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Caribbean-Style Coconut Curry Salmon


  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

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