Name: One-Pan Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 tablespoon curry powder; 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper

When your dinner plans call for something rich, comforting, and wildly flavorful—but you don’t want to dirty more than one pan—this One-Pan Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter is the answer. It’s a vibrant, creamy, and aromatic dish that brings restaurant-worthy flavor straight into your kitchen. The salmon is tender and flaky, infused with garlic butter, while the coconut curry sauce wraps everything in a warmly spiced, tangy hug.

Pair it with fluffy jasmine rice or warm naan to soak up every last drop of the golden sauce. The whole thing comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something special but fuss-free. And the best part? Minimal cleanup. This is the kind of meal that turns an ordinary evening into something deliciously memorable.

What Kind of Coconut Milk Should I Use?

Full-fat canned coconut milk is the best choice here. It creates a thick, rich curry sauce that clings beautifully to the salmon and soaks into rice like a dream. Light coconut milk can work in a pinch but the sauce will be thinner and less indulgent. Avoid coconut cream—it’s too thick and sweet for this savory dish.

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

Salmon fillets: The star of the show. Choose skin-on for added flavor and crispiness.
Canned full-fat coconut milk: Delivers richness and body to the curry base.
Garlic: Used generously, it infuses the butter and the sauce with deep flavor.
Unsalted butter: Creates that luscious garlic butter base for searing the salmon.
Fresh ginger: Adds a warm, zesty kick that complements the curry spices.
Cherry tomatoes: They burst into the sauce, adding sweetness and a bit of acidity.
Lime juice: Brightens the whole dish with a fresh citrusy finish.
Curry powder: The backbone of flavor here—choose your favorite blend, mild or spicy.
Fresh cilantro: Chopped and scattered on top for herby freshness.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning at every step.

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

Step 1: Sear the Salmon in Garlic Butter

Start by patting your salmon fillets dry and seasoning them generously with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Sear the salmon, skin side down first, for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden and nearly cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Aromatics

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add more garlic if desired, along with freshly grated ginger. Stir until fragrant—about 1 minute. This sets the stage for your flavor-packed sauce.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Curry Powder

Toss in halved cherry tomatoes and sprinkle the curry powder over everything. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes start to blister and release their juices, mingling beautifully with the spices.

Step 4: Pour in the Coconut Milk

Shake your can of full-fat coconut milk and pour it into the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it bubble for 4-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Return Salmon to the Sauce

Nestle the seared salmon fillets back into the pan, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer on low for another 4-5 minutes until the salmon is fully cooked and flake-tender.

Step 6: Finish with Lime and Cilantro

Right before serving, squeeze fresh lime juice over the salmon and scatter with chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve hot with jasmine rice, basmati, or warm naan for scooping. It’s a weeknight wonder that tastes like a weekend splurge.

How to Serve and Store One-Pan Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter

Serve this creamy curry salmon right out of the skillet while it’s hot and bubbling. Spoon generous amounts of the coconut curry sauce over fluffy jasmine or basmati rice, or mop it up with warm naan or flatbread. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice works great too. A quick cucumber salad or steamed greens make perfect fresh sides.

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat to avoid overcooking the salmon. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of coconut milk or water to loosen it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this curry?

That depends on your curry powder. Use a mild blend for warmth without heat, or go bold with a spicy Madras mix. You can also add a pinch of chili flakes or fresh chopped chili if you want to turn up the heat.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, just be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry to avoid excess moisture in the pan. Frozen salmon fillets work well and are often more affordable.

What can I substitute for coconut milk?

You can use heavy cream or a blend of broth and cream for a non-coconut version. The flavor will change but still be delicious. Oat milk or cashew cream also work as dairy-free alternatives.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

It is! Cook the salmon and sauce, store them separately if possible, and assemble when ready to eat. The flavors deepen after sitting overnight.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely. Swap the butter for olive oil or vegan butter to keep it dairy-free without sacrificing richness.

Will the salmon overcook when reheated?

If you reheat it gently over low heat and avoid boiling the sauce, the salmon stays tender. Just take your time and monitor closely.

Want More Dinner Ideas with a Flavorful Twist?

If you enjoyed this One-Pan Coconut Curry Salmon, these other Life with Jam favorites are worth exploring too:

Creamy Garlic Marry Me Salmon for another romantic salmon night.
Healthy Mediterranean Salmon Dinner Recipe if you’re after something light yet hearty.
Pan-Fried Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce for crispy-skin perfection.
Cajun Shrimp Scampi if you’re in the mood for a spicy seafood kick.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli when you’re craving cozy comfort.

These are perfect for weeknight dinners that feel like a treat without too much effort.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And if you make this One-Pan Coconut Curry Salmon with Garlic Butter, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you add extra lime? Sub in shrimp or tofu?

Tell me your twist in the comments. Let’s keep the dinner inspiration going—and don’t forget to follow my Pinterest board for daily recipes from Life with Jam.