Main Course

Chicken Curry with Nori

A bowl of chicken curry with rice, garnished with fresh cilantro and a strip of nori on top
Prep
15 mins
Cook
35 mins
Servings
4
IndianEasyDinnerGluten FreeDairy FreeHigh ProteinPescatarian

About this dish

A comforting chicken curry that gets a subtle umami boost from nori, the same seaweed that wraps sushi rolls. The idea came from a seaside trip to Kerala, where coconut and coastal flavors reign—here, nori adds a whisper of the ocean without overpowering the warm spices.

It’s a unique fusion that feels both familiar and exciting, perfect for when you want to try something new but still crave that hearty curry comfort.

Ingredients

UK and US measurements are both included for every recipe.

boneless, skinless chicken thighs

protein

600 g

Imperial measurement: 1.3 lb

nori sheets

vegetable

2 sheets

coconut oil

fat

2 tablespoons

yellow onion

vegetable

1 medium, finely chopped (about 150 g)

Imperial measurement: 1 medium, finely chopped (about 5 oz)

garlic

herb

4 cloves, minced

fresh ginger

herb

1 tablespoon, grated (about 15 g)

Imperial measurement: 1 tablespoon, grated (about 0.5 oz)

tomato puree

vegetable

200 ml (about 7 fl oz)

Imperial measurement: 1 cup less 2 tablespoons

full-fat coconut milk

dairy

400 ml (1 can)

Imperial measurement: 13.5 fl oz (1 can)

chicken stock

liquid

250 ml (about 1 cup)

Imperial measurement: 1 cup

garam masala

spice

2 teaspoons

ground turmeric

spice

1 teaspoon

ground cumin

spice

1 teaspoon

ground coriander

spice

1 teaspoon

salt

seasoning

1.5 teaspoons (or to taste)

cayenne pepper

spice

1/4 teaspoon (adjust to taste)

fresh cilantro

herb

1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish)

Method

1

Prepare the nori

2 minutes

Using kitchen shears or a knife, cut the nori sheets into thin strips or small squares. Set aside. You'll add half to the curry during cooking and the rest for garnish.

2

Sauté aromatics

7 minutes

Heat the coconut oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5-6 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

3

Toast spices

1 minute

Add the garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and coriander to the pot. Stir constantly for 30-60 seconds to bloom the spices, making sure they don't burn. If using cayenne, add it now.

4

Add tomatoes and chicken

9 minutes

Pour in the tomato puree and stir well. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the puree thickens slightly. Add the chicken thighs, turning to coat them in the masala. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides.

5

Simmer with coconut and stock

30 minutes

Pour in the coconut milk, chicken stock, and add half of the prepared nori strips. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.

6

Season and finish

2 minutes

Season with salt to taste. If the curry is too thick, you can add a splash of water or stock. Stir in a little extra nori for more umami if desired. Garnish with chopped cilantro and the remaining nori strips before serving.

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Kitchen shears (optional)

Nutrition facts

420 kcal
Calories
38 g
Protein
15 g
Carbohydrates
26 g
Fat
3 g
Fiber
720 mg
Sodium

Tips

  • If you can't find nori sheets, you can use roasted seaweed snack sheets, but they may be saltier, so adjust the salt accordingly.
  • For a richer flavor, toast the whole spices (like cumin seeds and coriander seeds) and grind them fresh. But pre-ground works beautifully here.
  • Let the curry rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
  • This curry freezes well.
  • Store.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Serving suggestions

  • Serve hot with steamed basmati rice or warm naan. A side of sautéed greens or a fresh cucumber salad would complement the creamy curry beautifully.

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Meera Desai

Recipe by

Meera Desai

Specialises in Indian cuisine

Meera makes samosas with a mint-coriander chutney that people drink with a straw.

Describe yourself in three words: Green, fresh, samosa queen.