Salmon in Coconut Milk Sauce

This delicious salmon dish combines the rich flavors of coconut milk with a hint of spicy red curry, tangy lime, and savory fish sauce. It's a perfect choice for seafood lovers looking for a quick yet flavorful meal. The beautiful balance of sweetness and heat from the curry paste pairs excellently with the creamy texture of the coconut sauce. Lime juice adds a refreshing twist, and the fresh herbs used as garnish enhance the dish's aromatic profile. Cooking the salmon in the pan first helps to sear the exterior while retaining succulence inside. After being slowly simmered in the luscious sauce for a few more minutes, the fish absorbs an irresistible taste. This delightful recipe is both easy to make and pleasing to the palate, fit for an elegant dinner or a cozy family meal. Serve it over a bed of steamed rice or Asian noodles, creating a satisfying and complete dining experience.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

4 pieces of salmon fillets
200 ml coconut milk
1 lime
2 cloves garlic
2 teaspoons red curry paste
2 teaspoons fish sauce
Cooking oil

Spices

Salt to taste
Ground black pepper to taste

Preparation Time

Total: 20 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Prepare the Salmon: Begin by seasoning the salmon fillets with salt and ground black pepper on both sides. In a large pan, heat some cooking oil over medium-high heat.
Sear the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in the hot pan and cook for a few minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Remove them from the pan and set aside; they'll cook more in the sauce later. Clean the pan if there are any bits left from searing.
Prepare Aromatics: Mince the garlic cloves finely. In the same pan, heat a small quantity of oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, followed by the red curry paste. Stir the mixture to let the flavors meld.
Add Coconut Milk: Pour the coconut milk into the pan with the sautéed garlic and curry paste. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
Simmer the Salmon: Place the salmon back into the pan, spooning some sauce over the top. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and let the salmon cook in the sauce for about 4-6 minutes. Occasionally baste the salmon with the sauce.
Adjust Flavors: Add fish sauce to the mixture, then squeeze lime juice over the dish to taste. Check for seasoning; add more fish sauce for saltiness or lime juice for tanginess. For more spice, mix additional curry paste with a bit of coconut milk or water and stir it into the sauce.
Finish the Dish: Once the salmon is fully cooked and has absorbed the sauce flavors, remove the pan from the heat. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro if desired.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the salmon over cooked jasmine or basmati rice, or if preferred, with Asian-style noodles. Sprinkle additional lime juice on top and enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Tips

For a creamier sauce, use full-fat coconut milk.
Substitute lime juice with lemon juice if lime is unavailable.
Add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra nutrition.
To reduce cooking time, prepare all ingredients ahead before starting.

Nutritions

Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
Protein: 30 grams
Fats: 22 grams
Carbohydrates: 8 grams

Variations

Use tofu instead of salmon for a vegetarian option.
Adjust spice level by increasing or decreasing the red curry paste.
Replace fish sauce with soy sauce for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with assorted steamed vegetables for a nutritious meal.
Pair with a crisp white wine to complement the dish's flavors.
Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or basil as a garnish.

Best Places

The Blue Elephant - Known for its exquisite Thai cuisine, this restaurant offers a wide variety of coconut milk-based dishes. Location: 233 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France.
Banana Tree Soho - A vibrant spot offering Southeast Asian cuisine with flavorful and aromatic dishes. Location: 103 Wardour St, London, UK.
Somtum Der - Authentic Thai dishes with a special focus on coconut milk sauces. Location: 85 Avenue A, New York, USA.
Nahm - A renowned eatery where traditional techniques meet contemporary flavors. Location: 27 S Sathorn Rd., Bangkok, Thailand.
Long Chim - Offers a wide range of Thai street food dishes enhanced by rich coconut milk sauces. Location: 10 Bayfront Avenue, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.
Bo.lan - Esteemed for its commitment to authentic Thai flavors and sustainable practices. Location: 24 Sukhumvit 53 Alley, Bangkok, Thailand.
Sawasdee Thai - Offers a cozy and authentic Thai dining experience in a modern setting. Location: 596 Hay St, Perth, Australia.
Kin Khao - Known for its robust flavors and creative interpretations of Thai classics. Location: 55 Cyril Magnin St, San Francisco, USA.
Busaba Eathai - Casual eatery famed for its vibrant Thai dishes and cozy ambiance. Location: 106-110 Wardour St, London, UK.
Chili Padi Mamak Kopitiam - Specializes in Malaysian and Thai fusion dishes with rich coconut milk flavors. Location: 355 Victoria St, Melbourne, Australia.