Name: One-Pan Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Thai-Inspired
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 tablespoons butter; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons red curry paste; 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk; 1 tablespoon fish sauce or soy sauce; 1 lime, juiced; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or Thai basil; Salt and pepper to taste

One-Pan Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter is everything you need in a weeknight dinner: quick, bold, and nourishing. Imagine rich coconut curry bubbling away with tender salmon fillets, all laced with garlic butter that melts into every bite. This dish brings together silky, creamy textures with the heat of red curry paste and the sweetness of coconut milk, creating an effortless flavor bomb in a single pan.

What makes this recipe even more irresistible is how it fills your kitchen with an aroma that smells like a warm Thai evening. It comes together in under 30 minutes, yet tastes like you’ve been slow simmering for hours. Whether you’re new to cooking salmon or looking to spice up your regular rotation, this dish is bound to impress without stress.

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

This recipe checks every box: quick to make, minimal cleanup, and packed with flavor. The combination of rich garlic butter and the warmth of coconut curry delivers a cozy, slightly spicy meal that feels luxurious but takes barely any effort. It’s also a great way to get healthy fats and protein without sacrificing taste. Plus, it pairs easily with rice, noodles, or even crusty bread for dipping.

What Kind of Salmon Works Best for This Recipe?

You can use either skin-on or skinless salmon fillets depending on your preference. Wild-caught salmon tends to be firmer and slightly leaner, while farm-raised is more buttery. Both work beautifully here. Just make sure your salmon is fresh and about the same thickness so it cooks evenly in the coconut curry sauce.

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

This recipe brings flavor through every ingredient, each one adding depth to the final dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

Salmon fillets – The star of the dish, providing protein and a rich, flaky texture.

Coconut milk – Creates the creamy base of the curry, adding a slightly sweet depth.

Red curry paste – Gives the dish its bold, spicy, and aromatic backbone.

Garlic – Essential for the garlic butter; it adds punch and fragrance.

Butter – Helps mellow the curry spice and adds richness to the salmon.

Lime juice – Brightens the curry and balances the richness with a tangy touch.

Fish sauce or soy sauce – Adds umami and enhances the savory profile.

Fresh cilantro or Thai basil – Brings freshness and a pop of green to finish.

One-Pan Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter (1)

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

Step 1: Sear the Salmon

Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Heat a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. Sear the salmon, skin side down if using, for about 3-4 minutes. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Curry Base

In the same pan, reduce the heat slightly. Add butter and garlic, stirring until fragrant and golden. Stir in the red curry paste and cook for another minute until aromatic.

Step 3: Build the Coconut Curry Sauce

Pour in the coconut milk and add fish sauce or soy sauce. Stir well to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce reduce for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Add Salmon Back to the Pan

Nestle the seared salmon fillets back into the sauce. Spoon some of the curry over each piece and let them simmer for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through and flaky.

Step 5: Finish with Lime and Herbs

Squeeze fresh lime juice over the salmon and sprinkle with chopped cilantro or Thai basil. Serve hot with your favorite side.

How to Serve and Store Your Coconut Curry Salmon

This salmon curry is best served immediately while it’s piping hot and the sauce is creamy and lush. It makes a comforting dinner for four, but you can scale it down or up as needed. To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely and keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat to preserve the flavor and texture.

What to Serve With One-Pan Coconut Curry Salmon?

Steamed Jasmine Rice

Fluffy and fragrant, it soaks up the coconut curry sauce beautifully.

Garlic Naan

For a hands-on option, use this soft bread to scoop up every bit of the sauce.

Roasted Broccoli

Adds texture and a touch of bitterness to contrast the creamy curry.

Rice Noodles

A slurpable, light option that blends well with the sauce.

Pickled Vegetables

Their tanginess cuts through the richness of the curry.

Mango Salad

Adds sweetness and a tropical vibe that complements the coconut milk.

Cucumber Mint Yogurt

Cool and refreshing, perfect to offset the heat of the curry.

Crispy Tofu Cubes

A plant-based option that makes this dish even more filling.

Want More Seafood Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Coconut Curry Salmon, you’ll definitely want to try these:

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Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you make it spicy or keep it mellow? Did you try it with noodles or stick with rice?

I love seeing how others bring these flavors to life. If you have questions, I’m here to help!

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and find your next go-to dish!

Conclusion

One-Pan Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter is a modern comfort meal that doesn’t take hours to make but delivers flavor like you did. Creamy, garlicky, and infused with warm curry spice, it’s the kind of dinner that feels both nourishing and indulgent. Try it once, and it’s bound to be part of your regular meal rotation.