Creamy Coconut Salmon Curry Recipe: A Tropical Sea Delight

Salmon transforms into a mouthwatering delicacy when simmered in a rich spicy coconut salmon curry.

The vibrant blend of spices mingles with creamy coconut milk, creating an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen.

Fresh filets absorb complex layers of flavor, promising a meal that dances between heat and comfort.

Each bite carries the warmth of carefully selected seasonings that complement the tender fish perfectly.

The curry brings together traditional techniques with a modern twist, making it an exciting dish for adventurous home cooks.

Fragrant herbs and bold spices elevate this recipe from ordinary to extraordinary.

You’ll want to gather your ingredients and start cooking right away to experience this culinary masterpiece.

Ingredients For Coconut Salmon Curry

• Onion: Provides a sweet, foundational flavor that creates depth in the curry sauce.
• Garlic: Adds robust, pungent notes that enhance the overall taste profile.
• Ginger: Brings warm, slightly spicy undertones that complement the seafood.
• Oil: Creates the initial cooking medium for developing rich flavors.

• Cumin: Delivers earthy, warm complexity to the curry's flavor spectrum.
• Coriander: Offers a citrusy, slightly nutty undertone that balances other spices.
• Turmeric: Contributes vibrant color and subtle peppery warmth.
• Paprika: Adds mild sweetness and beautiful reddish hue to the dish.
• Garam Masala: Provides a complex blend of warming spices for authentic curry depth.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all other flavor profiles in the recipe.

• Salmon: Brings tender, rich protein with delicate omega-3 benefits.
• Coconut Milk: Creates creamy, luxurious texture with subtle tropical sweetness.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds bright acidity and fresh tomato base to the sauce.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and helps thicken the curry.
• Broth: Provides additional liquid and depth to the cooking liquid.
• Honey: Optional ingredient for subtle sweetness and sauce balance.
• Lime Juice: Introduces fresh, sharp citrus notes at the end.
• Peas/Spinach: Optional additions for extra nutrition and color.

Kitchen Gear For Coconut Salmon Curry

• Large skillet: Perfect for sauteing aromatics and cooking the entire curry sauce.
• Cutting board: Essential for chopping onions, garlic, and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Needed for precise chopping and cutting salmon into chunks.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add spices and seasonings.
• Measuring cup: Useful for measuring broth and coconut milk precisely.
• Lid: Covers skillet when cooking salmon to ensure even heat distribution.

How To Cook Coconut Salmon Curry

• Awaken the Aromatics

Drizzle oil into a sizzling pan and dance those chopped onions around until they turn soft and translucent. Invite fragrant garlic and ginger to join the party, letting them mingle and release their magic for a quick minute.

• Sprinkle Spice Magic

Shower the pan with a constellation of spices – cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, garam masala, and a whisper of salt. Let them bloom and release their intoxicating aroma for just a few breathless seconds.

• Create Sauce Symphony

Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth, stirring with passionate purpose. Allow the mixture to bubble and whisper, melding flavors for about 5 minutes.

• Embrace Coconut Luxury

Swirl in creamy coconut milk and a touch of honey. Let the sauce simmer and dream, developing depth and richness for another 5 minutes.

• Welcome Salmon's Dance

Gently nestle salmon chunks into the seductive sauce. Cover and let them poach tenderly, transforming into flaky, succulent bites of pure delight.

• Final Flavor Flourish

Brighten the curry with a splash of lime juice. Optional peas or spinach can join the celebration. Taste and adjust seasonings to your heart’s desire.

• Serve with Love

Crown your creation with fresh cilantro. Serve alongside steamed rice or warm naan, ready to transport taste buds on an unforgettable journey.

Tasty Twists For Coconut Salmon Curry

• Perfect Poaching Technique: Gently place salmon chunks into the simmering sauce to prevent breaking, ensuring each piece stays intact and absorbs maximum flavor.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare curry base in advance and add salmon just before serving to maintain its delicate texture and prevent overcooking.
• Protein Swap: Replace salmon with firm white fish like halibut or swap for chicken thighs for a different protein option that holds up well in the rich, spicy sauce.
• Dietary Flexibility: Create a vegan version by substituting salmon with firm tofu or chickpeas, maintaining the curry's creamy coconut base and aromatic spice profile.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust heat by reducing or increasing chili powder, or add a fresh chili pepper for those who love extra kick without compromising the curry's complex flavor balance.

Nice Ways To Serve Coconut Salmon Curry

• Tropical Plate Paradise: Serve this vibrant curry over fluffy jasmine rice to soak up all the delicious sauce.
• Naan Bread Companion: Warm, soft naan bread works perfectly for scooping up every last drop of this creamy coconut salmon curry.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle extra chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving to brighten the entire dish with zesty, herbal notes.
• Texture Boost: Top with toasted coconut flakes or sliced green onions for a delightful crunch that complements the tender salmon.

How To Store Coconut Salmon Curry Properly

• Smart Storage Solutions: Transfer leftover curry to airtight glass containers, keeping salmon pieces intact and preventing sogginess.
• Refrigerator Lifespan: Store curry for 2-3 days maximum, ensuring peak flavor and food safety by maintaining cool temperatures around 40°F.
• Freezing Strategy: Separate salmon from sauce before freezing to maintain protein's texture. Freeze curry sauce in flat, sealed containers for up to 1 month.
• Reheating Technique: Warm gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of broth to restore moisture and prevent sauce from breaking or salmon becoming tough.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Spicy Coconut Salmon Curry Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy coconut salmon curry delivers a perfect blend of Thai-inspired flavors with rich, aromatic spices. Delicate salmon mingles with coconut milk and fragrant herbs, creating a comforting meal you’ll savor to the last bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 salmon fillets (about 1.5 lbs or 700g), skin removed and cut into chunks
• 1 tbsp oil (coconut or vegetable)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, grated
• 1 can (14 oz/400 ml) coconut milk
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) diced tomatoes (or 1 fresh tomato, chopped)
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) vegetable or fish broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 0.5 tsp turmeric
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• 0.5 tsp garam masala
• 0.5 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for slight sweetness)
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 0.5 cup (75 g) frozen peas or spinach (optional, for extra veggies)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Aromatic Foundation: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium flame, introducing diced onions and sautéing until translucent and softened.
2. Spice Awakening: Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and ground spices (cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, garam masala), stirring to release their intense aromatics and create a complex flavor base.
3. Liquid Harmony: Incorporate diced tomatoes, tomato paste, vegetable broth, and coconut milk, stirring to create a rich, creamy sauce that will envelop the salmon in deep, layered flavors.
4. Salmon Infusion: Gently nestle salmon chunks into the simmering sauce, covering the skillet and allowing the fish to poach until perfectly flaky and opaque.
5. Final Flourish: Brighten the curry with lime juice, optional peas or spinach, and adjust seasoning to achieve a balanced flavor profile. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve alongside steamed rice or naan bread.

Notes

• Optimize Spice Blending: Toast whole spices briefly before grinding to unlock deeper, more intense flavor profiles and enhance the curry’s aromatic complexity.
• Control Salmon Texture: Cook salmon just until it turns opaque and flakes easily, typically 4-6 minutes, to prevent overcooking and maintain its delicate, tender consistency.
• Manage Coconut Milk Separation: Use full-fat coconut milk at room temperature and stir gently to prevent curdling, ensuring a smooth, creamy sauce without unwanted texture breaks.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap salmon for tofu or chickpeas for vegetarian versions, or use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice to create low-carb and gluten-free alternatives that maintain the dish’s rich, complex flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg