Spicy Salmon Coconut Curry Recipe: A Flavorful Dinner Win

Warm, aromatic spices dance through this vibrant salmon coconut curry that turns an ordinary weeknight dinner into a culinary adventure.

Rich coconut milk swirls delicately around tender salmon pieces, creating a creamy canvas of flavor.

Ocean-fresh salmon meets fragrant Thai-inspired seasonings in this deeply satisfying meal.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and savory notes that awaken your taste budens.

The curry velvety sauce coats succulent salmon chunks with layers of complex taste.

Simple ingredients transform into an extraordinary dish that feels both comforting and exciting.

You’ll want to savor every spoonful of this delectable curry that brings restaurant-quality cuisine straight to your kitchen.

Why Coconut Curry Salmon Is Full of Flavor

• Achieve perfectly cooked salmon with a crispy exterior by following the precise pan-searing technique that locks in moisture and creates a golden-brown crust.
• Enjoy a vibrant, hassle-free meal that combines creamy coconut curry, tender salmon, and fresh vegetables in a single skillet with minimal cleanup.
• Easily adapt the recipe by swapping vegetables, adjusting spice levels, or serving with your favorite grains for a personalized dining experience that suits any taste preference.
• Indulge in a restaurant-quality dish packed with omega-3 fatty acids, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic spices that nourish your body and delight your taste buds.

What You’ll Need for Salmon Coconut Curry

• Salmon: A rich, flavorful fish that provides the heart of this delicious curry dish.

• Olive Oil, Butter: These fats help create a golden sear on the salmon and add depth of flavor to the dish.

• Onion, Garlic: These ingredients build a fragrant base that enhances the overall taste of the curry.

• Curry Paste: Adds a complex and spicy flavor profile to the sauce.
• Coconut Milk: Creates a creamy, rich base for the curry sauce.
• Fish Sauce: Provides a savory, umami depth to the dish.
• Sugar: Balances the spicy and savory flavors with a touch of sweetness.

• Carrots, Broccolini: These vegetables add color, nutrition, and texture to the curry.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the salmon's natural flavor.
• Lime Juice: Adds a bright, citrusy freshness to the dish.
• Fresh Basil, Cilantro: Herbs that provide a fresh, aromatic garnish.

• Rice, Noodles: Ideal accompaniments to soak up the delicious curry sauce.

Steps to Cook Coconut Curry with Salmon

Step 1: Prep The Salmon

Slice salmon into four equal portions.

Use a paper towel to completely dry each piece, ensuring a beautiful golden crust.

Season the fish generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 2: Sear The Fish

Heat a skillet over medium-high temperature.

Add olive oil and butter, creating a beautiful golden cooking surface.

Carefully place salmon skin-side down, allowing it to cook undisturbed for 5 minutes.

The fish will naturally release when perfectly seared.

Flip the salmon and cook an additional 2-3 minutes until perfectly golden.

Step 3: Build The Curry Base

Remove salmon from the skillet, reserving a tablespoon of cooking oil.

Sauté onions until they become translucent and lightly golden.

Add minced garlic and curry paste, stirring quickly to release aromatic flavors.

Step 4: Create The Creamy Sauce

• Coconut milk
• Fish sauce
• Sugar

Stir to combine smoothly.

• Carrots
• Broccolini

Simmer gently for 5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.

Step 5: Final Assembly

Splash lime juice into the sauce.

Gently return salmon to the skillet, warming through for 2 minutes.

• Basil
• Cilantro

Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Tips for Creamy, Fragrant Curry

• Pat salmon with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy, golden-brown sear that locks in flavor and prevents steaming.
• Use medium-high heat and watch the skillet closely to achieve a perfect salmon crust without burning, letting the fish cook undisturbed for optimal texture.
• Add a touch of sugar to counteract the coconut milk's richness and fish sauce's saltiness, creating a harmonious and well-rounded curry sauce.
• Sprinkle fresh basil and cilantro just before serving to maintain their vibrant color, aroma, and delicate flavor profile.
• Simmer carrots and broccolini for just 5 minutes to retain their crisp texture and nutritional value, preventing them from becoming mushy or overcooked.

How to Reheat and Store Coconut Curry

• Transfer leftover salmon curry to an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to prevent flavor absorption and maintain freshness for up to 3 days.
• Carefully pack the curry in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Label with the date and store for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing dishes with fresh herbs.
• Gently warm the curry in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of coconut milk to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Heat until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
• Place curry in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until thoroughly warmed. Check temperature to ensure even heating.

Side Pairings for Salmon Coconut Curry

• Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp, slightly sweet Riesling that complements the curry's spiciness and cuts through the rich coconut milk, balancing the salmon's delicate flavor.
• Cooling Herbal Beverage: Brew a refreshing Thai basil iced tea with a hint of honey, which echoes the curry's herbal notes and provides a soothing counterpoint to the dish's warmth.
• Perfect Side Companion: Serve alongside jasmine coconut rice to enhance the coconut curry's tropical essence, creating a harmonious texture and flavor profile that elevates the entire meal.
• Zesty Garnish Trick: Top with quick-pickled red onions or a small cucumber salad dressed in lime juice, adding bright acidity that freshens the creamy curry and awakens the palate.

Fun Flavor Variations for Salmon Coconut Curry

• Gluten-Free Curry: Swap fish sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to ensure the dish remains gluten-free. Use certified gluten-free curry paste for added safety.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace butter with coconut oil or additional olive oil. This modification keeps the recipe creamy and rich while accommodating dairy-free diets.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute salmon with firm tofu or tempeh. Press tofu thoroughly, cut into similar-sized pieces, and pan-sear using the same technique as the salmon.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. These options provide a nutritious base that reduces overall carbohydrate content while maintaining the curry's delicious flavor profile.

FAQs

• How do I choose the best salmon for this recipe?

Look for fresh, wild-caught salmon with firm, bright flesh and a clean ocean smell. Avoid fish that looks dull or has a strong fishy odor. King or sockeye salmon work great for this curry.

• Can I use frozen salmon instead of fresh?

Yes, just thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat it dry thoroughly before cooking. This helps prevent excess moisture and ensures a good sear on the fish.

• What if I don't have curry paste?

Make a quick substitute by mixing together ground turmeric, cumin, coriander, and a bit of chili powder. Store-bought curry powder can also work in a pinch, though the flavor will be slightly different.

• Is this curry very spicy?

The curry paste determines the heat level. Most standard curry pastes are medium-spicy. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with less paste or choose a mild version. You can always add more to taste.

Salmon Coconut Curry Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Thai Salmon Coconut Curry weaves exotic spices with silky coconut milk and perfectly seared salmon. Rich flavors dance across your palate, inviting you to savor this elegant coastal-inspired culinary journey.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 lb (450 g) fresh salmon

Aromatics and Spices:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons red curry paste
• 1/2 teaspoon fish sauce
• Salt and black pepper, as needed

Liquids and Vegetables:

• 1 (400 ml) can full-fat coconut milk
• 1/2 teaspoon light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup julienned carrots
• 1 cup broccolini, chopped (heaping)
• 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, torn or chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped

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Instructions

1. Slice salmon into four equal portions, ensuring uniform cooking. Thoroughly pat dry with paper towel to enhance searing potential, then season comprehensively with salt and black pepper.
2. Establish medium-high heat in skillet, incorporating olive oil and butter. When pan reaches optimal temperature, strategically position salmon skin-side down. Allow undisturbed cooking for 5 minutes until natural release occurs. Carefully flip salmon, continuing cooking for additional 2-3 minutes.
3. Transfer salmon to separate plate. Retain approximately one tablespoon of cooking oil in pan. Introduce onions, sautéing until delicately golden, approximately 3 minutes. Incorporate garlic and curry paste, briefly toasting to maximize flavor profile.
4. Gradually introduce coconut milk, fish sauce, and subtle sugar, thoroughly integrating ingredients. Incorporate carrots and broccolini, allowing gentle simmering for roughly 5 minutes.
5. Infuse lime juice into sauce, then methodically reintroduce salmon to pan. Warm salmon through for 2 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped basil and cilantro. Serve immediately alongside rice or noodles.

Notes

• Keep the salmon skin-side down in the skillet to create a crispy, golden exterior that locks in moisture and adds incredible texture.
• Choose a high-quality curry paste for deeper, more authentic flavor profiles that elevate the entire dish.
• Swap salmon for tofu or chicken to accommodate different protein preferences or dietary restrictions.
• Pat salmon dry before seasoning to ensure perfect searing and prevent steaming instead of browning the fish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg