One-Pan Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter

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Silky, rich, and packed with bold flavor, this One-Pan Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter is the kind of dinner that wins hearts and earns recipe requests. Tender salmon fillets are bathed in a creamy coconut curry sauce infused with garlic butter, lime, and aromatic spices, all cooked together in a single skillet for easy cleanup.

It’s a 30-minute stunner that delivers gourmet-level satisfaction without the fuss. Whether you’re cooking for guests or just spicing up your weeknight dinner, this dish is vibrant, nourishing, and absolutely delicious.

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Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Coconut Curry Salmon

• One-skillet magic means fewer dishes and less cleanup.
• Perfect balance of creamy, tangy, spicy, and savory.
• High in protein and good fats, thanks to the salmon and coconut milk.
• Makes any night feel like a special occasion.
• Ready in just about 30 minutes!

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What Kind of Salmon Should I Use?

Fresh, skin-on salmon fillets work best here, as the skin helps hold the fish together during cooking. However, you can also use skinless or frozen fillets (just make sure they’re fully thawed before cooking). Wild-caught salmon has a deeper flavor, while farm-raised is milder and often fattier—both are great, depending on your preference.

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Ingredients for the One-Pan Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter

To build this flavor-packed dish, you’ll need a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients:

• Salmon fillets: Rich and flaky, they absorb the curry sauce beautifully.
• Coconut milk: The creamy base that gives the sauce its silky texture.
• Garlic cloves: Adds a bold, savory depth.
• Butter: Gives richness and enhances the sauce’s luxurious feel.
• Cherry tomatoes: Provide a sweet, juicy burst that balances the spices.
• Fresh lime: Adds tang and brightens every bite.
• Curry powder: The star spice blend that infuses warmth and complexity.
• Paprika & chili flakes: For heat and a hint of smokiness.
• Fresh cilantro: Brings herbal freshness and color.
• Salt & pepper: To balance all the flavors.

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How To Make the One-Pan Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter

Step 1: Sear the Salmon

Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes. In a hot skillet with a bit of butter, sear each fillet skin-side down for about 3-4 minutes. Flip and cook another 2 minutes, then remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Curry Garlic Butter Sauce

Add a touch more butter and minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté until fragrant, then stir in the curry powder. Pour in the coconut milk and simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Lime

Toss in halved cherry tomatoes and squeeze in fresh lime juice. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 4: Return Salmon to the Pan

Nestle the salmon fillets back into the sauce and spoon the curry mixture over them. Cover and let simmer for 4-5 minutes until fully cooked through.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped cilantro and lime wedges. Serve hot with rice or naan.

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How to Serve and Store This Coconut Curry Salmon

This hearty yet elegant dish serves 4 people generously. Pair it with steamed jasmine rice or warm naan to soak up every drop of that luscious sauce. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to preserve the creamy texture.

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What to Serve With One-Pan Coconut Curry Salmon?

Steamed Jasmine or Basmati Rice

It’s the perfect neutral base to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Warm Garlic Naan

Tear and dip—a soft, chewy companion to this creamy curry.

Cucumber Salad

Crisp, cool, and lightly dressed for contrast.

Mango Chutney

Sweet and tangy, it pairs beautifully with the warm spices.

Coconut Cauliflower Rice

A low-carb option that keeps the tropical theme going.

Roasted Broccolini

Adds a touch of char and crunch.

Pickled Red Onions

For a zingy contrast that cuts through the creaminess.

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Want More One-Pan Dinner Ideas?

If you love this coconut curry salmon, you’ll want to try these flavor-forward weeknight winners:

• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta – a comforting, indulgent delight
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna – layers of garlicky, buttery bliss
• Cheesy Zucchini Casserole – a cozy vegetarian twist
• Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas – bold, creamy, and satisfying

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use wild salmon or go with something else? Any spice tweaks? I love hearing your variations and tips—we’re in this cooking adventure together.

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