One-Pan Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of coconut milk with the bold spice of curry. The salmon is perfectly seared, resulting in a beautiful golden crust, while the vibrant colors of the sauce and fresh herbs make it a visual feast. This meal is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or elegant weekend gatherings, impressing friends and family alike with its exotic flair.
Cooking this dish engages all your senses. Imagine the aromatic scent of garlic and ginger wafting through the kitchen as the salmon cooks to perfection. You’ll savor every bite of this creamy, flavorful dish that balances savory and slightly sweet notes. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to create this easy yet impressive recipe, from ingredient prep to serving tips. Get ready to bring a taste of the tropics to your table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients: Uses wholesome ingredients that you can easily find.
- Ease of Preparation: Quick to make in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
- Nutrition: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids from salmon and antioxidants from spices.
- Versatility: Customize with different herbs or spices based on your taste preferences.
- Presentation: Its vibrant colors make it visually stunning, perfect for any occasion.
You’ll find that this recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly fulfilling.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Note that times may vary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Juice of ½ a lime
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro or basil, chopped (for garnish)
How To Make One-Pan Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter
Step 1: Season and Sear the Salmon
Start by seasoning your salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and paprika. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the salmon skin-side down and sear for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Coconut Curry Sauce
In the same pan, melt the butter, then add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in the curry powder, turmeric, and red pepper flakes.
Step 3: Simmer the Salmon in the Sauce
Pour in the coconut milk, tomato paste, honey, soy sauce, and lime juice. Bring to a gentle simmer. Return the salmon to the pan and let it cook in the sauce for about 10 minutes until fully cooked through.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
Once the salmon is done, garnish with fresh cilantro or basil before serving. Enjoy the dish with rice or your favorite side!

How to Serve
- Presentation: Serve the salmon on a large platter, pouring extra sauce on top for visual appeal.
- Accompaniments: Pair with jasmine rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Portions: This recipe serves four, perfect for a family dinner or a small gathering.
- Beverage Pairing: Enjoy with a chilled white wine or herbal iced tea to complement the flavors.
Leave your family and guests raving about your culinary skills!
Additional Tips
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the salmon with spices for an hour before cooking.
- Customize with your favorite veggies like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
- Serve with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or lime wedges for extra flavor and presentation.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Coconut Curry: Add more red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for extra heat.
- Herb-Infused: Try adding fresh dill or tarragon for a unique twist in flavor.
- Coconut Curry Shrimp: Substitute salmon with shrimp for a lighter seafood option.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Special Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Ladle for serving
FAQ’s
Can I use frozen salmon instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen salmon works well! Just thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking.
Is this recipe suitable for certain diets?
It’s gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce and can easily adapt to dairy-free.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can marinate the salmon a few hours in advance, but it’s best to cook it fresh.
How can I customize the flavors?
Feel free to experiment with different curry blends or add your favorite vegetables!
Can I cook this dish using an oven?
Absolutely! You can sear the salmon on the stove first and then transfer to an oven-safe dish to finish cooking in the oven.
Conclusion
One-Pan Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter is a healthful, flavor-packed meal that’s both satisfying and visually stunning. It’s perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion, making it a recipe you’ll want to keep in your cooking rotation. Give it a try, and let the delightful flavors brighten your table today!
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Coconut Curry Salmon
Ingredients
Method
- Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, place the salmon skin-side down and sear for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt the butter.
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in curry powder, turmeric, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour in coconut milk, tomato paste, honey, soy sauce, and lime juice.
- Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Return the salmon to the pan and let it cook in the sauce for about 10 minutes until fully cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or basil before serving.
- Enjoy the dish with rice or your favorite side!





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