This green fish curry is a quick, nourishing meal with tender white fish, crisp vegetables, and a rich, creamy coconut-based green curry sauce.ย 

stainless steel skillet of fish green curry ready to serve.

Bursting with bold Thai-inspired flavors, this green curry fish comes together in 30 minutes, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

With an easy-to-customize ingredient list and a fuss-free way to cook, this is a fish and curry recipe youโ€™ll want to make again and again!

What is Green Fish Curry?

Green curry is a traditional Thai dish known for its bold, fragrant flavors, featuring a creamy coconut milk base, green curry paste, and a mix of fresh herbs and spices. 

While often made with chicken, tofu, or shrimp, this version spotlights white fish, which absorbs the curry flavors beautifully while remaining light and tender.

This dish is not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients. The fish provides lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, while the vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Plus, coconut milk offers healthy fats that make this dish rich and satisfying.

Why Youโ€™ll Love This Green Fish Curry Recipe

This recipe was inspired by a trip to Whitefish, Montana, where I came across an incredibly fresh whitefish fillet at a local market. That simple discovery sparked the idea for a dish thatโ€™s now a go-to in my kitchen – quick, nourishing, and packed with vibrant veggies.

If you love a good curry but want something lighter and fresher, this green fish curry is the perfect dish. 

The creamy coconut milk base beautifully complements the fragrant green curry paste, while the tender white fish absorbs all the bold flavors. 

Instead of a heavy, slow-cooked curry, this version comes together in just 30 minutes. Itโ€™s naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, and easy to customize with different proteins and vegetables.

Here are even more reasons why youโ€™ll love this fish curry recipe:

  • Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal prep
  • One-pot meal – Less mess, easy cleanup!
  • Rich, creamy and easily customizableย 
  • Naturally gluten-free & dairy-free
  • Every bite is balanced & nourishing
top down photo of green fish curry in a blue bowl with sliced of lime and Thai basil with a fork and napkin to the side

Ingredients for Green Fish Curry

Coconut milk: Creates a creamy base. Use full-fat for richness or lite for a lighter option. For a non-coconut alternative, swap with cashew cream.

Green curry paste: The main source of flavor. Adjust for spice preference or swap with yellow or red curry paste for a different taste.

Ginger and lime juice: Add warmth and brightness. Use ground ginger if fresh isnโ€™t available and lemon juice if needed.

Fish sauce (optional): Brings umami depth. Replace with tamari, soy sauce, or coconut aminos for a different salty element.

White fish: Cod, Tilapia, or Halibut absorb flavors beautifully. Swap with salmon, shrimp, or tofu for variety.

Broccoli, green beans & zucchini: Provide texture and nutrients. Substitute with bok choy, snap peas, bell peppers, or spinach.

For serving: Pair with white, brown, or cauliflower rice, and top with coconut yogurt, chives, or cilantro for freshness.

How to Make Green Fish Curry 

In a large pot or skillet, combine coconut milk, green curry paste, ginger, lime juice, and fish sauce. Stir well and bring to a simmer.

Add the broccoli and green beans, then cover, and simmer for 3 minutes.

Gently stir in the fish and zucchini, then cover and cook for 7-10 minutes, until the fish is tender and the vegetables reach the desired doneness. 

Avoid overcooking the fish – it should be tender and flaky, not rubbery.

Serve the curry over rice, top with fresh chives, and add a dollop of coconut yogurt for extra creaminess!

Recipe Adaptations and Additions

  • Make it heartier – Add shrimp, chicken, or tofu for extra protein.
  • Spice it up – Stir in Thai chilies, chili flakes, or a drizzle of chili oil for heat.
  • Go nightshade-free – Omit the curry paste and blend fresh basil with coconut milk for a flavorful alternative.
  • Boost the veggies – Bell peppers, bok choy, mushrooms, or snap peas add extra texture and nutrients.
  • Use frozen fish – Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to maintain the best texture.ย 
  • Add citrusy brightness – A squeeze of fresh lime or a sprinkle of lemongrass enhances the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of fish?

Yes! Cod, tilapia, halibut, or salmon all work well. You can even swap in shrimp or tofu for variety.

Can I make this fish curry recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! The flavors develop even more overnight. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I use a different curry paste?

Yes! Swap green curry paste for red or yellow curry paste to change up the flavor profile.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, stirring occasionally. For longer storage, freeze for up to two months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

close up top down photo of bowl of fish green curry with a fork inside

What to Serve with Curry And Fish

Green fish curry with green beans and broccoli is a comforting and flavorful dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.ย 

The creamy coconut broth and tender fish go perfectly with a bowl of fragrant jasmine rice, fluffy basmati, or nutty brown rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. 

For a lighter option, serve it with cauliflower rice or a side of steamed greens. Here are a few pairing ideas:

Other Delicious Curry Recipes to Try

stainless steel skillet of fish green curry ready to serve.

Fish Green Curry

4.50 from 2 votes
A quick and easy 30-minute Thai green curry recipe with white fish, green beans, broccoli, and zucchini. Healthy comfort food at its finest!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 3 to 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 (15-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
  • 2 Tbsp green curry paste
  • 1 1-inch nub fresh ginger, peeled and grated
  • 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 to 2 Tbsp fish sauce to taste, optional
  • 1 medium crown broccoli chopped
  • 2 cups green beans chopped
  • 1 medium zucchini squash chopped
  • 1 1/2 to 2 pounds white fish such as cod, tilapia, or halibut
  • sea salt to taste

For Serving

  • coconut milk yogurt
  • chives

Instructions

  • Add the coconut milk, green curry paste, and grated ginger, lime juice and fish sauce to a large pot or skillet with a deep rim. Stir well, cover, and bring to a full boil.
  • Add the broccoli and green beans, cover, and return to a gentle boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, 3 minutes.
  • Add the zucchini and chopped fish. Cover and continue cooking at a gentle boil until fish is cooked through and vegetables reach desired done-ness, about 7 to 10 minutes.
  • Serve with white rice (or brown rice, wild rice, or cauliflower rice), chives, and yogurt (I use coconut milk yogurt)!

Nutrition

Serving: 1of 4 ยท Calories: 395kcal ยท Carbohydrates: 8g ยท Protein: 34g ยท Fat: 24g ยท Fiber: 2g ยท Sugar: 4g
Author: Julia Mueller
Course: Main Dishes
Cuisine: Thai
Keyword: curry, fish, gluten free, green curry, keto, paleo, thai food
Did You Make This Recipe?I want to see it! Tag @the.roasted.root on social media!

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Julia Mueller
Meet the Author

Julia Mueller

Julia Mueller is a recipe developer, cookbook author, and founder of The Roasted Root. She has authored three bestselling cookbooks, – Paleo Power Powers, Delicious Probiotic Drinks, and The Quintessential Kale Cookbook. Her recipes have been featured in several national publications such as BuzzFeed, Self, Tasty, Country Living, Brit.co, etc.

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4.50 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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Questions and Reviews

  1. I made this with brown basmati rice and mahi mahi I had in the freezer and it was delicious! My fiance and I both loved it. I’m excited to have leftovers for a few lunches this week ๐Ÿ˜‹