This one-pan Thai coconut salmon is not only a show-stopper to look at, it’s also seriously delicious, easy to make and ready in 30 minutes. Crispy seared salmon simmered in a rich, slightly spicy, creamy coconut sauce. Loaded with veggies and sprinkled with some fresh basil. You’ll love it.
You might think this recipe is reserved for special occasions only, think again. This is a one-skillet, fast weekday-worthy dinner you’ll come back to again and again… but it’s also fancy enough to serve on a dinner party. That sweet, spicy combination of red curry, coconut milk and peanut butter is completely intoxicating. We also add a little squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a hint of acid which helps to round out the other flavors.
This is how we do it. We sear the salmon fillets, sauté some fresh baby bok choy and bell pepper (or whatever veggies you have on hand), stir in some coconut milk and seasonings to bring together the ultra-fresh, bold and creamy curry sauce. Then we serve it all up over rice, garnish with basil, or fresh cilantro, and an extra sprinkle of chili flakes.
Let me guide you through the recipe with this step-by-step VIDEO.
RECIPE NOTES
– you can use whatever veggies you want, like baby corn, spinach, zucchini, broccoli or peas
– sear the salmon. The key too getting an ultra-crispy salmon without any sticking, is to use a non-stick skillet, then sear it over high heat with some vegetable oil or coconut oil paired with butter
– instead of basil, use Thai basil or cilantro
– you can swap salmon for chicken, shrimp or tofu
– make it milder or spicier
More salmon, please!
One-Pan Creamy Tomato Salmon with Chorizo
Miso Soy Salmon Sashimi Bowl
Pan Seared Salmon in Garlic Mascarpone Sauce
You need
- 4 salmon fillets, skin removed
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 baby bok choy, roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp coconut oil, or vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 400 ml (1 3/4 cups) unsweetened coconut milk
- 125 ml (1/2 cup) vegetable broth
- 3 tbsp thai red curry paste
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp peanut butter
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- salt + black pepper
- 1/2 tsp each: ground coriander, ground cumin, sweet paprika
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- basil leaves
- steamed Jasmin rice or bread, for serving
How to
Let me guide you through the recipe with this step-by-step VIDEO.
Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and season all over with salt, pepper and sweet paprika.
Heat coconut oil and butter in a large non-stick frying pan over medium high heat. Add the salmon fillets and sear, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add onion, garlic and ginger. Cook for 2 minutes over low heat until fragrant. Add bell pepper, cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in tomato paste and curry paste, cook for 1 minute. Add coriander, cumin and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Pour broth and bring to a boil.
Add bok choy, fish sauce and peanut butter. Stir to combine. Pour coconut milk and bring to a simmer.
Nestle salmon in the sauce. Sprinkle with lemon juice and simmer for 3-5 more minutes or until the salmon is just cooked through and the sauce is slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
Stir in the basil leaves and serve with rice or some crusty bread. Top with extra red pepper flakes. Enjoy!
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If you try this recipe, let me know! Leave a comment and don’t forget to tag me in your picture on Instagram with @anna_s_table or mention with #servingdumplings I’d love to see what you’re making. Happy cooking!
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This was delicious! I used fish stock instead of veggie but otherwise followed the recipe as written, and served with cilantro lime rice.
Thank you for giving the recipe a try! I am so glad you enjoyed it!
Is there a substitute for peanut butter?
You can use almond butter. Enjoy the recipe!
I’m going to make the Thai Coconut Salmon. I can’t wait to try it. It has all my favorite ingredient in it. I’ll send a picture when I finish it. Can I print the recipe? It’s easier for me to see.
Sure, there’s a print option underneath the recipe on desktop and tablet version. Enjoy the recipe!
Anna! What a delicious dish! I feel guilty it took me very little time to prepare, yet it tasted like I spent an entire day! I made it as directed, my wife and I absolutely loved it! Definite fav!!! Kudos and thank you!
That’s so nice to hear! I’m really glad you enjoyed the recipe. Thank you for giving it a try!
This looks delicious, can you suggest a replacement for peanut butter? I have a nut allergy. Thank you!
Hi, you can use almond or cashew butter. Hope you love it!
Is there a substitute for fish sauce?…Also I have Thai Curry Spice…but it is not Red……is this ok..?….I can’t wait to try it…!
Hi! You can leave the fish sauce out. If using thai curry spice, start by adding 1 tbsp, taste and add more to your own liking. Hope you love it!