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One-Pan Creamy Curry Salmon

By: Barbara Updated on Thu, 06 Feb 2025 14:40:58 GMT Dinner Delights
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Barbara, recipe developer and home cook at Graceful Flavors
By Barbara

Hi, I'm Barbara, the recipe developer and home cook behind Graceful Flavors. I share approachable recipes with clear steps, familiar ingredients, and delicious results for real everyday kitchens.

Updated on Thu, 06 Feb 2025 14:40:58 GMT

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One-Pan Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter Pin it
One-Pan Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter
A luxurious one-pan coconut curry salmon combines flaky fish with creamy, aromatic sauce enriched with garlic butter. This quick yet impressive dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Through testing, I discovered the secret lies in getting a proper sear on the salmon before adding the curry sauce.

Essential Ingredients

  • Fresh salmon fillets - Choose skin-on for best results
  • Full-fat coconut milk - Creates rich, velvety sauce
  • Red curry paste - Provides authentic Thai flavor
  • Fresh garlic - Essential for depth
  • Quality butter - Creates golden sear
Easy One-Pan Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter
Easy One-Pan Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter

Detailed Instructions

  • Pat salmon completely dry with paper towels
  • Season generously with salt and pepper
  • Sear in butter until golden, 3-4 minutes per side
  • Remove salmon, add garlic to same pan
  • Bloom curry paste in garlic butter
  • Pour in coconut milk, simmer until thickened
  • Return salmon to sauce
  • Finish with fresh lime juice

The key to silky sauce is letting curry paste bloom in the garlic butter before adding coconut milk.

Quick Sides:

Serve over jasmine rice or cauliflower rice. Fresh herbs and lime wedges complete the dish.

Make it Your Own:

Adjust curry paste amount for desired heat. Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.

Chef's Helpful Tips:

  • Check salmon for pin bones
  • Don't overcrowd the pan
  • Keep sauce at gentle simmer
  • Rest fish briefly before serving

This has become my favorite way to elevate salmon - the combination of curry and garlic butter creates magic.

Perfect Pairing Ideas:

  • Serve with coconut rice or quinoa
  • Add steamed baby bok choy
  • Include mango cucumber salad
  • Offer warm naan bread

Sauce Variations:

  • Add lemongrass for Thai flavor
  • Stir in ginger paste
  • Include kaffir lime leaves
  • Mix in turmeric for color

Weeknight Time-Savers:

  • Prep garlic ahead
  • Have curry paste measured
  • Use pre-cut vegetables
  • Keep lime wedges ready
One-Pan Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter Recipe
One-Pan Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter Recipe

Garnishing Options:

  • Fresh cilantro or Thai basil
  • Crispy fried shallots
  • Toasted coconut flakes
  • Sliced red chilies

Troubleshooting Tips:

  • If sauce breaks, whisk in hot water
  • For thin sauce, simmer longer
  • If too thick, add coconut milk
  • For pale salmon, broil briefly

What I love most about this dish is how it transforms simple ingredients into something truly special - perfect for both casual dinners and entertaining.

Extra Chef Notes:

  • Choose center-cut salmon pieces
  • Look for bright red curry paste
  • Keep coconut milk well-stirred
  • Use unsalted butter for control

Whether you're new to Thai flavors or a curry expert, this dish offers the perfect balance of familiar and exotic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What curry paste should I use?
Thai red curry paste works best, but green curry paste is also good.
Can I use light coconut milk?
Full-fat is recommended for creamier sauce, but light works too.
What can I serve this with?
Jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or naan bread work great.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
How spicy is this dish?
Mild to medium, adjust curry paste amount for desired heat.
4.40 from 19 votes

Thai Coconut Curry Salmon

Prep Time:
5 Minutes
Cook Time:
20 Minutes
Total Time:
25 Minutes
Servings:
4
One-Pan Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter
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Pan-seared salmon fillets in rich coconut curry sauce - a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner ready in just 25 minutes.

Ingredients

  • Main Ingredients

  • 4 Salmon fillets, 6 oz each
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) Full-fat coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons Red curry paste
  • 3 tablespoons Butter, divided
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh lime juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Optional Garnish

  • ¼ teaspoon Chili flakes
  • Fresh cilantro

Instructions

1.

1. Prepare Salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper.

2.

2. Sear Salmon: Heat 1 tablespoon butter in large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook salmon skin-side down for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

3.

3. Start Sauce: In same skillet, add remaining butter and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.

4.

4. Make Curry Sauce: Stir in curry paste and cook 2 minutes. Add coconut milk and simmer 5-7 minutes until thickened. Season with lime juice, salt, and pepper.

5.

5. Finish: Return salmon to skillet and simmer in sauce 5-7 minutes until fully cooked.

Notes

  1. Perfect quick weeknight dinner
  2. Can adjust curry paste amount for desired spice level
  3. Best served over rice or with naan bread

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Paper towels
  • Measuring spoons

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains fish (salmon)
  • Contains dairy (butter)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 425
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~