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Coconut Curry Salmon

Creamy coconut curry salmon with red peppers and cilantro in a skillet

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A cozy, one-pan wonder that brings vibrant, aromatic warmth to your weeknight table. This recipe uses smart, simple ingredients to build layers of flavor in just 30 minutes. The key is a quick simmer of the coconut milk to create a sauce that clings perfectly to the salmon.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin-on or skinless
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil or olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2-3 tablespoons red curry paste
  • 1 (13.5-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon coconut sugar or brown sugar (optional)
  • ½ cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • Fresh cilantro and lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season all over with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon, presentation-side down, and sear for 3-4 minutes until a golden crust forms. Flip and cook 1 more minute. Remove to a plate.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add coconut oil to the skillet. Add onion and cook 3-4 minutes until softened.
  4. Add garlic, ginger, and curry paste. Stir constantly for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in coconut milk, fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar (if using). Add bell pepper. Scrape up browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 5-7 minutes to thicken slightly.
  6. Nestle salmon back into the sauce. Spoon sauce over the top. Cover and cook 5-7 minutes more, until salmon flakes easily.
  7. Remove from heat. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, use firm tofu and substitute fish sauce with soy sauce. Always pat salmon dry for a good sear. Let the sauce simmer to thicken and cling to the fish. Do not overcrowd the pan when searing.

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