Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
One Pan Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter First Image

Coconut Curry Salmon


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Chef John
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Description

This Coconut Curry Salmon recipe features seared salmon fillets in a rich coconut curry sauce, served with jasmine rice or naan and garnished with fresh cilantro.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 fillets salmon (skin-on or skinless)
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or olive oil)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
  • 2 tablespoons red curry paste
  • 1 can (13 oz) full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • Cooked jasmine rice or naan, for serving

Instructions

  1. Sear the Salmon: Start by patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and seasoning them generously with salt and black pepper. Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon, skin-side down (if using skin-on), and sear for about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden. Transfer the salmon to a plate — don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked; it’ll finish in the sauce later.
  2. Build the Flavor Base: In the same pan, lower the heat to medium and add the chopped onion. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add the garlic and ginger, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the red curry paste and let it cook for another minute to release its flavors.
  3. Create the Coconut Curry Sauce: Pour in the coconut milk, then add the soy sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lime as needed.
  4. Add the Salmon and Butter: Nestle the seared salmon back into the sauce, spooning a bit of it over the top of each fillet. Drop in the butter and let it melt slowly into the sauce, enriching it with a silky, savory finish. Simmer everything together for another 4–5 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and tender.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the salmon with plenty of coconut curry sauce ladled over rice or warm naan. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and herbaceous flavor.

Notes

  • Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red curry paste as per your taste.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with both rice and naan, providing great options for serving.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg