Bangda Masala (Spiced Mackerel Curry)
Rich oily mackerel fillets in a tangy tamarind and coconut masala, a bold and good value curry.
Made with Curry base sauce (onion and tomato) and South Indian coconut curry base. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time35 min
- LevelMedium
- Costabout £2.11 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Rub the mackerel pieces with the turmeric, chilli powder and salt and leave for 10 minutes.
10 min - 2
Heat the oil in a wide pan over a medium heat. Fry the cumin seeds for 15 seconds, then add the onion and cook for 8 minutes until golden.
8 min - 3
Add the garlic and ground coriander and cook for 1 minute, then the tomatoes for 4 minutes until pulpy.
5 min - 4
Pour in your ready made curry base sauce and south Indian coconut base (see the base recipes) with the tamarind paste. Simmer for 8 minutes until the sauce thickens.
8 min - 5
Slide in the mackerel, skin side up. Cover and cook gently for 6 minutes until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily.
6 min - 6
Scatter over the fresh coriander. Serve with rice and a squeeze of lime.
Tips
- Mackerel is oily, so the tamarind sourness balances it. Add the paste a little at a time and taste.
- Handle the fillets as little as possible once they are in the sauce and they will stay whole.
Storing and freezing
Eat the day it is made. Cool within 1 hour, keep in the fridge for up to 1 day and reheat until steaming hot all the way through. Do not freeze.
Questions
Can I use tinned mackerel?
You can, but the curry will be flakier and saltier. Use mackerel in oil or spring water, drained, and add it for the last 3 minutes just to warm through.
What if I cannot find tamarind?
Use the juice of 1 lime plus a pinch of caster sugar. The flavour is not identical but it gives the same sharp sour note.
More made with curry base sauce (onion and tomato)
Goan Crab Masala
GFDFEFLamb Phall (The Hottest Curry House Curry)
GFEFNFMadras Tofu and Pepper Curry
GFDFEFMushroom Matar Masala (Mushroom and Pea Curry)
GFDFEFSee every dish made with curry base sauce (onion and tomato)
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.