This Pollock and Grilled Corn Curry is inspired by the rich fiery curries of Sri Lanka, with the sweet white fish and grilled corn balancing out the heat perfectly.
Regular visitors to Hedgecombers.com will know that I lurve my seafood. I guess it helps living on the south Cornish coast, just three miles from a small fishing port, but I try to sneak it in as many meals as possible. Much to Jonny’s disdain.
In fact we have some really low tides this weekend and I’m off razor clamming with friends. Last time I went I only snagged one so I’m hoping the clamming gods are on my side this time!
And now I have a fishy secret to share. Even though I live so close to perfect fishing waters and great fishmongers, I always, always, always have a stash of different fish and seafoods in my freezer. Whilst for most dishes I would prefer fresh, at times the weather stops our local fleet from going out to sea. Other times I’m in that joyous freelancer dry spell waiting for invoices to clear so avoid shopping like the plague. And at yet other times I’ve spent the day at my computer, in my PJ’s, and cant rustle up the energy to dress appropriately to leave home and shop.
A final reason to opt for frozen is if you don’t have a decent fishmonger in your area. Frozen fish will usually be fresher than what you’ll find on the supermarket wet fish counter. Go figure.
In my freezer you’ll always find at least one bag of prawns as they are the epitome of fast food. There is usually a bag of salmon fillets and at least one variety of white fish. Pollock is my current white fish of choice. It’s cheaper than cod and generally more sustainably caught. It’s also meaty enough to withstand cooking in wet dish like this without falling apart.
The pollock I used here is courtesy of Iceland. It’s extremely good value, currently £4 a kilo, and is encased in a thin protective layer of ice that ensures the fish defrosts perfectly with no freezer burn or dried out bits.
Pollock and Grilled Corn Curry
When I realised just how eye wateringly hot my home grown and dried chillis were (after I’d added them to the curry I hasten to add) I decided this spicy little number also needed the sweet juices of some freshly picked corn too. I cooked the cob under a hot grill to slightly blacken and blister the kernels first, just to add another layer of smoky flavour to the pot.
Traditionally a Sri Lanken curry is served with rice, but feel free to serve it whatever you fancy. Crusty bread, egg or rice noodles or as I did in all its naked glory for a filling low carb option.
So there we have it. Pollock and Grilled Corn Curry. It’s fiery, it’s tasty and incredibly easy to throw together. Enjoy!
PS for all you other lactosally challenged, Iceland also have a range of pre-prepared seafood meals which I grabbed a couple of whilst last in store. They go from freezer – to hob – to plate in just 9 minutes.
So far I’ve only tried the one below and can highly recommend it (never thought I’d say that about a ready meal!!). The clams are juicy and tender, the sauce is really well flavoured and the ingredients are things you have in your own kitchen. No additives, no weird stuff and absolutely no dairy :)
Each pack serves two with pasta, but I had it low carb & pasta free all to myself. It was really, really good and I will definitely be buying it again. It’s a bargain for only £3! Oh and if you’re planning on making my Pollock and Grilled Corn Curry and want to get your pollock from Iceland, they call it whitefish. Not sure why, but look out for the bag below.

- 1 fresh corn on the cob or the equivalent in frozen sweetcorn
- 1 tablespoon oil butter or ghee
- 1 onion finely diced
- 1 inch piece of fresh ginger finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- Crushed seeds from 5 cardamom pods
- 500 g carton of passata
- 2 large fresh tomatoes cored and chopped
- 1 teaspoon tamarind paste
- 1 teaspoon hot chilli flakes more or less to taste
- Juice from 1/2 a lime
- 2 boneless & skinless fillets of Pollock defrosted if frozen and diced into bite sized pieces
- A handful of defrosted cooked prawns
- 1/2 a can of coconut milk
- Fresh coriander for serving optional
- Heat the grill (or BBQ) and grill the corn on the cob until the kernels start to blacken. Keep rotating the cob so that it cooks equally. Remove from the grill and when cool enough to handle slice the kernels off with a sharp knife. If corn isn't in season ignore this step and add in a handful of frozen sweetcorn kernels a couple of minutes from the end of cooking.
- Heat the oil in a large pan over a medium heat. Gently cook the onion and ginger until the onion has softened
- Turn the heat up and add in the garlic, turmeric, mustard, cumin and cardamom seeds. Move them round the pan for 2 - 3 minutes
- Pour in the passata, tomatoes, tamarind paste, chilli flakes and lime juice. Stir well and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add in the pollock and let cook for another 4-5 minutes or until the fish is cooked right through. Add in the prawns and corn kernels for the last minute of cooking time to heat through before serving.
Huge thanks to Iceland for sponsoring this recipe post and allowing me to continue bringing you tasty recipes, for free. As always all thoughts, and leftovers, are my own ;)
Janie x
Kristine says
Wow, this looks so tasty! I’ll add it to my list of warm food that I cannot wait to make, if only the weather would cool off here in Arizona, haha!
Jane Sarchet says
Keeping fingers crossed for you Kristine that things cool down soon!
Janie x
Sue/theviewfromgreatisland says
We’re sort of on the same page today with a fabulous fish meal, I never see pollack in my grocery store, can I substitute cod?
Jane Sarchet says
Yes, absolutely you can Sue, or in fact any meaty white fish.
I love seafood, could happily live off it!
Janie x
Nayna Kanabar (@SIMPLYF00D) says
I love the way you have added grilled corn to the curry.I love grilling corn it brings out the flavour of it.
Jane Sarchet says
Thanks Nayna!
Janie x
Tina Dawson | Love is in my Tummy says
This sounds like a delicious curry! I love any curry with tamarind in it! <3
Jane Sarchet says
Thanks Tina!
Platter Talk says
Boy does this look tempting. I love the idea and have some cod in my freezer that is calling this recipe! Thanks.
Jane Sarchet says
Hope you enjoy it Platter Talk :)
Janie x
Amy Jacky says
Hi Jane,
What a lovely Sri Lankan-inspired curry!
Have a great weekend. :)
Amy
Jane Sarchet says
Thanks Amy, and you too!
Janie x
Sammie says
I’m loving your use and praise of Iceland fish, I think I shall take the plunge! Pollack is such a great fish and this curry looks just how I like nice and spicy. Great post Janie.
Jane Sarchet says
Thanks Sammie :) I must admit I was dubious about Iceland initially, but there are some very well priced treasures in store. I tend to shop there once a month now to top up the freezer :)
Janie x
Garlic + Zest says
I lurve my seafood too! And we have a lot of great options in South Florida. I imagine I could sub snapper or mahi for the pollock — better yet – can I come over for a bowl?
Jane Sarchet says
You’re on Garlic & Zest! :)
Janie x
Platter Talk says
Exceptional flavor combos.! This is my kind of meal combined seafood and veggies in a broth. Thanks.
Jane Sarchet says
Thanks for stopping by :)
Janie x
Azlin Bloor says
Sri Lankan food is one of the many cuisines I grew up with and I love seafood, so this one gets so many thumbs up from me! I’ll have 2 portions please!
Jane Sarchet says
Deal Azlin!
Janie x
Richard Power says
This gets my vote, what flavours. So easy to put together. Workers well with crusty bread. Can I have some more pleas.
Jane Sarchet says
Yay! Glad you enjoyed it Richard, and next time make sure you make double ;)
Jane x
Sandeep says
Hi Jane,
Love the recipe, will try. I am from South India, currently living in UK. Can you please suggest me few types of fish that are good for curries?
Thanks
Sandeep
Jane Sarchet says
Het Sandeep, I prefer the meatier firm white fish for curries, things that hold up well to the cooking like Monkfish (expensive) cod and pollock. Scallops (also expensive) are delicious in a curry as are prawns. If you prefer a curry with an oilier fish you could try salmon or mackerel.
Hope that helps!
Jane x