Fish Tikka Masala with Sardines

5 from 11 votes

This easy Fish Tikka Masala is a quick curry that's filled with comforting and warming spices, a creamy tomato sauce, and spicy sardines.

Prep Time5

Cook Time20

Total Time25

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Indian

Servings: people

Calories: 110kcal

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 onion, diced
2 teaspoons garam masala
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
15 ounce can tomatoes (diced or crushed)
1 cup whole milk
2 tins sardines (~4oz) packed in chili + oil, oil discarded King Oscar Spanish Style Sardines Recommended
¼ cup plain yogurt (optional)
fresh cilantro (optional garnish)
To serve: naan, jasmine, or basmati rice (Use cauliflower rice for low carb option)

Pour oil into a large pan or wok. Add the mustard seeds, and heat over medium heat until the seeds begin to pop (2-3 minutes).
Add the diced onion, garam masala, smoked paprika, and salt. Stir onions until they begin to soften (3-4 minutes).
Add tomatoes. Cover pan, and let the tomatoes simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
Add the milk and sardines. Simmer another 5 minutes.
Taste curry, and add more salt if necessary.
Serve with a dollop of yogurt and fresh cilantro (optional.) Curry pairs well with rice or naan.
This curry is best served right away, but leftovers can be kept refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one day.

Recipe Variations: Can't find sardines packed with chili? Want things spicier? Try one of these adaptions:

Use unflavored sardines. Add 1 tsp red chili flakes
Make it creamier: Swap half the milk for heavy cream.
Make it spicier: Add 1 tsp red pepper flakes and/or ¼ tsp cayenne pepper when you add the garam masala.