Coconut Curry Salmon
Coconut Curry Salmon is a vibrant, healthy, and flavorful dish combining tender salmon fillets with a creamy coconut milk and fragrant curry sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight meals or special dinners, this recipe highlights rich spices, fresh aromatics, and bright lime juice to deliver a satisfying and heart-healthy meal that is easy to make and visually appealing.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Fusion / Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Salmon
- 4 Salmon fillets (fresh or thawed, skin-on or skinless)
Sauce Base
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 1 to 2 tablespoons curry powder or curry paste (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or coconut oil)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 cup mixed vegetables, such as sliced bell peppers or fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro or basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Optional Add-Ins and Garnishes
- Chopped fresh chilies or 1 teaspoon chili flakes (for spicy kick)
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt or coconut cream (for creamier texture)
- Toasted cashews or peanuts (for nutty flavor and crunch)
- Prepare the Salmon: Lightly season salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Pat dry with paper towels to ensure a crisp, golden crust when seared.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, releasing warm aromas.
- Add Curry and Coconut Milk: Stir in curry powder or paste and cook for about 1 minute to toast the spices. Pour in the coconut milk and stir well to form a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Simmer Salmon in Sauce: Place the seasoned salmon fillets into the skillet with the curry sauce. Spoon sauce over the fillets, cover, and let simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes until salmon is cooked through but still tender.
- Finish with Fresh Touches: Add a squeeze of lime juice and toss in your choice of vegetables or fresh herbs just before serving to add brightness and color.
Notes
- Choose high-quality salmon, preferably wild-caught, for best flavor and texture.
- Do not overcook salmon; remove from heat as soon as it flakes easily with a fork to keep it moist.
- Use fresh garlic, ginger, and herbs to maximize flavor brightness.
- Adjust curry spice and acidity by adding more lime juice or a pinch of sugar according to your taste.
- If using delicate greens like spinach, stir them in at the end to prevent wilting and retain vibrant color.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
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