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A close-up of a salmon fillet in a coconut milk green curry sauce made with lime juice and curry powder.
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4.85 from 19 votes

Salmon Curry in Coconut Milk

Have a restaurant-quality meal ready in less than 30 minutes with this Salmon Curry in Coconut Milk recipe, loaded with flavor and so easy to make! Simply whisk together a homemade curry spice blend, sear the fish, and then simmer in the coconut milk curry sauce until the fish is ultra tender and flaky!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Dinner, lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Thai
Servings: 5 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ lbs. salmon cut into 5 filets*
  • 2 Tbsp. oil olive or avocado
  • ½ sweet onion thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic crushed
  • ½ tsp. ginger paste or grated ginger
  • 1 tsp. salt to taste
  • 1 ½ Tbsp. curry powder
  • ¼ tsp. ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp. coriander
  • 1 Tbsp. coconut sugar or brown sugar, optional
  • 1 tsp. chili garlic paste
  • 15 oz. can coconut milk full fat*
  • 1 lime juice
  • 2 cups spinach coarsely chopped

Instructions

  • Sear Salmon. In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat add 1 tablespoon of oil and salmon filets. Sear salmon for 1-2 minutes per side. Remove salmon from skillet.
    1 ¼ lbs. salmon, 2 Tbsp. oil
  • Cook Veggies. Add remaining tablespoon of oil along with the sliced onion and bell pepper. Saute for 4-5 minutes or until the vegetables start to get tender. Stir in crushed garlic and ginger paste and saute for 1 minute.
    2 Tbsp. oil, ½ sweet onion, 1 red bell pepper, 2 cloves garlic, ½ tsp. ginger paste
  • Make the Spice Mix. In a separate small bowl whisk together the salt, curry powder, turmeric, coriander, and sugar (if using).
    1 tsp. salt, 1 ½ Tbsp. curry powder, ¼ tsp. ground turmeric, 1 tsp. coriander, 1 Tbsp. coconut sugar
  • Bring it Together. Add spice mix, chili paste, coconut milk, and lime juice to the skillet and stir to combine. Bring sauce to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer. Place the salmon filets back into the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook salmon curry for 10-12 minutes or until salmon is cooked through. Stir in chopped spinach just before serving.
    1 tsp. chili garlic paste, 15 oz. can coconut milk, 1 lime, 2 cups spinach
  • Serve salmon curry over rice or cauliflower rice with cilantro and enjoy!

Notes

  • You can choose to leave the skin on the salmon or take it off after searing (I find it comes off more easily after this point.)
  • Lite coconut milk can be substituted, but the sauce will be thinner and not quite as flavorful. Do not use the refrigerated coconut milk, it will not give you the same results as the canned milk.

Dietary Modifications

This recipe is already gluten-free, dairy-free, and Paleo as written. Here are some adjustments and substitutions you can make to help it fit your other dietary requirements:
  • Whole30: Simply leave out the sugar to make this recipe Whole30 compliant.
  • Lower Fat: Use a lite coconut milk instead of the full-fat option.
  • Low-Carb: Leave out the sugar for a low-carb main dish.

Meal Prep and Storage

  • To Prep-Ahead: Wash and cut the veggies, and mix the dry spices. Store separately until ready to use.
  • To Store: Place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep the spinach separate and stir in just before serving.
  • To Freeze: This is not recommended as the texture of the salmon will change.
  • To Reheat: Warm on the stovetop for 5-10 minutes over medium-low heat.

Nutrition

Calories: 460kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 461mg | Potassium: 1039mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 2017IU | Vitamin C: 47mg | Calcium: 82mg | Iron: 5mg