One-Pan Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter Recipe
This One-Pan Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender salmon fillets are pan-seared to golden perfection and simmered in a rich and creamy coconut curry sauce infused with garlic, red curry paste, and fresh lime juice. Finished with a sprinkle of chili flakes and fresh cilantro, this recipe offers vibrant flavors with minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 Salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons Butter (divided)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Curry Sauce
- 1 can (13.5 oz) Full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons Red curry paste
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon Chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor and ensure a nice crust during searing.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and foamy, carefully add the salmon fillets skin-side down. Sear for about 3-4 minutes per side until the fillets are golden brown and cooked through. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Coconut Curry Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the red curry paste and cook for 2 more minutes to let the spices bloom and infuse the butter.
- Add Coconut Milk: Pour in the full-fat coconut milk, stirring to combine with the curry paste. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes to thicken and develop rich flavors.
- Season the Sauce: Add fresh lime juice along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to balance the acidity and seasoning in the sauce.
- Return Salmon to Sauce: Gently nestle the seared salmon fillets back into the skillet with the curry sauce. Let them simmer in the sauce for an additional 5-7 minutes to fully cook the fish and meld the flavors.
- Finish and Garnish: Optional – sprinkle with chili flakes for added heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving to add a fresh, herbal note.
Notes
- Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer and creamier sauce.
- Adjust red curry paste amount based on preferred spice level.
- Ensure salmon fillets are patted dry before searing to get a nice crust.
- Simmering salmon in the sauce gently finishes cooking without drying it out.
- Serve with steamed rice or naan to soak up the delicious sauce.
Keywords: coconut curry salmon, garlic butter salmon, one pan salmon recipe, easy salmon dinner, quick curry sauce, healthy fish recipe