Ingredients
Scale
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Coconut Curry Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon curry powder (preferably Jamaican-style curry powder)
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 cup coconut milk (full-fat or light)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- ½ cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar or honey
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes or Scotch bonnet pepper (adjust for spice level)
- Juice of 1 lime
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Optional Garnishes:
- Lime wedges
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Sliced scallions
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Salmon
- Season the fillets: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Sear the salmon: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 3-4 minutes until the skin is crispy. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
- Heat the oil: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil or coconut oil.
- Cook onion, garlic, and ginger: Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Curry Sauce
- Add spices: Sprinkle the curry powder and turmeric into the skillet, stirring constantly to toast the spices for about 1 minute.
- Deglaze with liquids: Stir in the coconut milk, diced tomatoes, and broth. Mix well to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Season the sauce: Add the brown sugar, chili flakes or Scotch bonnet pepper, and lime juice. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Cook the Salmon in the Sauce
- Return salmon to the skillet: Nestle the seared salmon fillets into the curry sauce, spooning some sauce over the top of each fillet.
- Simmer gently: Reduce the heat to low and let the salmon simmer in the sauce for 5-7 minutes, or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 145°F).
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Add fresh herbs: Stir in the chopped cilantro and adjust the seasoning with more salt or lime juice if needed.
- Serve: Plate the salmon fillets over rice, quinoa, or flatbread, spooning the curry sauce generously over the top. Garnish with lime wedges, cilantro leaves, and scallions, if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with sauce
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g