Spicy Nile Tilapia Jungle Curry: A Delicious Thai Recipe

Dive into the vibrant flavors of Thailand with this Spicy Nile Tilapia Jungle Curry recipe! This dish offers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes, showcasing the delicate, flaky texture of Nile tilapia perfectly complemented by the rich depth of a traditional jungle curry. Forget bland fish dinners; this recipe is a culinary adventure, bursting with aromatic herbs, fiery chilies, and the satisfying creaminess of coconut milk. The combination of fresh ingredients and authentic Thai flavors creates a truly unforgettable dining experience.

Imagine succulent Nile tilapia swimming in a fragrant, intensely flavorful curry – a dish so satisfying, it transports you straight to the heart of a bustling Thai street food market. This recipe breaks down the seemingly complex jungle curry into manageable, easy-to-follow steps, guiding you through each stage of creating this incredible meal. Ready to embark on this culinary journey? Let's get started with the step-by-step instructions!

Tools Needed

  • Pan
  • Stove

Ingredients

  • Nile Tilapia
  • Salt
  • Chili Peppers: 3 or more (to taste)
  • Red Curry Paste: 2 tablespoons
  • Oil
  • Water
  • Sugar: 2 teaspoons
  • Fish Sauce: 3 tablespoons
  • Seasoning Powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Kaffir Lime Leaves
  • Galangal (sliced): 1 cup
  • Young Pepper: 1 cup
  • Basil Leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Tilapia and Ingredients

  • Wash the tilapia with salt to remove fishy smell and enhance flavor. Set aside.
  • Cut the chili peppers. Use 3, or more if you prefer spicier curry.
Wash the tilapia with salt to remove fishy smell and enhance flavor. Set aside.Cut the chili peppers. Use 3, or more if you prefer spicier curry.
Prepare the Tilapia and Ingredients

Step 2. Build the Curry Base and Season

  • Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add red curry paste and stir-fry until it breaks apart.
  • Add water and mix all ingredients.
  • Once boiling, season with sugar, fish sauce, and seasoning powder. Mix well.
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add red curry paste and stir-fry until it breaks apart.Add water and mix all ingredients.Once boiling, season with sugar, fish sauce, and seasoning powder. Mix well.
Build the Curry Base and Season

Step 3. Cook the Tilapia in the Curry

  • Add the prepared tilapia, kaffir lime leaves, sliced galangal, and red chili peppers.
  • Gently mix to coat the fish in the curry.
  • Sprinkle with basil leaves.
  • Simmer for another minute to soften the fish.
Add the prepared tilapia, kaffir lime leaves, sliced galangal, and red chili peppers.Gently mix to coat the fish in the curry.Sprinkle with basil leaves.Simmer for another minute to soften the fish.
Cook the Tilapia in the Curry

Step 4. Serve

  • Serve hot.
Serve hot.
Serve

Read more: Easy Ground Beef Curry: A Delicious Asian Home-Style Recipe

Tips

  • Using salt helps eliminate the smell of rice and fish, enhancing the flavor.
  • Adjust the amount of chili peppers to your preferred spice level.
  • Galangal adds spiciness to the dish.
  • Young pepper adds a bit of spiciness.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 250-350
  • Fat: 10-18g
  • Carbs: 15-25g
  • Protein: 20-25g

FAQs

1. Can I substitute the Nile Tilapia with another type of fish?

Yes! Firm, white-fleshed fish like cod, snapper, or catfish work well. Cooking time may need slight adjustment depending on the fish's thickness.

2. How can I adjust the spice level?

Easily! Start with fewer chilies or use milder chili varieties. Taste and add more to your preferred level of spiciness. You can also remove seeds for less heat.


This Spicy Nile Tilapia Jungle Curry is a testament to the vibrant and exciting world of Thai cuisine. From its fragrant aroma to its explosion of flavors, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy the delicious results of your culinary adventure!