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Home » Dinner » Quick and Easy Dinners

Coconut Curry Salmon

Dec 9, 2024 · Last updated: Jan 3, 2025 by Rita · This post contains paid affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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Easy Coconut curry salmon skillet dinner.

If you're new to cooking or just want a flavorful meal that’s easy to make, this Salmon Curry is the perfect recipe for you. It’s a beginner-friendly dish packed with bold, comforting flavors.

With tender salmon simmered in a creamy, spiced coconut curry sauce, you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create a restaurant-quality meal at home.

The easy steps and everyday ingredients ensure a successful cooking experience—even if it’s your first time making curry.

Coconut curry salmon skillet dinner.

Why You’ll Love Coconut Curry Salmon

  • Healthy: Packed with protein and heart-healthy omega-3s from salmon.
  • Beginner-Friendly: Simple instructions and easy techniques.
  • Flavorful: A rich, spiced curry sauce that’s perfectly balanced.

🛒Ingredients

  • Salmon fillest - Fresh or frozen fillets, skinless or skin-on. Wild-caught salmon has a firmer texture, while farmed salmon is more buttery.
  • Onion - Creates a flavorful base when sautéed. Use yellow or white onions, which work best for their mild sweetness.
  • Coconut milk - Use full-fat coconut milk for a rich and velvety sauce, or light coconut milk for a lighter version.
  • Garlic - Adds depth and savory flavor. Tip: Fresh garlic works best, but jarred garlic is fine in a pinch.
  • Thai red curry - Choose authentic brands for the best flavor. Start with two tablespoons and adjust based on your preferred spice level.
  • Spinach & veggies - Fresh spinach wilts beautifully into the sauce. Boost nutrition and texture by adding veggies like bell peppers, snow peas, or carrots.
  • Ginger - Essential ingredient for curries! Adds warmth and freshness to the curry. Peel ginger easily with a spoon before grating.
  • Cilantro and basil - Adds a fresh, herby finish to the curry. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, use fresh parsley or green onions. For basil don't worry if you can't find holy basil, regular one works just fine.

👩‍🍳 You'll find the complete list of ingredients below the recipe card.

frozen salmon fillets.

🥣How To Make Coconut Curry Salmon

  1. Chop the onion, garlic, and ginger. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the garlic, ginger, curry powder, cumin, and turmeric. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
onion and red curry paste.
seared salmon fillets in skillet.
  1. Add tomato paste and stir well. Pour in the coconut milk and broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Place the salmon fillets into the sauce, spooning some sauce over the top. Cover the skillet and simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
  3. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the curry and garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve hot over rice or alongside naan bread for a complete, flavorful meal.
browned salmon fillets.
Creamy red curry sauce for salmon curry.
Coconut curry salmon skillet dinner.

📋Tips

  • Don’t overcook the salmon. It’s done when it flakes easily with a fork.
  • Use fresh ingredients. Fresh garlic, ginger, and lime juice make the flavors pop.
  • Customize the spice level. Add cayenne or red pepper flakes if you like more heat.
  • Simmer the sauce gently to avoid drying out the salmon.
  • Don't skip the lime juice. It brightens the dish and balances the richness.
Quick and easy Coconut curry salmon skillet dinner.

🍱Storage Instructions

  • 🍱To Store. Transfer your salmon curry to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for 2-3 days. Bonus: the flavors deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day—a win for meal prep or an easy lunch!
  • 🔥To Reheat. Warm your curry gently to keep the salmon tender. Reheat it in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until evenly heated. Prefer the microwave? Use short bursts, stirring in between, so the salmon stays juicy and the sauce stays silky.

What To Serve With Salmon Curry

Rice or Grains: Basmati rice, jasmine rice, or quinoa.

Flatbread: Naan or roti for dipping.

Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or a side salad.

Mashed potatoes

Coconut curry salmon skillet dinner served with rice.

More Asian Style Dinner Recipes

  • Spicy Meatballs
  • Spicy Salmon
  • Cashew Chicken
  • Ramen Stir Fry
  • Sweet and Sticky Chicken Bowls

Did You Try This Recipe? 

Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below and share it on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest!

📖Recipe

Coconut curry salmon skillet dinner.

Coconut Curry Salmon

Enjoy a flavorful Salmon Curry with coconut milk, Thai red curry paste, and fresh spinach. This easy, delicious dish is perfect for first-time home cooks and full of vibrant flavors.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound fresh or frozen salmon fillets, about 4 fillets
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • ½ large brown onion, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste, use a good quality paste
  • 1 teaspoon fish sauce
  • 1 13.5 oz can coconut milk , unsweetened
  • ½ teaspoon brown sugar, optional
  • 3 cups fresh spinach, or more if desired
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice, plus extra lime wedges for serving
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, regular or Thai basil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced or grated
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce, I use low-sodium
  • salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Season the salmon: Start by seasoning your salmon fillets with a generous amount of salt and black pepper.
    salt and black pepper to taste, 1 pound fresh or frozen salmon fillets
  • Cook the salmon: Melt butter in a large pan over medium-high heat, then add a little oil. Place the salmon skin-side down and cook for about 3 minutes. Flip it over and cook for another 3-5 minutes. Set the salmon aside.
    1 tablespoon unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Prepare the curry base: Spoon out a bit of the oil and butter from the pan, then add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes until softened. Add in garlic and ginger, and cook for another minute on medium heat. Add red curry paste and cook until it caramelizes.
    ½ large brown onion, 2 teaspoons fresh garlic, 1 teaspoon ginger, 2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
  • Add flavorful ingredients: Stir in fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and coconut milk. Bring it to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer until the sauce thickens slightly. If you're adding veggies, now's the time to toss them in (just don’t overdo it).
    1 teaspoon fish sauce, ½ teaspoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 13.5 oz can coconut milk
  • Garnish and finish: Add in spinach, fresh basil, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. Return the salmon to the pan, pour the sauce over it, and serve!
    3 cups fresh spinach, 2 tablespoons fresh basil, 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, 1 teaspoon lime juice

Notes

  • To Store: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. The flavors will deepen, making it even better for meal prep or a quick lunch.
  • To Reheat: Reheat gently over low heat in a pan, stirring occasionally to keep the salmon moist. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to avoid drying out the salmon.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

🤷Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dairy-free?

It’s already dairy-free since it uses coconut milk!

What sides go well with salmon curry?

Serve with rice, quinoa, or naan bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Can I use curry powder instead of paste?

NO, for this curry you'll need the Thai red curry paste. Curry powder is yellow and is mostly used in Indian curries.

Coconut curry salmon skillet dinner.
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Hello! I'm Rita. Here you'll find delicious, easy, and family-trusted recipes with easy step-by-step instructions. There is nothing better than enjoying good food and wine with your loved ones!

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