Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce

Why Make This Recipe

Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of coconut, spices, and tender salmon. This recipe not only packs a punch when it comes to taste, but it’s also incredibly healthy. Salmon is known for its high omega-3 fatty acid content, which is excellent for heart health and brain function. The addition of broccoli contributes fiber and essential vitamins, making this dish a well-rounded meal.

For anyone looking to impress guests or just enjoy a comforting meal at home, this recipe is perfect. It’s easy to prepare and can be made in a single skillet, meaning less cleanup afterward. A beautiful plate of coconut curry salmon topped with a garlic butter drizzle is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Plus, the vibrant colors from the curry and vegetables add an inviting visual appeal.

How to Make Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce

Making Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce involves a few steps, each contributing to the overall deliciousness of the dish. From preparing the salmon to creating the rich curry sauce and finishing it off with a garlic butter drizzle, every step is simple and straightforward. Here’s how to create this amazing meal at home.

Ingredients

• 4 (4-6 ounce) salmon fillets
• 2-3 tablespoons spicy curry powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• A pinch of chili flakes
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 6 tablespoons salted butter
• 1/4 cup Thai red curry paste
• 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
• 1 1/2 cups chopped broccoli
• 2 cups canned full-fat coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 3-4 cloves garlic, chopped

Directions

1. Prepare the Salmon

Start by preparing the salmon fillets. Use a paper towel to pat each fillet dry, which helps with the searing process. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of chili flakes for a bit of heat.

Next, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes to get a nice sear on the skin. Flip the fillets carefully and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through but still moist. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

2. Make the Curry Base

In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of salted butter and allow it to melt. As the butter melts, add the Thai red curry paste along with fresh grated ginger and chopped garlic. Sauté these ingredients for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until they are fragrant. The sizzling of the butter and spices will create an aromatic base for the curry.

3. Add the Salmon

Now it’s time to complete the curry. Add chopped broccoli to the skillet, stirring it in with the curry mixture. Then pour in the full-fat coconut milk. This will create a creamy, luxurious sauce. Follow that with tamari or soy sauce and fish sauce for a depth of flavor.

Carefully return the salmon fillets back into the skillet. Let everything simmer together for about 5-7 minutes on low heat. This allows the salmon to absorb all the delicious flavors of the coconut curry sauce while the broccoli becomes tender.

4. Prepare the Garlic Butter Drizzle

For the finishing touch, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of salted butter in a separate small saucepan. Add the chopped garlic and sauté gently for about 1 minute, just until the garlic is fragrant and not browned.

This garlic butter will be drizzled over the cooked salmon, adding richness and a punch of garlicky goodness to the overall taste of the dish.

5. Serve

Now it’s time to plate this beautiful dish. Place the salmon fillets onto serving plates. Spoon generous amounts of the curry sauce over the fish and then drizzle the sautéed garlic butter on top. Serve hot, perhaps with a side of rice or crusty bread to soak up that luscious sauce.

How to Serve Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce

Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce is best served hot right after cooking. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of jasmine rice or quinoa which can complement the flavors. If you prefer, you can also serve it with crusty bread or naan to soak up the savory sauce.

Feel free to enhance the presentation by garnishing with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. A squeeze of lime juice right before serving can add a refreshing zing that pairs well with the rich flavors of the curry.

This dish also makes for a great meal prep option. You can prepare it in advance and reheat it for a quick and delicious lunch or dinner throughout the week.

How to Store Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce

If you find yourself with leftovers, storing Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce is quite easy. First, let it cool to room temperature. Then, place the salmon and coconut curry sauce in an airtight container. It is important to keep them together as the sauce helps to maintain the moisture of the salmon.

Store the container in the refrigerator, where it can be kept for up to 2-3 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, or you can use a microwave. Add a splash of water or extra coconut milk while reheating to keep the sauce from drying out.

It’s best not to freeze this dish because of the dairy content in the coconut milk. The texture may not hold up well when thawed.

Tips to Make Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce

1. Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh salmon fillets for the best flavor and texture. Frozen fillets can also work, but ensure they are fully thawed before cooking.

2. Adjust Spice Levels: If you’re concerned about the heat, adjust the spicy curry powder according to your taste. Start with 2 tablespoons and increase as needed.

3. Broccoli Variations: Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables to the dish according to your preference. Bell peppers, snap peas, or spinach can be great additions that enhance both texture and flavor.

4. Use Full-Fat Coconut Milk: For a richer and creamier sauce, always go for full-fat coconut milk instead of the light version.

5. Avoid Overcooking: To maintain the salmon’s moist and flaky texture, watch the cooking time closely. Salmon can overcook quickly, becoming dry.

6. Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and concentrate the flavors. Alternatively, if it’s too thick, add a bit of water or additional coconut milk to reach your desired consistency.

Variations

Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce can be easily modified to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few variations you might consider:

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the salmon for firm tofu. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cube and cook it similarly in the skillet. The remaining ingredients will create a wonderful curry sauce for the tofu.

• Different Proteins: You can use other fish such as cod or tilapia instead of salmon. Alternatively, chicken can be used if you’re looking for a white meat option.

• Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a spicy kick, add a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper along with the garlic and ginger.

• Curry Options: Change the type of curry paste to green or yellow based on your flavor preference. Each imparts a different twist to the dish.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the coconut curry sauce and store it separately from the salmon in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the curry sauce and add freshly cooked salmon to keep the fish tender.

2. What can I use if I don’t have tamari or soy sauce?
If you don’t have tamari or soy sauce, you can use coconut aminos as a soy sauce alternative. It will provide some similar umami flavors.

3. What should I serve with Coconut Curry Salmon?
This dish pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice, quinoa, or crusty bread. You can also serve it with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

4. Is there a non-dairy alternative for the coconut milk?
You can substitute full-fat coconut milk with unsweetened almond milk or cashew cream for a non-dairy option, but keep in mind it will change the flavor and creaminess of the dish.

5. How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?
Salmon is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 145°F (62.8°C) and it flakes easily with a fork. The flesh should appear opaque and moist.

6. Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Absolutely! Using fresh garlic, as specified in the recipe, will provide a more robust flavor compared to garlic powder. Just ensure to chop it finely for even cooking.

With its explosion of flavors and vibrant colors, Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce is a dish that is not only enjoyable to make but also delightful to eat. Follow this simple recipe, and bring a taste of the tropics right to your table!

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