Ingredients
- 450 g (1 lb) fresh salmon
- Salt and black pepper, as needed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons red curry paste
- ½ teaspoon fish sauce
- 1 (400 ml) can full-fat coconut milk
- ½ teaspoon light brown sugar
- ½ cup julienned carrots
- 1 cup broccolini, chopped (heaping)
- 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, torn or chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prep your salmon: Cut it into four even pieces and pat it dry (this helps it sear beautifully). Season with a good sprinkle of salt and black pepper.
- Sear the salmon: Heat your skillet over medium-high and add the olive oil and butter. Once it’s hot and shimmering, place the salmon skin-side down. Let it cook undisturbed for 5 minutes—this creates that gorgeous crispy skin. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes, then transfer to a plate.
Pro tip: If the salmon sticks when you try to flip it, give it another minute. It’ll release naturally once it’s ready.
- Build the flavor base: Spoon out excess oil, leaving about a tablespoon in the skillet. Add the onions and sauté until lightly golden, then stir in the garlic and red curry paste. Cook until fragrant—about 1 minute.
- Simmer the sauce: Pour in the fish sauce, coconut milk, and brown sugar, stirring to combine. Toss in the carrots and broccolini, then let everything simmer gently for about 5 minutes. The veggies should still have a little crunch.
- Finish with flair: Stir in the lime juice, then nestle the salmon back into the pan. Let it warm through for a couple of minutes. Sprinkle with the fresh basil and cilantro, and you’re ready to serve!
Notes
To make this dish feel extra special, serve it over fluffy jasmine rice or rice noodles, which soak up the sauce beautifully. Garnish with extra fresh herbs, a lime wedge on the side, and maybe even a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added crunch. If you’re hosting, plate the salmon on individual plates with a drizzle of the curry sauce over the top—it looks as stunning as it tastes!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner