The creamy richness of coconut milk, the punch of red curry paste, and the decadence of garlic butter come together in this unforgettable Coconut Curry Salmon. With just one pan and a few simple steps, you’ll create a restaurant-worthy dish that’s perfect for a busy night or when you want to wow your dinner guests.
This recipe is quick, bold, and fuss-free ready in just 25 minutes. The pan-seared salmon locks in flavor while the luxurious curry sauce simmers to perfection. Whether paired with jasmine rice or naan, it’s a showstopper that satisfies both the spice lover and the comfort food enthusiast in you.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
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1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
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2 tablespoons red curry paste
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3 tablespoons butter (divided)
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
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Salt and pepper to taste
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¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
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Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Directions:
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Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper.
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter until foamy.
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Sear the salmon skin-side down for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
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In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
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Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Stir in red curry paste and cook for 2 minutes to release its aroma.
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Pour in the coconut milk and stir. Let simmer on low for 5-7 minutes to thicken.
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Add lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
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Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
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Simmer for another 5-7 minutes to let the flavors meld.
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Garnish with chili flakes (if using) and fresh cilantro before serving.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 425 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter – A One-Pan Masterpiece for Bold Flavor Lovers
Few dishes strike a balance between exotic flair and weeknight simplicity like Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter. This dish has quickly become a favorite for those craving restaurant-quality meals at home without needing to be a trained chef. In one pan and under 30 minutes, it delivers a symphony of flavors that feel indulgent and refined, yet comforting and familiar. Whether you’re new to cooking with curry or a seafood aficionado, this meal will likely become a staple in your kitchen.
A Harmony of Flavor: What Makes This Dish Special?
The magic of this dish lies in its powerful yet balanced flavor profile. At its heart, it’s a blend of:
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Creamy coconut milk, which brings a naturally rich and subtly sweet base.
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Red curry paste, offering warmth and complexity with its blend of chilies, lemongrass, garlic, galangal, and other traditional Thai spices.
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Garlic butter, which rounds out the flavor with savory richness and depth.
When these elements come together, they create a sauce that’s both bold and soothing spicy without overwhelming, creamy without being too heavy, and deeply aromatic. It envelops each piece of salmon, turning a simple protein into a flavorful journey.
The salmon itself firm, rich, and slightly oily is the perfect counterpart to this sauce. Its natural fat content plays beautifully with the coconut cream, while its meaty texture stands up to the assertive curry and garlic flavors.
The Appeal of One-Pan Cooking
This dish is a prime example of how one-pan cooking doesn’t have to be bland or basic. The skillet serves as a canvas where searing, sautéing, and simmering happen in harmony. First, the salmon is seared to create a golden crust that locks in moisture. Then, the same pan is used to develop the sauce, allowing all the fond and flavor from the fish to enrich the curry.
This technique is not only time-saving but also minimizes cleanup perfect for busy professionals, parents, or anyone who prefers a low-effort, high-reward approach to dinner.
Health and Dietary Considerations
One of the reasons this dish has widespread appeal is its adaptability to various dietary needs:
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Gluten-free: All the primary ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
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Low-carb / keto-friendly: When served without rice or with cauliflower rice, this dish fits nicely into a low-carb lifestyle.
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Dairy-free: Despite its creamy texture, the richness comes from coconut milk and butter, the latter of which can be substituted with plant-based alternatives for those avoiding dairy.
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High-protein and nutrient-rich: Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and high-quality protein.
This combination of health benefits and taste makes it ideal for those wanting to eat well without sacrificing flavor.
Cultural Inspiration: A Taste of Thailand with a Western Twist
This dish is inspired by Thai cuisine, particularly the classic coconut curry that’s a staple in Southeast Asian cooking. Thai curries are celebrated for their balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors, and this recipe stays true to that tradition while adding a Western touch through the use of butter and pan-seared technique.
By using red curry paste, the recipe draws from Thai culinary roots, where curries are often simmered with meats, seafood, or vegetables in luscious coconut milk. The garlic butter element, however, adds a fusion element that feels familiar to Western palates introducing a velvety finish and rich umami that takes the dish in a slightly different but equally delicious direction.
Versatility in the Kitchen
Part of what makes this dish so great is its flexibility. It can be easily modified depending on what’s in your pantry or what you’re craving:
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Alternative proteins: Not a fan of salmon? Swap it for shrimp, cod, halibut, or even tofu for a plant-based twist.
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Extra vegetables: Add bell peppers, spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the sauce for a more veggie-packed meal.
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Different curry pastes: Red curry is bold and moderately spicy, but yellow curry paste offers a milder flavor, while green curry brings more heat and herbal notes.
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Make it a soup: By adding a bit more coconut milk and broth, the sauce can transform into a spicy seafood coconut curry soup.
These adjustments make the dish endlessly customizable while keeping the spirit of the recipe intact.
Serving Suggestions: Bring It All Together
While the salmon and curry sauce can absolutely stand on their own, serving it with the right sides can elevate the experience:
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Steamed jasmine or basmati rice: A classic choice that soaks up the rich sauce beautifully.
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Naan or roti: Perfect for dipping and scooping.
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Cauliflower rice: For a low-carb, high-fiber alternative.
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Glass noodles or vermicelli: Great for a lighter, slurpable version.
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Pickled vegetables: The acidity can help cut through the richness and provide contrast.
Finish it all with a garnish of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for brightness, and you’ve got a complete dish that hits every note.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This dish stores well and is great for meal prep. If you have leftovers, follow these tips:
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Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: Gently warm the salmon and sauce together in a skillet over low heat. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can dry out the fish.
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Freezing: The sauce can be frozen separately for up to one month. The salmon can be frozen, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing.
You can even make the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it, then sear the salmon fresh before serving for maximum flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use light coconut milk?
Yes, but expect a thinner, less creamy sauce. Full-fat coconut milk is recommended for richness and body.
What if I don’t like spicy food?
You can reduce the amount of curry paste or choose a milder version. Also, omitting chili flakes will help tone it down.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, especially if you dial back the spice. Many children enjoy the mild sweetness of coconut milk and buttery salmon.
Can I make it ahead of time for guests?
Absolutely! Prepare the sauce a day in advance, and just cook the salmon fresh before serving. This ensures the fish stays moist and the flavors vibrant.
Conclusion:
Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter is more than just a quick recipe it’s a celebration of global flavors, smart cooking techniques, and dietary flexibility. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a weeknight or something impressive for guests, this one-pan wonder delivers every time. With its creamy, spicy, and savory sauce enveloping perfectly cooked salmon, it’s the kind of dish that satisfies deeply while offering you a chance to explore new culinary horizons.
If you’re adding new go-to recipes to your weekly rotation, this should be at the top of your list. Fast, flavorful, and endlessly customizable it’s everything a great home-cooked meal should be.