One-Pan Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter

This One-Pan Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter is a flavor-packed dish that’s creamy, rich, and irresistibly delicious! The tender, flaky salmon is simmered in a fragrant coconut curry sauce with a hint of garlic butter, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that feels gourmet but comes together in just 30 minutes. Serve it over rice or with warm naan for a satisfying meal!

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Why You’ll Love This Coconut Curry Salmon

✔ One-Pan Wonder – Less cleanup and more flavor!
✔ Rich & Creamy – Coconut milk and butter make this sauce velvety smooth.
✔ Perfectly Spiced – A balance of warmth from curry and a buttery, garlicky kick.
✔ Fast & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights!

Ingredients for One-Pan Coconut Curry Salmon

For the Salmon

• 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Garlic Butter Coconut Curry Sauce

• 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)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or pan
• Tongs or spatula
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons

How to Make One-Pan Coconut Curry Salmon

Step 1: Season and Sear the Salmon

1. Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the salmon, skin-side down, for 3-4 minutes until crispy. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Coconut Curry Sauce

4. In the same pan, lower the heat to medium and melt the butter.
5. Add garlic and ginger, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Stir in curry powder, turmeric, and red pepper flakes. Toast the spices for 30 seconds to enhance their flavor.
7. Add coconut milk, tomato paste, honey, soy sauce, and lime juice. Stir well and let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Simmer the Salmon in the Sauce

8. Return the salmon fillets to the pan, spooning the sauce over them.
9. Let everything simmer for 5 more minutes until the salmon is fully cooked and flaky.

Step 4: Garnish & Serve

10. Sprinkle fresh cilantro or basil on top.
11. Serve over steamed rice, quinoa, or with warm naan.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with coconut rice or garlic butter naan for extra flavor.
• Add roasted veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for a heartier meal.
• Serve with a cucumber yogurt dip to balance the spice.

Tips for the Best Coconut Curry Salmon

✔ Use Fresh Salmon – It gives the best texture and flavor.
✔ Don’t Overcook – Salmon should be tender and flaky, not dry.
✔ Adjust Spice Level – Reduce red pepper flakes for mild heat or add more for extra spice!
✔ Let the Sauce Thicken – Simmering for a few minutes helps it develop a richer flavor.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of water or coconut milk if needed.
• Freeze: Freeze the sauce separately for up to 2 months and add fresh salmon when ready to cook.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use a different type of fish?
A: Yes! This works great with cod, halibut, or shrimp.

Q2: Is this dish spicy?
A: It has a mild heat from red pepper flakes, but you can adjust it to your preference.

Q3: Can I use light coconut milk?
A: Yes, but the sauce will be less creamy. Full-fat coconut milk gives the best texture.

Conclusion: A Flavorful One-Pan Favorite!

This One-Pan Coconut Curry Salmon is rich, creamy, and bursting with bold flavors. With just one pan and 30 minutes, you’ll have a dish that’s both easy and impressive. Try it tonight and let us know how it turned out!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 380
Protein: 34g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fat: 24g
Fiber: 2g

Enjoy this creamy, garlicky, coconut-infused salmon and make dinnertime extra special!

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