sought after when cooking curry.

Therefore, it is no surprise that some* would only devour the fish head even though the whole fish is served in dishes like Cantonese steamed fish.  

Due to its popularity, there is now a variety of fish head curries depending on the ethnic flavour profiles such as Nyonya fish head curry or Thai fish head curry.

Although there is a great variety, the Indian fish head curry still remains my favourite. It is also known as the healthier version as it does not uses any coconut milk but yet is able to deliver the thick and luscious curry flavours. There are a few tips to making the perfect fish head curry and I have you covered.

Fish curry powder

Fresh fish curry powder mix is a must. The quality and composition of the curry powder will affect the taste. Look out for Malaysian or Singaporean made fish curry powder mixture. If you are located in any of these countries, fresh curry powder mixture can be bought at the wet market.

Type of fish

As mentioned, red sea bream is typically used in fish head curry. Other white fleshed fishes such as sea bass, gilt-head bream or talapia are also suitable for making this flavourful curry. In most western countries, fish heads are not readily available.

It is not a problem to cook using a whole fish (cut into three parts). If there is still reluctance to cook the fish head, use fillets or cutlets as a replacement. The key importance is to use fresh fish and do not over cook it to prevent the flesh from becoming tough.)

Make fish head curry thick in consistency

Fish head curry must be thick in consistency. There is no two ways about it. There are two main steps which needs to be followed in order to obtain it.

  1. The first is to use rice. Having rice as an ingredient in curry may seemed unusual but the starch from the rice acts as a thickening agent.
  2. Secondly, the curry needs to be simmered until it reaches the desired thickness.
  3. Vegetables such as okras and aubergines are perfect for curries as they readily soak up the gravy.

These are the three main tips to guide you to whip up the perfect fish head curry similar to that found in most Indian eateries. It is simpler to prepare compared to other curries. This dish goes perfectly well with white rice and side dishes of banana leaf rice.


Ingredients

Servings:  
1
fish
3 tsp
tamarind paste
800 ml
water
8
garlic clove(s)
3
shallot(s)
10
chilli peppers (dried)
50 g
curry powder
2 tbsp
water
1 cm
ginger
1 1⁄2 tbsp
rice
4 tbsp
oil
1⁄2 tbsp
mustard seeds
1 tsp
fenugreek seeds
1
curry leaves stalk(s)
1
yellow onion(s)
1
aubergine (Indian)
6
ladies' fingers
2
tomato(es)
1⁄2 tbsp
sugar
1 tbsp
salt

Steps to Prepare

Fish Head Curry Step 1

Step 1 of 6

    • 1 fish
    • 1 1⁄2 tsp tamarind paste
    • 100 ml water

Add 1.5 teaspoons of tamarind paste into a bowl filled with 100ml water. Mix well. Pour the tamarind solution onto the fish and let it rest for 10 minutes.

Fish Head Curry Step 2

Step 2 of 6

Blend garlic, shallot, ginger and dried chilies (soaked and deseeded). Set aside. Add water to curry powder and make into a paste.

Fish Head Curry Step 3

Step 3 of 6

    • 1 1⁄2 tbsp rice

In an empty wok heated at medium heat, toast rice until browned. Pound or blend toasted rice until fine. Set aside

Fish Head Curry Step 4

Step 4 of 6

    • 4 tbsp oil
    • 1⁄2 tbsp mustard seeds
    • 1 tsp fenugreek seeds
    • 1 curry leaves stalk(s)
    • 1 yellow onion(s)
    • 700 ml water

Heat 4 tablespoons of oil at medium heat. Sauté onions until fragrant before adding curry leaves. Add mustard seeds and fenugreek seeds. Continue sautéing until mustard seeds begin to pop. Add the blended ingredients and curry powder paste. When oil begins to separate from the ingredients, add pounded toasted rice and water to the wok. Increase heat to the maximum.

Fish Head Curry Step 5

Step 5 of 6

    • 1 1⁄2 tsp tamarind paste
    • 1 aubergine (Indian)
    • 6 ladies' fingers
    • 2 tomato(es)
    • 1⁄2 tbsp sugar
    • 1 tbsp salt

Once curry boils vigorously, add fish, aubergines, ladies' fingers and tomatoes. Reduce heat to the minimum and let it simmer until fish is cooked. It should take about 8 to 10 minutes if fish is around 1 kg. Remove fish from curry once it is cooked. Leave aside. Add the rest of the tamarind paste, salt and sugar. Continue simmering for the next 40 minutes or until curry thickens.

Fish Head Curry Step 6

Step 6 of 6

Add fish head and the rest of the meat into curry. Increase the heat to allow it to boil. Once it boils, switch off the stove. Serve fish head curry with steamed white rice.

Published: July 17, 2018


9 Discussions

Jane E T Wong
3 years ago

Jane E T Wong

Just cooked this dish. Super duper tasty, thank you for the recipe. I added some fish sauce and I liked it.

Mira - Community Happiness Manager
3 years ago

Mira - Community Happiness Manager

Welcome! Don't forget to upload a food snap to your profile and show us the dish.

Wai Ling Suan-Klein
3 years ago

Wai Ling Suan-Klein

I am inspired by your cooking and today i chosed the Fish head curry. I followed step by step till i saw the 50 gms curry powder. i thought it was too much as there were already 10 dried chillies. I add only like 35 gms curry powder but it was too way to spicy. I would suggest that you add curry powder as u go. Thanks for sharing.

Mira - Community Happiness Manager
3 years ago

Mira - Community Happiness Manager

Thank you for the feedback. The spiciness is usually from the dried chillies. You can get tips to reduce the spiciness of the chillies here https://www.nyonyacooking.com/ingredients/chilli-peppers-dried~ByUlUDswzcZX

sue h
3 years ago

sue h

Fantastic recipe. Made it with snapper we caught. Would do it over and over again.

K7
4 years ago

K7

Hi! Isnt a better idea to put the fish like sea-bass at the last moment to avoid it being overcooked?

Mira - Community Happiness Manager
4 years ago

Mira - Community Happiness Manager

Yes, you can do so. Or remove the fish at Step 5, as recommended.

Baden
4 years ago

Baden

wonderful recipe, thank you!

Regina
4 years ago

Regina

Love the recipe always! Yummy!:)

Mira - Community Happiness Manager
4 years ago

Mira - Community Happiness Manager

Glad to know, Regina. Thank you for your food snap!

Dennapa
4 years ago

Dennapa

Hi, can i skip the fenugreek seeds?

Mira - Community Happiness Manager
4 years ago

Mira - Community Happiness Manager

Yes. That is possible.

Susan Chee
4 years ago

Susan Chee

The fish head curry looks appetising and I plan to cook this soon. What should the weight of a fish head be?

Mira - Community Happiness Manager
4 years ago

Mira - Community Happiness Manager

We don't have the weight of the fish head only. Here, we used a medium sized fish.

Sheryl
4 years ago

Sheryl

Hi Grace! Your curry looks really authentic! Can’t wait to cook it for my family!! How much actual asam jawa would replace the tamarind paste in your recipe?

Mira - Community Happiness Manager
4 years ago

Mira - Community Happiness Manager

It's an authentic recipe! We never do anything less. *wink tamarind paste is asam jawa. You can use the same amount as suggested, but taste as you go. Looking forward to your food snap in your profile.

Sheryl
4 years ago

Sheryl

Hi Mira! Tks for your reply. Will use the same amount when I cook it. Keeping fingers crossed!

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