Ingredients
Salmon
- 1 pound fresh salmon
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Curry Sauce and Vegetables
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 heaping tablespoons Thai red curry paste
- 1/2 teaspoon fish sauce (optional but recommended)
- 1 (13.5 ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/2 cup matchstick cut carrots
- 1 heaping cup chopped broccolini
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons torn/chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Cut the salmon into 4 equal pieces. Pat both sides dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Heat the Skillet: Add olive oil and butter to a skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the pan to heat for a few minutes until the butter melts and the pan is hot.
- Cook Salmon Skin-Side Down: Place the salmon pieces skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 5 minutes without moving them. Flip the salmon carefully and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the fish is almost cooked through. If the salmon sticks, let it cook a bit longer until it releases naturally.
- Remove Salmon: Transfer the salmon to a plate. At this point, you may remove the skin if desired before returning the fish to the pan later.
- Prepare the Curry Base: Spoon out excess oil from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until lightly browned. Stir in minced garlic and red curry paste, cooking for an additional 1 minute to release aromas.
- Add Liquids and Vegetables: Pour in fish sauce, coconut milk, and brown sugar. Stir to combine. Add matchstick carrots and chopped broccolini. Let the mixture gently bubble and simmer for about 5 minutes, until vegetables are tender-crisp or cooked to your preference.
- Finish the Curry: Stir in lime juice for brightness. Return the salmon pieces to the pan and warm through for 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle torn fresh basil and chopped cilantro over the curry before serving immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Fish sauce adds depth and umami to the curry but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
- To remove salmon skin easily, slide a spatula between the skin and flesh after cooking and gently pull it off.
- This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Use full-fat coconut milk for a rich and creamy sauce; light coconut milk will result in a thinner curry.
- Adjust the amount of red curry paste to your preferred spice level.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai