Salmon Coconut Curry: A Thai-Inspired Delight from Top 1
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Salmon Coconut Curry
Transform your dinner routine with our Thai-inspired Salmon Coconut Curry that brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your home kitchen. This salmon coconut curry recipe strikes the perfect balance between exotic and approachable, combining the richness of wild-caught salmon with the creamy decadence of coconut milk and the aromatic punch of Thai curry paste. At www.dailymeatrecipe.com, we believe that exploring global flavors should be exciting, not intimidating, and this salmon curry recipe proves that impressive international dishes can be both simple to prepare and extraordinarily delicious.
What makes this salmon coconut curry truly special is how the natural oils in the salmon meld with the velvety coconut sauce, creating a luxurious texture that coats your palate with each bite. The vibrant vegetables add color, nutrients, and texture, while the fragrant herbs bring freshness that elevates the entire dish. Whether you’re cooking for a quiet family dinner or hosting friends, this salmon coconut curry from www.dailymeatrecipe.com will transport everyone to the streets of Bangkok without leaving your dining room. Best of all, this impressive meal comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something special without the fuss.


Ingredients FOR Salmon Coconut Curry
Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
---|---|---|
Salmon fillets | 1.5 pounds | Cut into 2-inch chunks, skin removed |
Coconut milk | 2 cans (13.5 oz each) | Full-fat recommended for this meat recipe |
Thai red curry paste | 3 tablespoons | Adjust according to desired spice level |
Fish sauce | 2 tablespoons | For authentic Thai flavor |
Brown sugar | 1 tablespoon | Balances the heat and acidity |
Lime juice | 2 tablespoons | Freshly squeezed |
Lime zest | 1 teaspoon | From organic lime if possible |
Garlic | 4 cloves, minced | Fresh is best for flavor |
Ginger | 2 tablespoons, grated | Fresh root, peeled |
Lemongrass | 1 stalk | Bruised and cut into 4-inch pieces |
Bell peppers | 2 medium | Red and yellow, sliced |
Spinach | 2 cups | Fresh, packed |
Red onion | 1 medium | Thinly sliced |
Cherry tomatoes | 1 cup | Halved |
Vegetable oil | 2 tablespoons | For sautéing |
Fresh basil | 1/2 cup | Thai basil preferred, but regular works too |
Fresh cilantro | 1/4 cup | Chopped, for garnish |
Jalapeño | 1 medium | Thinly sliced, optional for extra heat |
Salt | To taste | For seasoning |
Black pepper | To taste | Freshly ground |
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 520 |
Protein | 32g |
Carbohydrates | 15g |
Fat | 38g |
Saturated Fat | 24g |
Sodium | 650mg |
Fiber | 3g |
Sugar | 6g |
Calcium | 70mg |
Iron | 4mg |
Potassium | 920mg |
Vitamin A | 2500IU |
Vitamin C | 85mg |
Preparation Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
- Remove the salmon fillets from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
- Pat the salmon dry with paper towels and cut into 2-inch chunks.
- Season the salmon pieces with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring all sides are lightly coated.
- Set the seasoned salmon aside while preparing the curry base.
Step 2: Create the Curry Base
- Heat vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the sliced red onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and bruised lemongrass to the pan. Sauté for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Stir in the Thai red curry paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to release its aromatics and flavors.
- Pour in the coconut milk, stirring continuously to incorporate the curry paste completely.
- Add fish sauce, brown sugar, lime zest, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
- Add sliced bell peppers to the simmering curry sauce and cook for about 3 minutes until they begin to soften but still maintain some crispness.
- Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and continue cooking for another 2 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Salmon
- Carefully place the seasoned salmon chunks into the simmering curry sauce.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and gently simmer for about 8-10 minutes, occasionally spooning the sauce over the salmon, until the fish is cooked through but still tender and moist.
- Be careful not to stir too vigorously to avoid breaking the salmon pieces.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
- Once the salmon is cooked, add the fresh spinach and stir gently until it wilts into the curry.
- Turn off the heat and remove the lemongrass pieces.
- Stir in the freshly squeezed lime juice.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or fish sauce if needed.
- Garnish your salmon coconut curry with fresh basil leaves, chopped cilantro, and sliced jalapeños if using.


Serving Suggestions
This salmon coconut curry recipe creates a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with several complementary sides. Here are some serving ideas from www.dailymeatrecipe.com:
- Serve over steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up the delicious curry sauce perfectly
- For a lower-carb option, try cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles
- Coconut rice makes an excellent base that enhances the Thai flavors of the dish
- Warm naan bread or roti can be used to scoop up the flavorful sauce
- A side of cucumber salad provides a cool, refreshing contrast to the rich curry
- For a complete Thai-inspired meal, serve with a simple papaya salad
- Garnish with extra lime wedges so diners can add brightness to taste
The vibrant colors and aromatic presentation of this salmon coconut curry make it an impressive centerpiece for any dining occasion, from casual family dinners to special gatherings with friends.
Pro Tips
For the best results with this salmon coconut curry recipe, consider these expert tips from the culinary team at www.dailymeatrecipe.com:
- Use wild-caught salmon when possible for the best flavor and texture in this meat recipe
- Don’t overcook the salmon – it should remain tender and just cooked through
- If you can’t find lemongrass, substitute with 2 teaspoons of lemon zest
- For a thicker curry sauce, simmer it for 5-10 minutes before adding the salmon
- Freeze leftover curry paste in tablespoon portions for easy use in future recipes
- Toast the curry paste in the oil until fragrant for a deeper flavor development
- Add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the sauce for a creamier texture with nutty undertones
- Use the coconut cream that rises to the top of the can for an even richer curry sauce
- If making ahead, consider adding the salmon just before serving to prevent it from becoming overcooked
Variations
This salmon coconut curry recipe is wonderfully adaptable and can be customized in numerous ways:
Green Curry Salmon
Substitute red curry paste with green curry paste for a different flavor profile that’s often more herbal and slightly less spicy.
Southern Thai-Style Salmon Curry
Add 1-2 tablespoons of yellow curry powder along with the red curry paste for a more complex, turmeric-forward flavor reminiscent of southern Thai curries.
Seafood Medley Curry
Replace half the salmon with shrimp, scallops, or firm white fish for a seafood feast in curry form.
Vegetable-Forward Salmon Curry
Double the vegetables and add others like eggplant, zucchini, or snow peas for a higher ratio of vegetables to salmon.
Coconut-Free Alternative
For those with coconut allergies, substitute the coconut milk with a combination of chicken broth and heavy cream (though this will change the flavor profile significantly).
Low-Carb Version
Serve over cauliflower rice and increase the vegetable content while keeping the carbohydrates low.
Spicy Lover’s Salmon Curry
Double the curry paste and add sliced Thai bird’s eye chilies for an extra kick of heat that will satisfy spice enthusiasts.
FAQ
Q: Can I use light coconut milk instead of full-fat? A: While you can use light coconut milk, the curry won’t be as rich and creamy. We recommend full-fat coconut milk for the most authentic and satisfying salmon coconut curry.
Q: How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked? A: The salmon should be opaque throughout and flake easily with a fork. For this curry, it’s better to slightly undercook than overcook, as the residual heat will continue cooking the fish even after removing from heat.
Q: Can I make this salmon curry ahead of time? A: You can prepare the curry sauce a day ahead, but it’s best to add the salmon shortly before serving for the best texture. Reheat the sauce gently, then add fresh salmon pieces and cook as directed.
Q: What’s the best substitute for fish sauce? A: If you don’t have fish sauce, you can substitute with a combination of soy sauce and a touch of anchovy paste. For a vegetarian option, use soy sauce with a splash of lime juice.
Q: How spicy is this salmon coconut curry? A: With 3 tablespoons of curry paste, this recipe has a moderate heat level. Adjust up or down according to your preference, and remember that different brands of curry paste vary in spiciness.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers of this salmon curry? A: While you can freeze the curry, the texture of the salmon may change upon thawing and reheating. If you plan to freeze, consider slightly undercooking the salmon initially.
Conclusion
This Thai-inspired Salmon Coconut Curry brings together the richness of salmon with the exotic flavors of Thai cuisine in a dish that’s both impressive and accessible for home cooks. The combination of creamy coconut milk, aromatic spices, and tender salmon creates a meal that satisfies both the palate and the soul. By following our detailed instructions, you can create a restaurant-quality curry that will have everyone asking for seconds.
We’d love to hear how your salmon coconut curry turned out! Visit www.dailymeatrecipe.com to leave a comment on this recipe or to discover more delicious meat recipes from around the world. From quick and easy weeknight meals to sophisticated dinner party dishes, our website is your trusted resource for culinary inspiration. Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next Thai food craving, and sign up for our newsletter to receive more amazing recipes like this salmon coconut curry directly in your inbox. Share your cooking success on social media and tag www.dailymeatrecipe.com so we can celebrate your culinary achievement together. Happy cooking!