Mediterranean Creamy Coconut Curry Salmon with Tender Broccoli
This dish features perfectly cooked salmon in a rich, creamy coconut curry sauce, accompanied by tender broccoli. It’s full of flavor, quick to prepare, and brings a Mediterranean-inspired twist to classic coconut curry.
Total Time: 30–35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
4 salmon fillets
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tbsp red curry paste
1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
1 tbsp fish sauce
1 tbsp lime juice
2 cups broccoli florets
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the salmon
Pat salmon fillets dry and season with salt and pepper.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear salmon fillets, skin-side down if applicable, for 3–4 minutes per side until lightly golden and almost cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the coconut curry sauce
In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and sauté onion for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add garlic, ginger, and red curry paste; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in coconut milk and fish sauce, bring to a gentle simmer.
Cook the broccoli
Add broccoli florets to the sauce, cover, and cook for 4–5 minutes until tender but still crisp.
Finish the salmon
Return salmon to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the fillets. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until salmon is fully cooked and heated through.
Stir in lime juice and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve
Plate salmon with broccoli and generous sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Serve with rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
Tips
Don’t overcook salmon: Remove from heat when the center is slightly opaque; it will continue cooking in the sauce.
Even cooking: Use similar-sized salmon fillets to ensure they cook evenly.
Broccoli texture: Covering the skillet while simmering helps steam the broccoli without making it mushy.
Flavor boost: Toast the curry paste briefly before adding coconut milk to deepen its flavor.
Meal prep: Cook the salmon and sauce separately and combine just before serving to maintain texture.
Variations
Protein swap: Use cod, halibut, or shrimp instead of salmon.
Vegetable options: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini for more color and texture.
Spice level: Increase red curry paste for heat, or add a pinch of chili flakes.
Creamier sauce: Stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or coconut cream at the end for extra richness.
Herb twist: Garnish with fresh basil or mint instead of cilantro for a different Mediterranean flair.
Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice or grains.
Q&A
Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
A: Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure even searing and prevent excess water in the sauce.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the sauce and broccoli in advance. Add freshly cooked salmon just before serving to maintain texture.
Q: Can I use other vegetables?
A: Yes. Bell peppers, zucchini, or snap peas work well and can be added during the simmering step.
Q: How can I adjust the spiciness?
A: Increase or decrease the amount of red curry paste. A pinch of chili flakes can also add extra heat.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free using coconut milk. Avoid adding Greek yogurt if you want to keep it dairy-free.
Nutrition
(per serving, based on 4 servings)
Calories: ~420
Protein: 34g
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: ~680mg
(Values are approximate and may vary depending on salmon size and brands used.)
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Creamy Coconut Curry Salmon with Tender Broccoli is a quick, flavorful, and nutritious meal. The tender salmon pairs beautifully with the rich coconut curry sauce and crisp-tender broccoli, offering a balance of protein, healthy fats, and vegetables. Easy to prepare yet elegant, it works for weeknight dinners or a special occasion, and it’s versatile enough to accommodate different vegetables or spice preferences.