Did You Know 70% of Home Cooks Avoid Making Fish Because They Think It’s Too Complicated?

If you’re part of that statistic, I have a secret to share: cooking fish doesn’t have to be intimidating. In fact, this Coconut Curry Salmon Recipe with Garlic Butter Sauce is so simple, you’ll wonder why you ever hesitated. With just a handful of ingredients and 30 minutes, you can create a restaurant-worthy dish that’s bursting with flavor—creamy coconut, warm curry spices, and a luscious garlic butter sauce that ties it all together.

I used to shy away from cooking salmon too, until I discovered the magic of combining rich coconut milk with aromatic curry. The result? A dish that’s comforting yet elegant, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. And let’s talk about that garlic butter sauce—it’s the kind of indulgence that makes every bite unforgettable.

What I love most about this recipe is how effortlessly it comes together. No fancy techniques, no hard-to-find ingredients—just pure, delicious simplicity. Whether you’re a seafood skeptic or a seasoned cook, this dish will change the way you think about salmon forever.

Why This Coconut Curry Salmon Recipe Will Become Your New Go-To

There’s something truly special about the way coconut milk mellows the boldness of curry powder, creating a sauce that’s rich but not overpowering. When paired with tender, flaky salmon, it’s a match made in culinary heaven. And then there’s the garlic butter sauce—golden, fragrant, and drizzled over the top for that final touch of decadence.

Here’s why this recipe stands out:

Quick & Easy: Ready in 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor Explosion: Sweet coconut, warm curry, and savory garlic butter create layers of taste.
Healthy & Satisfying: Packed with omega-3s and protein, without skimping on indulgence.

Imagine cutting into a perfectly cooked piece of salmon, the fragrant coconut curry sauce clinging to each bite, followed by the rich, garlicky finish of melted butter. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug—comforting, nourishing, and utterly delicious.

Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce

Print Recipe

A rich and flavorful salmon dish with creamy coconut curry and a decadent garlic butter sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

4 salmon fillets
1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
2 tbsp red curry paste
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp lime juice
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust:

In a bowl, whisk together coconut milk, red curry paste, honey, and lime juice. Set aside.
Season salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp butter and sear salmon for 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the coconut curry mixture and bring to a simmer. Return salmon to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

You can customize the seasonings to taste.

Author: Trusted Blog

Coconut Curry Salmon Recipe with Garlic Butter Sauce

There’s something magical about the way coconut milk and curry spices embrace a perfectly seared salmon fillet—like a warm, fragrant hug for your taste buds. And when you add a luscious garlic butter sauce into the mix? Well, let’s just say this dish is pure comfort in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is a surefire winner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) – Look for wild-caught if possible; the rich, buttery texture makes all the difference.
1 tbsp olive oil – Just enough to get that golden sear on the salmon.
1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk – Don’t skimp here—full-fat adds that velvety richness we crave.
2 tbsp red curry paste – My favorite brand is Thai Kitchen, but use whatever sings to your spice-loving heart.
1 tbsp honey – A touch of sweetness to balance the heat.
1 tbsp fresh lime juice – Brightens everything up!
3 cloves garlic, minced – Because garlic is life.
2 tbsp unsalted butter – The secret weapon for that silky sauce.
1 tsp ground turmeric – Adds warmth and a gorgeous golden hue.
½ tsp smoked paprika – A whisper of smokiness takes this dish to the next level.
Salt and pepper to taste – Season as you go, my friends.
Fresh cilantro and lime wedges (for garnish) – Because we eat with our eyes first!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel (this ensures a crispy skin!) and season generously with salt and pepper. Place them skin-side down first, letting them sizzle for about 4 minutes until golden. Flip gently and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a plate—they’ll finish cooking in the sauce later.

2. Build the Curry Base: In the same skillet (don’t you dare wash it—those browned bits are flavor gold!), lower the heat to medium. Add the red curry paste and let it toast for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the coconut milk, whisking to dissolve the paste into the creamy liquid. Stir in the honey, lime juice, turmeric, and smoked paprika. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld into something truly magical.

3. The Garlic Butter Swirl: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the minced garlic and butter. Let the butter melt slowly, swirling it into the sauce until glossy and irresistible. Taste and adjust seasoning—maybe a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lime?

4. Return the Salmon: Nestle the salmon fillets back into the skillet, spooning that luxurious sauce over the top. Let them warm through for another 2-3 minutes—just enough to soak up all those incredible flavors.

Conclusion

This Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce is a dish that brings together the best of both worlds—rich, creamy coconut curry and succulent, flaky salmon, all tied together with a luscious garlic butter sauce. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough to impress guests. The blend of spices, the tender salmon, and that irresistible buttery finish make every bite unforgettable.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below or tag me on social media with your creation. And if you’re craving more cozy, flavorful dishes, check out my other curry recipes or seafood favorites for more inspiration.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.

What can I substitute for coconut milk?

If you don’t have coconut milk on hand, heavy cream or even Greek yogurt (thinned with a little water) can work as substitutes, though the flavor will be slightly different.

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level is mild to moderate, but you can easily adjust it to your taste. Add more red pepper flakes for extra heat or leave them out entirely for a milder version.

Can I make this ahead of time?

While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the curry sauce in advance and reheat it gently before adding the salmon. Cook the salmon just before serving for the best texture.