Easy One Pan Coconut Curry Salmon & Garlic Butter

One Pan Coconut Curry Salmon With Garlic Butter isn’t just a mouthful to say; it’s a vibrant symphony of flavors that promises to transform your weeknight dinner routine into an extraordinary culinary experience. I remember the first time I stumbled upon this incredible combination—I was searching for a dish that delivered maximum flavor with minimal fuss, and boy, did this recipe deliver!

There’s a beautiful story behind the ingredients themselves. Coconut curry, with its rich, aromatic spices and creamy texture, draws inspiration from the sun-drenched coasts of Southeast Asia and India, where the balance of sweet, savory, and spicy is an art form. Marrying this exotic profile with succulent salmon, a lean protein beloved worldwide for its flaky texture and omega-3 goodness, creates a truly harmonious dish. People adore this recipe not only for its incredible depth of flavor—the tender, perfectly cooked salmon bathed in a velvety coconut curry sauce, elevated by the fragrant garlic butter—but also for its sheer convenience.

Why You’ll Love This One Pan Wonder

Imagine, a gourmet-quality meal ready with significantly less cleanup! That’s the magic of our One Pan Coconut Curry Salmon With Garlic Butter. It’s a dish that feels incredibly special, yet it’s remarkably simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy evenings or when you simply want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to fall in love with a dish that tantalizes your taste buds and simplifies your life.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Star of the Show – The Salmon:
  • Four 6-ounce salmon fillets, about 1-inch thick, skin on or off. I personally love skin-on for extra flavor and crispiness, but either works beautifully. Make sure they’re fresh and vibrant!
• For the Rich and Aromatic Coconut Curry Sauce:
  • One 13.5-ounce can (about 400ml) full-fat coconut milk. Don’t skimp on this; full-fat gives us that luxurious, creamy texture we’re after for our “One Pan Coconut Curry Salmon With Garlic Butter.”
  • 2 tablespoons red curry paste. Adjust to your spice preference. If you like it hotter, add a little more; if milder, start with 1.5 tablespoons. Brands vary, so know your curry paste!
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce. This is a game-changer for umami and depth, please don’t skip it! It won’t make your dish taste fishy, I promise.
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger. Trust me, fresh ginger makes all the difference compared to dried or jarred.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced. Again, fresh is best for that pungent aroma and flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (packed). This balances the spice and acidity, giving the sauce a lovely roundness.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice. We’ll add a squeeze more at the end too, just to brighten everything up.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste. We’ll adjust at the end.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground.
• For the Aromatic Garlic Butter Baste:
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted. Unsalted allows us to control the seasoning.
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced. More garlic is always a good idea, right?
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped. This adds a pop of color and herbaceous freshness.
  • A pinch of salt and black pepper.
• For the Colorful and Nutritious Vegetables:
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced or cut into 1-inch strips. Its sweetness pairs wonderfully.
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced or cut into 1-inch strips. For extra color and flavor!
  • 1 cup broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces. Fresh or frozen (thawed) works.
  • 1 cup snap peas. These add a fantastic crunch and natural sweetness.
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced. Adds a subtle pungency that mellows beautifully when roasted.
• For Garnish and Serving:
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for a vibrant finish.
  • Lime wedges, for serving and a final zesty squeeze.
  • Cooked rice or naan bread, for serving with this incredible “One Pan Coconut Curry Salmon With Garlic Butter.”

Prepping the Salmon and Vegetables

This is where we lay the foundation for our fantastic “One Pan Coconut Curry Salmon With Garlic Butter.” Proper preparation ensures everything cooks evenly and bursts with flavor.

1. Preheat Your Oven: First things first, let’s get that oven ready. I always preheat to 400°F (200°C) with the rack in the middle position. This ensures our sheet pan dish cooks consistently and efficiently from the moment it goes in.
2. Prepare Your Sheet Pan: Next, line a large, sturdy baking sheet with parchment paper. This is truly a lifesaver for easy cleanup, which is one of the best parts about a “One Pan” recipe! If you don’t have parchment, foil works too, but I find parchment prevents sticking better. Lightly grease the parchment paper or foil with a little oil spray, just to be extra sure.
3. Handle the Salmon with Care: Take your beautiful salmon fillets and gently pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial, whether your salmon is skin-on or skin-off. Patting them dry helps them achieve a lovely sear and prevents them from steaming in the pan, ensuring a more tender and flaky result. Set them aside for a moment; we’ll add them later.
4. Chop Your Veggies: Now for the colorful array of vegetables! Slice your red and yellow bell peppers into consistent 1-inch strips or bite-sized pieces. We want them uniform so they cook at roughly the same rate. Cut your broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. If they’re too large, they won’t tenderize as quickly as the other vegetables. Thinly slice your red onion. For the snap peas, I just leave them whole; their natural sweetness and crispness are perfect as is. Place all these prepared vegetables into a large mixing bowl.
5. A Light Seasoning for Veggies: Drizzle the chopped vegetables with about 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything gently with your hands or a large spoon until the vegetables are lightly coated. This initial seasoning helps to enhance their natural flavors and promotes a better roast. We’re building layers of flavor here!

Crafting the Flavorful Curry Sauce

The sauce is the heart and soul of this “One Pan Coconut Curry Salmon With Garlic Butter.” It’s incredibly easy to make, but the combination of ingredients creates an unbelievably rich and aromatic base.

6. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, pour in your full-fat coconut milk. Remember, full-fat is key for that luxurious, creamy consistency. Add the red curry paste, fish sauce, grated fresh ginger, minced fresh garlic, packed brown sugar, and fresh lime juice. This is where all those vibrant flavors come together.
7. Whisk Until Smooth: Now, grab a whisk and thoroughly combine all the sauce ingredients. Whisk vigorously until the curry paste is fully dissolved and everything is smooth and well-incorporated. You don’t want any lumps of curry paste; we want a perfectly homogenous sauce that will coat every piece of our delicious dish.
8. Season and Taste: Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper to the sauce. Give it another good whisk. Now, here’s the important part: taste it! This is your chance to adjust the seasoning to your preference. Does it need a little more salt? A touch more lime for brightness? A tiny bit more brown sugar to balance the spice? Adjust as you see fit. I find that tasting at this stage ensures the final dish is perfectly seasoned. This step is crucial for an absolutely perfect sauce profile.

Preparing the Aromatic Garlic Butter

This garlic butter is the secret weapon that elevates our “One Pan Coconut Curry Salmon With Garlic Butter” from great to extraordinary. It adds a final layer of richness and a beautiful garlicky aroma that you won’t want to miss.

9. Melt the Butter: In a small, microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepan, melt your 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. You can do this gently in the microwave in 30-second intervals or over low heat on the stovetop. We want it melted, not browned, at this stage.
10. Infuse with Garlic and Parsley: Once the butter is melted, add your 2 cloves of finely minced garlic and the 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley. Stir everything together. Add a pinch of salt and a pinch of black pepper to this mixture as well. The warmth of the melted butter will gently start to infuse with the pungent garlic and fresh herbs, creating a highly aromatic basting liquid.
11. Set Aside: Give it one last stir and set this fragrant garlic butter aside. We’ll be brushing this over our salmon towards the end of the cooking process, adding an incredible boost of flavor and a lovely sheen. The aroma alone will make your mouth water!

Assembling and Baking the One Pan Coconut Curry Salmon

This is where the “one pan” magic truly happens! We’re bringing everything together on that single sheet pan, promising an incredibly flavorful meal with minimal cleanup. Get ready for your kitchen to smell absolutely divine as our “One Pan Coconut Curry Salmon With Garlic Butter” bakes.

12. Arrange the Vegetables: Take your seasoned vegetables from step 5 and spread them out in an even layer on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are not overcrowded. If your sheet pan is too small, you might need to use two pans, but ideally, one large pan allows for better roasting. We want those veggies to get a little color and tenderness.
13. Pour Over the Curry Sauce: Evenly pour the prepared coconut curry sauce (from step 8) over the vegetables on the sheet pan. Use a spatula to scrape out all the deliciousness from the bowl. Give the pan a gentle shake or use a spoon to ensure the sauce coats most of the vegetables.
14. Nestle the Salmon: Now, make four small spaces among the vegetables for your salmon fillets. Gently place each salmon fillet into its spot. Try to keep them separate so they can cook evenly and get a nice little bake. The salmon will absorb the curry flavors beautifully as it cooks.
15. Initial Bake: Carefully slide the sheet pan into your preheated 400°F (200°C) oven. We’re going to bake this for 12-15 minutes initially. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your salmon and how well your oven runs. During this time, the vegetables will start to tenderize, and the salmon will begin to cook through, absorbing all those incredible curry flavors. You’ll start to notice the wonderful aroma of “One Pan Coconut Curry Salmon With Garlic Butter” filling your kitchen!
16. Check for Doneness and Flip (Optional): After 12-15 minutes, pull the pan out. The salmon should be mostly opaque but might still be a little translucent in the very center. If your salmon fillets are particularly thick (over 1 inch), you might need a couple more minutes. If you used skin-on salmon, you can gently flip it for the last few minutes to crisp up the skin further, but it’s not strictly necessary. We’re aiming for perfectly flaky salmon.

Finishing Touches and Serving

We’re in the home stretch! These final steps ensure our “One Pan Coconut Curry Salmon With Garlic Butter” is perfectly cooked, beautifully presented, and ready to impress.

17. Baste with Garlic Butter: Once the salmon is nearly cooked to your liking (it should flake easily with a fork), remove the sheet pan from the oven. Generously brush each salmon fillet with the aromatic garlic butter we prepared in step 11. This garlic butter basting adds a phenomenal layer of flavor, richness, and helps to create a beautiful golden finish. The heat from the salmon will melt the butter and allow it to soak in beautifully.
18. Quick Broil for Perfection (Optional but Recommended): For an extra layer of deliciousness and a beautiful finish, I often like to switch the oven to the broiler setting (high). Place the sheet pan back into the oven, keeping a very close eye on it. Broil for just 2-3 minutes, or until the top of the salmon is slightly caramelized and the garlic butter is bubbling. Watch it carefully, as broilers can quickly go from perfect to burnt! This step really enhances the overall texture and brings out the incredible flavor of our “One Pan Coconut Curry Salmon With Garlic Butter.”
19. Final Garnish: Carefully remove the pan from the oven. Sprinkle a generous amount of freshly chopped cilantro over the entire dish. The fresh herbs add a lovely pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor that complements the richness of the curry and salmon.
20. Serve Immediately: Serve your magnificent “One Pan Coconut Curry Salmon With Garlic Butter” hot, straight from the pan. I love to serve it with fluffy steamed jasmine rice or warm naan bread, which is perfect for soaking up all that incredible, creamy curry sauce. Don’t forget those fresh lime wedges on the side for an optional squeeze of bright acidity, which really lifts all the flavors. Enjoy this incredibly easy, flavorful, and satisfying meal – proof that gourmet doesn’t have to mean complicated cleanup!

Conclusion:

As we wrap up our culinary journey, I truly believe you’ll agree that this recipe for One Pan Coconut Curry Salmon With Garlic Butter is more than just a meal; it’s a revelation. I’ve poured my heart into crafting a dish that embodies everything I love about home cooking: incredible flavor, minimal effort, and nourishing ingredients. The simplicity of using just one pan for everything from cooking the aromatic curry base to perfectly flaking the tender salmon means cleanup is a breeze, leaving you with more time to savor the moment rather than dreading the dishes. The fusion of creamy coconut milk, vibrant curry spices, and the rich, buttery salmon, all infused with fragrant garlic, creates a harmonious symphony of tastes that truly stands out. It’s a healthy, quick-to-prepare option that doesn’t compromise on gourmet appeal, making it an absolute staple in my kitchen, and I’m confident it will become one in yours too.

Making Your Meal Complete: Serving Suggestions

The beauty of this One Pan Coconut Curry Salmon With Garlic Butter lies in its versatility when it comes to serving. I love pairing it with a simple bowl of fluffy jasmine rice or nutty brown rice, which perfectly soaks up every last drop of that glorious coconut curry sauce. For a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice is an excellent substitute, maintaining the comforting texture without the added grains. A side of warm naan bread or flaky paratha is also divine for scooping up the sauce. Don’t hesitate to add a fresh element; a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice right before serving will brighten the entire dish, cutting through the richness beautifully. If you’re feeling a little extra, some toasted cashews or slivered almonds can add a delightful crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the tender salmon and creamy sauce.

Customize Your Coconut Curry Salmon: Delicious Variations

One of the most exciting aspects of cooking for me is the ability to adapt and personalize a recipe, and this particular dish is incredibly forgiving and open to your creative touches. If salmon isn’t your preference, feel free to substitute it with other quick-cooking proteins like cod, halibut, or even boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces; just adjust cooking times accordingly. For my vegetarian and vegan friends, firm tofu or chickpeas would be fantastic additions, absorbing all the wonderful curry flavors. I often like to boost the vegetable content by stirring in a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking, allowing it to wilt beautifully into the sauce. Other vegetables like bell peppers, green beans, or even sweet potato chunks can be added to the pan alongside the salmon for an even more substantial and nutrient-packed meal. Want more heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick. Prefer it milder? Adjust the amount of curry paste or powder to your liking. This recipe is designed to be a springboard for your culinary imagination.

Your Turn to Create and Share!

Now, it’s your turn to experience the magic of the One Pan Coconut Curry Salmon With Garlic Butter. I wholeheartedly encourage you to carve out some time in your week, gather these simple ingredients, and give this recipe a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed. It’s the perfect solution for a busy weeknight that feels like a weekend treat, or even an impressive yet effortless dish for entertaining guests. Once you’ve whipped up your own batch, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you stick to the original recipe, or did you add your own unique twist? Please share your thoughts, your successes, and even your creative variations. Your feedback and personal stories are what make our cooking community so vibrant and inspiring. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to see what delicious creations you come up with!