If you’re craving something cozy, bold, and bursting with flavor, this Creamy Coconut Curry Salmon with Caribbean Flavors is exactly what your dinner table needs
For the salmon:
4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon oil (olive, avocado, or coconut)
For the coconut curry sauce:
1 tablespoon oil
½ onion, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
1–2 teaspoons curry powder
½ teaspoon ground turmeric
½ teaspoon allspice
1 cup full-fat coconut milk
½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
1 Scotch bonnet or habanero pepper (whole or halved)
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
Juice of ½ lime
2 scallions, sliced
Salt to taste
Step 1 – Season the salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
Step 2 – Sear the salmon
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear salmon skin-side down (or presentation side down) for 3–4 minutes until golden. Flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
Step 3 – Build the flavor base
In the same skillet, add oil and sauté the onion until softened. Add garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4 – Add spices and deglaze
Sprinkle in curry powder, turmeric, and allspice. Stir for 30 seconds to bloom the spices. Add broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits.
Step 5 – Add coconut milk and aromatics
Pour in the coconut milk and stir to combine. Add whole Scotch bonnet (for flavor without too much heat), thyme, and a squeeze of lime juice. Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 6 – Return the salmon to the pan
Nestle the seared salmon into the sauce. Spoon sauce over the fillets and simmer for 5 more minutes, or until salmon is fully cooked and flaky.
Step 7 – Finish and serve
Remove the Scotch bonnet. Garnish with scallions, cilantro, or extra lime. Serve hot over rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables
Use dry fillets—pat with paper towels before seasoning
Heat your pan before adding oil for a crisp crust
Don’t overcrowd—give each fillet space to cook evenly
Keywords: Salmon Caribbean Recipes