Fish Kozhambu is a wholesome and flavourful Kerala-style fish curry where tender fish is steamed with aromatic spices, creating a dish that’s both nourishing and delicious. This healthy recipe avoids excess oil and focuses on steamed cooking, letting natural spices infuse into the fish for clean, bright flavours.
🐟 Why This Fish Kozhambu Is Healthy & Special
- 🥘 Uses steaming instead of deep frying — retains nutrients and reduces fat
- 🌿 Traditional spices enhance flavour without heaviness
- 🍃 Fresh fish provides high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids
- 🧄 Simple ingredients, big taste
Steaming fish with a spice paste allows the flavours to penetrate deeply while keeping the texture soft and juicy — a great option for everyday meals or balanced dinner plates.
🍛Ingredients
- ½ kg fleshy fish, cleaned and cut into medium pieces
- 3 green chillies
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp pepper powder
- ¼ tsp cumin seeds
- 8–10 small onions (shallots)
- 5 cloves garlic
- ¼ tsp ginger paste (or grated fresh ginger)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 5 curry leaves
- Water (for steaming)
- Optional: 1 tbsp coconut oil for flavour
👩🍳 Preparation
1. Make the Spice Paste
Grind together:
- Green chillies
- Turmeric powder
- Pepper powder
- Cumin seeds
- Small onions
- Garlic
- Ginger paste
- Curry leaves
- Salt
Grind into a smooth or slightly coarse paste, using a small splash of vinegar to help the mixture come together if needed.
2. Marinate the Fish
Rub the spice paste generously over the fish pieces, coating them completely. Let it marinate for 10–15 minutes so the flavours begin to infuse.
3. Steam the Fish
Place the marinated fish in a deep steel bowl.
Fill a steamer or idli pot with water and bring to a boil.
Place the bowl of fish inside the steamer.
Steam for 15–20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and tender.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve Fish Kozhambu hot with:
- Steamed rice
- Salad or lightly sautéed vegetables
- Lemon wedges
- Coconut chutney on the side
This dish is balanced, light, and perfect for meals where you want something nourishing and satisfying.
📝 Tips for Best Results
✔ Don’t overcook — steaming gently keeps the fish moist and flaky
✔ Use fresh, firm-fleshed fish for best texture
✔ For extra flavour, drizzle coconut oil over the cooked fish before serving
✔ Adjust chillies and spices to suit individual heat preferences
🍃 Health Highlights
- Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential nutrients.
- Steaming preserves more nutrients than frying or heavy sautéing.
- The spice blend promotes digestion and natural flavour without heavy fats.
👵 Grandma’s Kitchen Note
In traditional kitchens, fish was often steamed with spices to preserve its delicate flavour and nutritional value. This steamed fish curry reflects that heritage — simple, healthy, yet full of taste. Like many Kerala preparations, it celebrates fresh ingredients and mindful cooking.
My Grandma’s Healthy School 