One-Pan Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter

The beauty of this One-Pan Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter lies not just in how effortlessly it comes together, but in how each bite bursts with flavor. The coconut milk creates a rich, creamy base that perfectly balances the warmth of the curry spices, making it both comforting and exotic. As the salmon cooks, it soaks in all those luscious, aromatic flavors, while the garlic butter adds a luscious depth that ties everything together beautifully. The salmon fillets, perfectly cooked with crispy edges, melt in your mouth with each bite, while the curry sauce coats them like a warm, flavorful hug.

The garlic butter also does wonders to bring out the natural richness of the salmon. It’s just the right amount of savory, with a subtle garlic kick that doesn’t overpower the delicate fish. And don’t even get me started on the aroma—it fills the kitchen with a tantalizing scent that makes you want to grab a fork before the dish even makes it to the table. It’s one of those meals that’ll have everyone asking for seconds, with that creamy coconut curry sauce begging to be scooped up with a piece of crusty bread or even a spoon. It’s comfort food, but with a bit of flair that makes you feel like you’re eating something special, even on a Tuesday night.

Key Ingredients in One-Pan Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter

Each ingredient in this dish plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors, from the rich creaminess of the coconut milk to the aromatic spices that elevate the salmon. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to bring this vibrant dish to life:

• Olive oil: A versatile base for cooking the salmon and aromatics, adding a subtle richness to the dish without overpowering the other flavors.
• Salmon fillets: The star of the show. These tender fillets soak up the coconut curry sauce and cook to perfection with crispy edges, offering a delicate, flaky texture that pairs beautifully with the rich, spiced sauce.
• Garlic: Minced garlic adds a savory depth of flavor and aromatic punch, creating a fragrant base that harmonizes with the coconut milk and curry.
• Ginger: Fresh ginger brings a warm, slightly spicy zing that complements the garlic and adds a bit of brightness to the curry sauce.
• Curry powder: This blend of spices is essential for that authentic curry flavor. It gives the dish a warm, earthy richness and a hint of complexity.
• Ground turmeric: Turmeric contributes its earthy flavor and vibrant yellow color, while also adding subtle bitterness that balances the sweetness of the coconut milk and honey.
• Ground cumin: Cumin brings a warm, smoky undertone that deepens the flavor profile and enhances the other spices, adding layers of complexity to the sauce.
• Chili flakes: A pinch of heat that elevates the dish without overwhelming it, providing just the right amount of spice to balance the creaminess of the coconut milk.
• Coconut milk: The base of the curry sauce, offering a silky smooth texture and a rich, slightly sweet flavor that perfectly complements the spices.
• Chicken broth: Adds depth to the curry sauce, thinning it out just enough to make it perfect for coating the salmon and creating a luscious, savory sauce.
• Lime juice: A splash of fresh lime juice adds a bright, tangy contrast to the richness of the coconut milk, brightening the entire dish.
• Honey: A touch of honey rounds out the flavors, offering a natural sweetness that balances the curry spices and adds a little depth to the sauce.
• Soy sauce: Provides a savory umami kick that ties the flavors together, enhancing the saltiness of the dish and adding complexity.
• Butter: Melted butter adds a silky richness to the garlic and curry sauce, giving it an irresistible creaminess and a luxurious mouthfeel.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness and a herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the dish, making each bite feel light and refreshing.
• Salt: A pinch of salt helps to bring out all the flavors, ensuring that the dish is perfectly seasoned and every element shines.
• Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle heat and depth, rounding out the seasoning and enhancing the savory notes of the dish.

How to Make One-Pan Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter

Serving Suggestions for One-Pan Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter

1. Serve over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice: The creamy coconut curry sauce just begs to be scooped up with every bite, and what better way to soak it all up than with a fragrant bed of jasmine rice? It adds a light, aromatic base that complements the richness of the salmon while making this dish feel like a complete meal. Bonus points if you sprinkle a little extra cilantro on top for that fresh pop of color and flavor.

2. Pair with crispy roasted vegetables: Think roasted carrots, bell peppers, or even Brussels sprouts. The slight char and sweetness of the veggies create a beautiful contrast to the creamy curry sauce, making each bite a delightful mix of textures and flavors. It’s the perfect way to elevate this meal without much effort, adding a touch of earthy goodness to balance the richness of the salmon.

3. Serve with warm, buttered naan or crusty bread: Don’t forget to have something on hand to mop up all that delicious sauce! Soft, buttery naan is ideal for scooping up the coconut curry sauce, while a crunchy loaf of crusty bread adds a rustic touch. Either way, you’ll be licking the plate clean (don’t worry, we won’t judge!).

How to Store One-Pan Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter

If you find yourself with leftovers of this delectable dish (lucky you!), you’ll want to make sure it stays as fresh and flavorful as possible. To store the One-Pan Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter, start by allowing the salmon and sauce to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, place the salmon in an airtight container and cover it with the curry sauce. This will help keep the fish moist and prevent it from drying out.

When storing in the fridge, the dish should keep well for about 2-3 days. Just make sure to reheat it gently when you’re ready to dive back in. To reheat, you can use a skillet over low heat, spooning a little extra sauce over the salmon to keep it from drying out. If you’re in a rush, the microwave will do, but be cautious not to overheat it, as salmon can quickly become a bit dry.

For longer storage, you can freeze the dish, though it’s best to do so before baking the salmon in the oven. Freeze the cooked salmon and sauce in an airtight container or freezer bag, and when you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. While freezing won’t quite capture that fresh-off-the-stove texture, it still makes for a comforting, flavorful meal when you need a quick dinner later on. Just be sure to enjoy it within a month or so for the best taste and texture.

Conclusion

And there you have it—the One-Pan Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter, a dish that combines comfort with just the right amount of flair. It’s got all the elements of a crowd-pleaser—flaky salmon, a creamy, aromatic curry sauce, and a touch of garlic butter that brings everything together in a way that’s just irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy weeknight or serving it up for a special dinner, this dish is bound to impress.

The best part? It’s super easy to make and doesn’t require any fancy kitchen gadgets. Just one pan, a handful of simple ingredients, and a little love, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s bursting with flavor. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a go-to in your recipe rotation.

I’d love to hear how it turns out if you give it a try! Or if you have any questions, or maybe need a little help tweaking the recipe, feel free to reach out. I’m here to chat all about it!

Print Recipe

One-Pan Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter

Author: Daniel Carter Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 20 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 40 mins

Calories: 450

Description

This One-Pan Coconut Curry Salmon is a flavor explosion! Tender salmon fillets bathed in a rich, creamy coconut curry sauce, with a hint of garlic butter to add depth. It's a perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and savory goodness—all in one pan!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 salmon fillets

• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced

• 1 tablespoon curry powder

• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon chili flakes

• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk

• ¹⁄₄ cup chicken broth

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter

• ¹⁄₄ cup cilantro, chopped

• Salt to taste

• Pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon fillets to the skillet, skin-side down if applicable, and season them with salt and pepper.
4. Cook the salmon for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden and cooked through, then remove the fillets from the skillet and set them aside.
5. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Add the curry powder, ground turmeric, ground cumin, and chili flakes to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, for about 30 seconds to toast the spices.
7. Pour in the coconut milk, chicken broth, lime juice, honey, and soy sauce, stirring to combine.
8. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, cooking for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
9. Once the sauce has thickened slightly, return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top of each fillet.
10. Dot the fillets with butter and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
11. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the salmon is fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork.
12. Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish with chopped cilantro.
13. Serve the salmon with the sauce spooned over the top, and enjoy.

Note

• Make sure the salmon fillets are not overcrowded in the skillet to ensure they cook evenly.
• For a spicier dish, adjust the amount of chili flakes to your preference.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it for a few extra minutes before adding the salmon back in.
• Use fresh lime juice for a more vibrant and tangy flavor.
• Garnish with extra cilantro just before serving for a fresh, herby kick.

Keywords: coconut curry salmon recipe, one-pan salmon dish, garlic butter salmon, easy salmon curry, healthy coconut curry recipes