Zesty Thai Coconut Salmon Curry Recipe for Flavorful Family Meals

Weeknight dinners get a delicious upgrade with this Thai coconut salmon curry that bursts with vibrant flavors and creamy textures.

Fresh salmon fillets nestle perfectly in a rich, aromatic sauce that dances between spicy and smooth.

The combination of coconut milk, fragrant herbs, and tender fish creates a meal that feels both luxurious and comforting.

Bright red chilies and fresh cilantro add gorgeous color and depth to every bite.

Packed with nutrients and incredibly satisfying, this curry comes together in under 30 minutes.

Each spoonful promises a journey through classic Thai culinary traditions.

You’ll want to savor every mouthwatering moment of this spectacular seafood dish.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Thai Coconut Salmon Curry Ingredient List

• Salmon: Fresh, wild-caught salmon offers richer flavor and superior nutritional profile, ensuring tender and flaky texture in curry.
• Fish Sauce: Adds deep umami complexity and authentic Thai seasoning essence to the dish.

• Onion, Garlic, Ginger: Foundational flavor builders creating robust and warm base for the curry.
• Bell Pepper: Adds sweet crunch and vibrant color to enhance visual and taste appeal.
• Coriander, Cumin: Warm spices bringing earthy depth and traditional curry complexity.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Delivers gentle heat and slight smoky undertone.
• Curry Paste: Concentrated flavor bomb providing authentic Thai curry profile.
• Tomato Paste: Enriches sauce with subtle sweetness and deeper color.

• Coconut Milk: Creates luxurious, silky texture and classic Thai curry foundation.
• Broth: Provides additional liquid dimension and subtle background flavor.
• Peanut Butter: Adds creamy richness and unexpected nutty complexity.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens overall flavor and cuts through rich curry base.
• Basil Leaves: Fresh herb garnish offering aromatic final touch.
• Bok Choy: Introduces green vegetable element with delicate, crisp texture.

Tools Required for Thai Coconut Salmon Curry

• Large pan or skillet: Essential for searing salmon and cooking the curry sauce.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for chopping onions, garlic, ginger, and bell peppers.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for ingredient preparation.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure spices and seasonings.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients in the pan.
• Tongs: Useful for handling and turning salmon during searing.
• Measuring cups: Helps measure broth and coconut milk precisely.

Thai Coconut Salmon Curry Cooking Steps

• Salmon Preparation

Select fresh salmon and ensure it’s patted completely dry. Season with your favorite spices for enhanced flavor profile.

• Searing Magic

Use a large skillet with coconut oil and butter. Create a beautiful golden crust by cooking salmon on each side until edges turn crispy and light brown.

• Aromatic Foundation

Gently soften onions, garlic, and ginger in the same pan. Add colorful bell peppers for extra texture and brightness.

• Flavor Explosion

Introduce curry and tomato pastes with warming spices like coriander and cumin. This creates a rich, complex base for the sauce.

• Liquid Symphony

Pour in broth and coconut milk. Add fish sauce and creamy peanut butter for depth. Invite bok choy to join the delicious party.

• Final Harmony

Nestle salmon back into the simmering sauce. Allow everything to meld together for a few minutes. Squeeze fresh lemon juice for brightness.

• Presentation Perfection

Scatter fresh basil leaves on top. Serve over fluffy rice or alongside crusty bread. Sprinkle extra red pepper flakes for adventurous souls.

Cooking Tips for Thai Coconut Salmon Curry

• Swap salmon for shrimp, chicken, or tofu to match your protein preferences and dietary needs.
• Adjust curry paste and red pepper flakes to dial up or tone down the heat level, creating a personalized flavor profile that suits your taste buds.
• Prepare curry sauce in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to develop and intensify before adding fresh salmon.
• Experiment with additional vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or spinach to increase nutritional value and add extra texture to the curry.
• Replace traditional rice with cauliflower rice, quinoa, or rice noodles for a low-carb or gluten-free option that complements the rich curry sauce.

How to Serve Thai Coconut Salmon Curry

• Pair with Jasmine Rice: Spoon the creamy, aromatic curry over fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the rich, flavorful sauce. The delicate rice complements the bold salmon and spicy curry perfectly.
• Top with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped cilantro, green onions, or Thai basil on top for a burst of fresh flavor and vibrant color. These herbs add a bright, zesty finish to the dish.
• Add Crunchy Texture: Scatter toasted cashews or sliced almonds over the curry for a delightful crunch that contrasts with the tender salmon and silky sauce. Nuts bring an extra layer of excitement to each bite.
• Serve with Lime Wedges: Place fresh lime wedges on the side, allowing diners to squeeze tangy citrus over the curry for a bright, acidic kick that cuts through the richness of the coconut milk.

Store Thai Coconut Salmon Curry Efficiently

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover curry in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days to maintain optimal flavor and food safety.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Transfer cooled curry to freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm gently in a pan over medium-low heat to prevent salmon from overcooking. Add a splash of broth or coconut milk to restore sauce consistency. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
• Prep Ahead Strategies: Chop vegetables and measure spices in advance. Marinate salmon up to 2 hours before cooking. Keep ingredients separately refrigerated to maintain freshness and save time during meal preparation.

Silky Thai Coconut Salmon Curry Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Delightful Thai coconut salmon curry blends rich coastal flavors with creamy coconut milk and aromatic spices. Home cooks can quickly prepare this elegant seafood dish with simple ingredients for a restaurant-quality meal you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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• 4 salmon fillets, skin removed
• 1 ¾ cups (420 ml) unsweetened coconut milk (full fat)
• ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable broth
• 3 tbsps Thai red curry paste
• 2 tbsps tomato paste
• 2 tbsps coconut oil or vegetable oil
• 2 tbsps lemon juice
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp peanut butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 baby bok choy, roughly chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• ½ tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp sweet paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Basil leaves, for garnish
• Steamed jasmine rice or flatbread, for serving

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Instructions

1. Salmon Preparation: Pat salmon fillets dry and season comprehensively with salt, black pepper, and paprika, ensuring even coverage.
2. Searing Technique: Heat coconut oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high flame. Sear salmon until golden brown on both sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per side, then transfer to a separate plate.
3. Aromatic Base Creation: Reduce skillet heat and sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until fragrant, releasing their intricate flavor profiles.
4. Vegetable Integration: Add bell peppers and continue cooking, allowing vegetables to soften and develop deep, rich undertones.
5. Spice Activation: Introduce tomato and curry pastes, incorporating ground coriander, cumin, and red pepper flakes to intensify the curry’s complex flavor landscape.
6. Liquid Foundation: Pour broth into the skillet, bringing to a gentle boil. Incorporate bok choy, fish sauce, and peanut butter, creating a harmonious sauce base.
7. Creamy Transformation: Stream coconut milk into the mixture, reducing heat to achieve a luxurious, velvety consistency.
8. Final Poaching: Reintroduce salmon fillets to the simmering sauce, drizzling with lemon juice. Gently poach until fish is perfectly cooked and sauce reaches ideal thickness.
9. Finishing Touch: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh basil leaves. Plate over jasmine rice or crusty bread, sprinkling additional red pepper flakes for those craving extra warmth.

Notes

• Pat Salmon Dry: Ensure salmon is completely dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden sear and prevent steaming instead of browning.
• Spice Toasting Technique: Briefly toast spices to release their aromatic oils, intensifying the curry’s depth and complexity of flavor.
• Protein Poaching Tip: Gently poach salmon in the coconut curry sauce to maintain moisture and prevent overcooking, keeping the fish tender and flaky.
• Flavor Balancing Hack: Use fish sauce and peanut butter to create a rich, umami-packed base that elevates the entire curry’s taste profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg