This Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter is an explosion of bold flavors that come together in just 30 minutes. The richness of the coconut milk blends harmoniously with the heat of red curry paste and the aromatic kick of garlic and ginger. Each bite of the pan-seared salmon is tender and flaky, soaking up the vibrant, creamy sauce perfectly. Finished with a touch of lime and fresh cilantro, it’s both refreshing and comforting.
Whether you’re planning a cozy night in or looking for an easy meal to impress guests, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with home-cooked simplicity. Serve it over jasmine rice for a satisfying classic or keep it light with cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. The balance of spice, creaminess, and garlic butter goodness will have everyone asking for seconds!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
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2 tablespoons red curry paste
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1 tablespoon fish sauce
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1 tablespoon brown sugar
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Juice of 1 lime
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Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Cooked jasmine rice or cauliflower rice (for serving)
Directions:
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Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add salmon fillets skin side down and sear for 3-4 minutes. Flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.
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In the same pan, reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter, then sauté garlic, ginger, and onion until soft and fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
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Stir in red curry paste and cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
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Pour in the coconut milk, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
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Return salmon to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, until salmon is cooked through and flavors meld.
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Finish with lime juice and garnish with fresh cilantro.
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Serve hot over jasmine rice or cauliflower rice.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter is a mouthwatering fusion of Southeast Asian-inspired flavors and classic comfort food. This dish blends the creamy richness of coconut milk with the bold, spicy heat of red curry and the aromatic warmth of garlic and ginger. Balanced with a touch of lime and finished with fresh herbs, it’s a perfect harmony of taste, texture, and fragrance. Whether you’re a long-time seafood enthusiast or just exploring new ways to enjoy salmon, this dish is guaranteed to delight your senses.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the greatest things about this coconut curry salmon is how deceptively simple it is. With minimal prep and just one pan, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes. The ingredients are easy to find at most grocery stores, and many are pantry staples if you frequently cook Asian-inspired dishes. Yet, despite its simplicity, the flavor is anything but basic.
The curry sauce alone is something to rave about. It starts with a flavorful base of sautéed garlic, ginger, and onion, an aromatic trifecta that builds depth from the very first sizzle in the pan. Add to that the red curry paste and coconut milk, and you get a silky, slightly spicy, deeply savory sauce that perfectly complements the richness of the salmon.
The garlic butter element sets this dish apart from your typical curry salmon recipes. It adds a savory, luxurious note that clings beautifully to every bite of fish and rice. The butter enhances the mouthfeel of the curry sauce, making it even more velvety and indulgent.
Nutritional Benefits of Salmon
Salmon is one of the healthiest proteins you can include in your diet. It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain health, reducing inflammation, and supporting heart health. It’s also packed with high-quality protein, B vitamins, potassium, and selenium. When paired with nutrient-dense ingredients like garlic and ginger both known for their immune-boosting properties, you get a dish that’s not only tasty but incredibly nourishing.
If you’re watching your carbs or following a low-glycemic diet, this meal is easy to adapt. Swap out white rice for cauliflower rice or enjoy it with sautéed greens for a lighter plate. The healthy fats from the salmon and coconut milk will keep you full and satisfied without needing heavy starches.
Flavor Profile and Pairings
The taste of this dish is complex yet comforting. The red curry paste brings heat and depth, while the coconut milk cools and smooths the sauce with a creamy touch. Garlic butter adds an extra layer of richness, and an umami kick that pairs effortlessly with the natural oiliness of the salmon. The lime juice at the end brightens everything and lifts the heavier flavors, ensuring every bite is balanced and vibrant.
Pair this dish with a cold cucumber salad for contrast, or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling to cut through the richness. If you’re into mocktails, a chilled coconut water spritzer with lime would be a refreshing accompaniment.
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
Salmon:
Fresh, skin-on fillets work best for searing and staying juicy. If you only have frozen, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for best texture. You can also substitute trout or steelhead if needed.
Red Curry Paste:
This ingredient is the key to authentic flavor. Brands like Thai Kitchen and Mae Ploy offer different levels of spice and depth. If you prefer milder heat, use less paste or substitute with yellow curry paste.
Coconut Milk:
Full-fat coconut milk provides the creamiest texture. Light coconut milk can be used to reduce calories but may result in a thinner sauce.
Garlic Butter:
Use unsalted butter to better control the saltiness of the dish. Don’t skip this step, it elevates the curry from great to unforgettable.
Ginger and Onion:
Fresh ginger is essential for its zesty punch, and the onions should be soft and translucent to avoid overpowering the curry with sharpness.
Herbs and Garnish:
Fresh cilantro adds brightness and a fresh, herbal finish. Thai basil is another fantastic option if available.
Accompaniments:
Jasmine rice is traditional, but you can try wild rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice depending on your preference.
Cooking Method Highlights
The pan-searing method used here allows the salmon to develop a golden, crispy edge while locking in moisture. Cooking the curry separately and then simmering the salmon in it allows the fish to absorb all the flavor without overcooking. Always let the curry simmer gently rather than boil, this keeps the coconut milk from separating and maintains a silky texture.
Timing is crucial to perfecting this dish. Overcooking salmon can make it dry and tough. Keep an eye on the fillets and remove them as soon as they flake easily with a fork.
Make-Ahead and Storage
This dish stores well and even tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to avoid breaking the sauce. You can also freeze the curry (without the salmon) for up to a month.
To make it ahead for meal prep, cook the sauce and salmon separately, then combine them just before serving. This ensures the fish maintains its texture and doesn’t overcook when reheated.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the salmon over fluffy jasmine rice with a generous spoonful of sauce. Add steamed vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, or bok choy for a full plate. Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and optional red chili slices for color and extra heat. For an elegant touch, top with toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts.
This dish is perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions. It looks beautiful on a plate and tastes luxurious enough to impress any dinner guest.
Conclusion
Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter is the perfect intersection of indulgent and healthy. With its bold Southeast Asian flavors, rich and creamy sauce, and melt-in-your-mouth salmon, this dish is destined to become a staple in your recipe rotation. It’s easy enough to make on a busy weekday and elegant enough to serve at a dinner party. Whether you’re craving something cozy or want to expand your cooking repertoire, this dish will not disappoint.
From its high nutritional value to its stunning presentation and mouthwatering flavor, it checks all the boxes. Make it once, and you’ll be hooked.