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Crispy Curry Fish Skewers: A Bright Start to Your Day

Flaky white fish, infused with fragrant curry spices, crisped to perfection on skewers.

Janelle

By Janelle

Updated: January 18, 2026

Why I Love This Recipe

These Crispy Curry Fish Skewers aren't just breakfast; they're a vibrant wake-up call for your taste buds. Inspired by the street food vendors of Southeast Asia, this recipe transforms humble white fish into a flavorful and texturally exciting dish. The light, flaky fish is marinated in a blend of warm curry spices, ginger, and garlic, then quickly seared to create a satisfyingly crispy exterior. Forget boring breakfasts – these skewers will have you leaping out of bed!

  • Unexpectedly Crispy - The cornstarch coating and quick sear create a delightful contrast to the tender fish inside.
  • Bright and Zesty Marinade - Lime juice and soy sauce add a tangy and savory depth that balances the curry powder's warmth.
  • Quick Cooking Time - Perfect for busy mornings, these skewers cook in minutes.
  • Versatile Protein Source - Enjoy them for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner.
  • Easy to Customize - Adjust the spice level to your preference or swap in different vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's what you'll need – nothing too fancy, just good ingredients that work together beautifully.

  • 1 lb White fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or mahi-mahi) (cut into 1-inch cubes)
  • 8 Bamboo skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
  • 2 tbsp Curry powder (your favorite blend)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp Ginger (grated)
  • 2 tbsp Soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 1 tbsp Lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tsp Brown sugar (packed)
  • 2 tbsp Cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable oil (for cooking)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare the marinade by combining curry powder, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar in a medium bowl. Whisk until the brown sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined. This marinade infuses the fish with its signature curry flavor.

    ~5 min

    Tip: Taste the marinade and adjust the spices to your liking. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
  2. 2

    Add the cubed fish to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Gently toss the fish to distribute the marinade evenly. The marinade not only flavors the fish but also helps to tenderize it.

    ~2 min

    Tip: Avoid over-mixing, as the fish can break apart easily.
  3. 3

    Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes. Marinating for longer will allow the flavors to penetrate the fish more deeply, but avoid marinating for too long as the lime juice can start to 'cook' the fish.

    ~15 min

    Tip: Use a zip-top bag for marinating to ensure even coating and reduce cleanup.
  4. 4

    Remove the fish from the refrigerator and gently toss with cornstarch. Ensure each cube is lightly coated with cornstarch. This will help create a crispy exterior when searing.

    ~2 min

    Tip: Pat the fish dry with a paper towel before tossing with cornstarch for an even crispier result.
  5. 5

    Thread the marinated fish cubes onto the soaked bamboo skewers, leaving a small space between each piece. Soaking the skewers prevents them from burning during cooking.

    ~3 min

    Tip: Don't overcrowd the skewers, as this will prevent even cooking.
  6. 6

    Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The pan should be hot enough that a drop of water sizzles immediately. This ensures the fish will sear properly.

    ~1 min

    Tip: Use a non-stick skillet for easier cooking and cleanup.
  7. 7

    Carefully place the fish skewers in the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain the heat.

    ~1 min

    Tip: Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and steam the fish instead of searing it.
  8. 8

    Sear the skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the fish is cooked through and golden brown and crispy on the outside. Look for a nice crust to form before flipping.

    ~6 min

    Tip: Avoid moving the skewers around too much while they are searing to allow for maximum browning.
  9. 9

    Remove the cooked skewers from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This helps maintain the crispiness.

    ~1 min

    Tip: Don't stack the skewers, as this can make them soggy.
  10. 10

    Garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice before serving. These additions add a fresh and vibrant touch to the dish.

    ~1 min

    Tip: Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

How Do I Know It's Ready?

The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is no longer translucent in the center. An internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) ensures it is cooked through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but make sure to thaw the fish completely before marinating. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Crispy Curry Fish Skewers: A Bright Start to Your Day as much as I do! It's a wonderful dish that's sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. If you try this recipe, I'd love to hear how it turned out – feel free to share your experience and any variations you tried!