Easy 1-Pan Salmon Red Curry

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Wooden spoon resting in a pan of our 1-Pan Salmon Red Curry recipe

We have a thing for curries and salmon, so we recently decided to marry the two.

The result is a 1-pan, incredibly satisfying and flavorful dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Let us show you how it’s done!

Salmon, ginger, red bell pepper, and other ingredients for making our Salmon Red Curry recipe

About Red Curry

Red curry is a popular Thai dish made with a base of red curry paste, coconut milk, and vegetables, meat, and/or seafood. The paste is typically made with red chilies, garlic, lemongrass, and other herbs and spices (source), making it spicy and fragrant!

Our inspired salmon curry uses these same Thai flavors, but applies them to salmon and lacinato kale, which are not common ingredients in Thai cuisine.

How to Make Salmon Red Curry

Preparing the salmon begins with briefly marinating it in a mixture of salt, coconut aminos, and chili garlic sauce for an extra boost of flavor. In a pinch, this step can be skipped!

Two salmon filets marinating in coconut aminos, sea salt, and chili garlic sauce in a bowl

Next, the shallot, ginger, and serrano are sautéed until tender and fragrant, and red curry paste is added. This mixture provides the base of flavor for this recipe.

Then red bell pepper is sautéed briefly, allowing it to soften and contribute a subtle natural sweetness.

Skillet of sliced bell pepper, shallot, red curry paste, and other ingredients

Coconut milk is added next, serving as the creamy base for the red curry sauce. And to finish off the sauce, coconut aminos are added for umami flavor and maple syrup for sweetness and to balance the other flavors.

Pouring coconut milk into a pan to make our Salmon Red Curry recipe

Then it’s time to add the marinated salmon and allow it to cook through. We used wild caught sockeye salmon filets, which tend to be fairly thin (~1 inch) and cook in about 5 minutes.

Skillet of salmon filets and vegetables for making Salmon Red Curry

Lastly, the kale is added and cooked briefly, until just wilted.

Pan of our Salmon Red Curry recipe with chopped kale

We hope you LOVE this curry! It’s:

Quick & easy
Satisfying
Slightly spicy
Customizable
& Super delicious!

It’s the perfect quick weeknight meal! We like to serve this curry with cauliflower rice, brown rice, or white rice, and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime.

More Easy Curry Recipes

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo #minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!

Bowl of brown rice and Salmon Red Curry

Easy 1-Pan Salmon Red Curry

A 1-pan dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes! A quick red curry coconut sauce coats tender red bell pepper, wild caught salmon, and greens! Light, satisfying, and incredibly flavorful.
Author Minimalist Baker
Print
Skillet of Salmon Red Curry made with kale and coconut milk
4.97 from 57 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 2 (Servings)
Course Entrée
Cuisine Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Thai-Inspired
Freezer Friendly No
Does it keep? 2-3 Days

Ingredients

SALMON

  • 2 4-6 oz. salmon filets (skinless, wild caught whenever possible)
  • 1 pinch sea salt
  • 1 tsp coconut aminos (sub tamari if not soy-free)
  • 1 tsp chili garlic sauce (we like Huy Fong foods brand)

CURRY

  • 1 Tbsp avocado or coconut oil (or sub water, adding more as needed as it evaporates)
  • 2/3 cup thinly sliced shallot
  • 1 Tbsp minced fresh ginger
  • 1/2 – 1 small serrano pepper (reduce for less heat, increase for more heat)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 ½ Tbsp red curry paste
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, seeds removed and cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 healthy pinch sea salt
  • 1 14-oz can light coconut milk
  • 1-2 tsp coconut aminos
  • 1-2 tsp maple syrup
  • 2 cups chopped kale or other green of choice (optional)

FOR SERVING optional

  • Brown rice, white rice, or cauliflower rice
  • Cilantro / Basil
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  • First, prep salmon. Ideally, the skin is removed. If not, it can be removed later. Top with salt, coconut aminos, and chili garlic sauce to briefly marinate. Set aside.
  • Heat a large rimmed skillet or pot over medium heat. Once hot, add oil or water. Then add shallot, ginger, and serrano pepper and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Next add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes more, stirring frequently, lowering the heat if it begins to burn.
  • Add red curry paste and sauté for 2 minutes, stirring frequently (turn down heat if browning or burning). Then add red bell pepper and a pinch of salt and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add coconut milk and stir to combine. Then bring to a low simmer over medium heat. Cook for 2 minutes.
  • Add coconut aminos and maple syrup, starting with the lesser amount and working your way up to taste. Taste curry and adjust flavor as needed, adding more salt to taste, coconut aminos for depth of flavor / umami, maple syrup for balance / sweetness, or curry paste for more intense curry flavor.
  • Once you have the curry to your liking, add the salmon (see note below for separate pan/crispier skin option). Cover and cook through (~5 minutes).
  • NOTE: If your salmon has the skin on, add the salmon skin side down. Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes, then carefully flip, peel off skin, and cook through. If you have trouble peeling the skin off, continue cooking; it should peel off once cooked through. For a third cooking option, see notes below.
  • In the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, add the kale, cover, and cook until wilted. Serve as is, or with rice of choice, lime juice, and fresh herbs such as cilantro.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and reheat on the stovetop or microwave. Not freezer friendly if salmon has been added (as it doesn’t reheat well).

Video

Notes

*Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated with 4 ounce filets, the lesser end of the ranges for serrano, coconut aminos, and maple syrup, and without optional ingredients.
*If you’d prefer crispier salmon, cook in a separate pan in a bit of oil over medium heat, flipping once to ensure it cooks evenly. To serve, add the salmon to a serving plate along with curry and desired sides / garnishes.

Nutrition (1 of 2 servings)

Serving: 1 serving Calories: 461 Carbohydrates: 36.5 g Protein: 27.8 g Fat: 23.6 g Saturated Fat: 9.6 g Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.14 g Monounsaturated Fat: 4.85 g Trans Fat: 0 g Cholesterol: 60 mg Sodium: 1408 mg Potassium: 631 mg Fiber: 5.7 g Sugar: 18.1 g Vitamin A: 6455 IU Vitamin C: 87.07 mg Calcium: 91.85 mg Iron: 2.31 mg

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  1. Aura says

    I made this with barramundi, added some fresh mango at the end, and served it with your coconut rice recipe. Everyone loved it so much I’m making it again today for the second time this week!

  2. Carol says

    I made this for guests and we all loved it! A great way to spice up salmon. Served with white rice and broccoli. Yum.

  3. Hanna says

    This tasted like something you’d get in a fancy Thai restaurant! So flavorful and satisfying. Will definitely be making again. I served over brown rice.

    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      Yay! We’re so glad you enjoyed it and will be making again, Hanna. Thank you for sharing! xo

  4. Sodmey says

    I omitted the kale and added lots of thai basil as well as roma tomato slices a few minutes before adding the salmon, turned out super delicious. The recipe is fantastic. I highly recommend the thai basil addition.

  5. Liz Feldman says

    Absolutely delicious! I omitted the serrano for the kiddos and subbed another marinade sauce I had on hand. My picky hubby loved it and wants it regularly. More and more, if I’m looking for a quick, delicious, super healthy meal, I pick your recipes!

  6. Bailey says

    One of my favorite minimalist baker recipes I’ve ever made. There is so much flavor in this dish, and the rice balances it all out. Followed recipe exactly. Wouldn’t change one thing! Made brocollini and potatoes for sides. My friends are obsessed!!

    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      Whoop! We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Bailey. Thanks so much for the lovely review! xo

  7. Dana says

    Highly recommended for anyone who likes a fusion of flavors from different ethnic foods – It’s like have an all-in-one Japanese, Indian, Thai, and Chinese dish. The flavor, prominently defined by the red curry paste + coconut milk, is amazing. Take the author’s advice and play with the flavor at the end to get your desired result. This is going on my regular must-make list.

  8. Michaela says

    This recipe is so good!! I make it all the time now and it is a favorite of my partner’s as well. The first time I made it, I had no real experience with cooking salmon, but it turned out so well! Now it feels so easy to make this, and with this summer being particularly cool in Oregon, I find I am making it now in July. Delicious!

    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      We love to hear this! We’re so glad you both enjoy this recipe so much, Michaela. Thank you for the lovely review!

  9. Christina says

    WOW. Sooooooo freakin delicious. Definitely using this as a base curry recipe to try other vegan variations, but honestly it is perfect as is with the salmon too!

  10. molly says

    Seriously incredible and so easy to put together! I make this whenever I want to impress guests. We often omit the pepper to cut down on some heat for my toddler and she absolutely loves it, too.

  11. Taylor says

    Yet another great recipe! Never disappointed by MB. We cut down the volume of coconut milk, and used cauliflower rice. Will definitely be making again :)

  12. Lina says

    This thai salmon dish was georgeous!
    We 1,5 te sauce and ommited the serrano peppers though.
    I put the salmon in the bubbly sauce, turned it after 3 Minutes, peeled off the skin and took the pan of the stove. It steamed on for 5 minutes (that’s how long dad and toddler need to come to the table) and it was perfection!

  13. Kate says

    Even though I’ve adapted this recipe a lot that was handy/available, it’s a gorgeous meal!
    I’ve curry powder, green curry paste and tandoori paste, added kumara (sweet potato) and parsnip and thicken the sauce with cashew nut paste.
    I just recently discovered your blog, but totally in love. keep it up with more easy plant-based savoury meals please ❤

  14. Page says

    This is my and my husband’s favorite recipe of all time. We have it weekly and every week it gets better. We usually crank up the heat and have it with cauliflower rice! It is 20/10

  15. Menna says

    We absolutely loved this! Subbed kale for spinach and it was so so tasty. Next time I’ll add the full pepper for more heat! Thank you so much

    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      Thanks so much for the lovely review, Menna. We are so glad you enjoyed it! Next time, would you mind leaving a rating with your review? It’s super helpful for us and other readers. Thanks so much! Xo

  16. Andrea says

    Made this tonight. SO good! Left out the chili garlic sauce and maple syrup. The flavor was wonderful. I will definitely be making this again! Thank You!!

  17. Jess says

    “1 14-oz can light coconut milk” – Do you know what this converts to in mls? I’m in Australia but the conversion on this page doesn’t convert this measurement. I googled and it says 33ml which isn’t a lot. Is this correct?

    Thanks! :)

  18. Susan Tupper says

    I tried this and it was so good..even though I substituted radishes for pepper and brocolli for kale. All four of us loved it…

  19. Sherri says

    This recipe is absolutely incredible! full of flavour, super easy and quick! I did add mushrooms, carrots and some peanut butter. Thank you !

  20. Heather says

    I made this last night and absolutely loved it! I have never had fish/ salmon in a curry before, and this did not disappoint! I usually add a few things here and there to recipes, however I went “by the book” for this one and LOVED it! I can not wait to make this for others.

  21. Lindsay says

    I’ve made various red curries and this was the best flavor of them all! Wonderful recipe! I substituted jalapeno for serrano, and tamari soy sauce for the coconut aminos… used full-fat coconut milk and 1 pound of salmon (the amount of sauce was still plenty).

  22. Katie says

    Made this last night and it was delicious!!! This has become my go to site for recipes – everything so good and easily adaptable based on what’s in your kitchen. I made it as directed but subbed lite for whole coconut milk and used two Serrano peppers because we like spice. Served over rice. May add even more kale next time. Thank you!!

  23. Colleen says

    I made this last week with salmon and I plan to try it again tonight with garbanzo beans and a mushroom mix to replace the salmon. The salmon was moist.
    It is quite tasty but I found it to be too spicy so I added a bunch more coconut milk. Tonight I am going to add less red curry paste, because I didn’t realize that the paste I have is quite spicy.

  24. Stacey says

    I made this and it was delicious. So good. I ended up broiling my salmon separately, because I like it with a little crispiness. I also used a jalepeno instead of a Serrano, and served it with cauliflower rice. Thank you!

  25. Julia says

    This is delicious. Have made it multiple times for different people and they have all loved it.

    Question—if I need to double the recipe, could I make it in a Dutch oven?

  26. Corinne says

    I made this recipe a few times now, and it’s always a success! I love it. I made it with salmon a couple of times, and last time I used tofu instead of salmon. It was equally delicious!

    • Amanda says

      I’m so excited to make this tomorrow, and on the off chance that anyone sees this in time, does it make sense to marinate overnight? I don’t see a lot of mention of this which is great. I’m wondering if the flavor would be too intense if I did this. But perhaps I’ll give it a go and report back!

  27. Hailey says

    Just made this tonight and we loved it! I did not have a serrano (subbed with jalapeno) or chili-garlic sauce. For the lack of chili-garlic sauce, I just used the aminos and salt for marination. I also used Bragg’s liquid aminos instead of coconut aminos. It. Was. Amazing. When I was adjusting flavor (step 4), I did add more curry paste, but we really like curry! We topped with all the recommended toppings + avocado. Served over white rice. 10/10, will make again! Thank you for this recipe!

  28. Sandy says

    I made this tonight and IT WAS ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS! This was seriously SO EASY to make. Everyone in my house enjoyed it and I’ll absolutely make this again!! The video tutorial really helped me follow the recipe because im more of a visual learner so thank you for including a video for us!

    I added in some vegetables I had laying around (chopped up carrots + broccoli) and lentils. I subbed soy sauce for the coconut aminos and that worked really well too!

    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      Whoop! We’re so glad you enjoyed it and found the video helpful! Thanks so much for sharing, Sandy!

  29. George says

    Great range of flavors. Used chopped basil for the greens plus juice of two limes. Also broke up the cooked salmon into bite size pieces before serving in bowls over rice. Yum and thank you!

  30. Holly says

    So delicious and so easy to make! I used local fresh cod in place of salmon. I also didn’t have red curry paste so I subbed with ~2 1/2 Tbls of tomato paste and 2 Tbls of curry powder. I could also see this being customizable and subbing the fish for tofu, chickpeas and other veggies. Will definitely make this again!

  31. Kimberly says

    Wow! The flavors in this are so incredible. My husband, not much of a fish guy, rated this as “restaurant quality” (his words not mine). The only changes I made were spinach instead of kale & a jalapeno pepper instead of serrano. I will definitely be saving this recipe to use again in the near future.

  32. Ellie says

    Super super simple to make and incredibly delicious! Shocked at how quickly it all came together. Marinated the salmon the day before, substituted red onion for shallots and added bamboo shoots after the coconut milk. So yummy!

  33. Leslie says

    This dish was so easy and the flavors are amazing! I followed the recipe for just one serving (love that option), subbing only the Serrano chile with a roasted hatch chile I had in the freezer, sriracha since I didn’t have chili garlic sauce, and I used chard for the greens. The salmon needed a bit longer to cook through so I let it simmer for about 10 mins in total, which in turn helped thicken the sauce a bit. I threw it over some leftover coconut rice with a little squeezed lime on top and it was perfect!

  34. Julia says

    Delicious! Very filling and nourishing. A hit-the-spot type of meal. This will definitely become one of my usual go-to recipes. I subbed soy sauce for the coconut aminos and that worked well. I served with brown rice and lime wedges. My husband raved about this for days after.

    My only suggestion is that you could easily add one or two more salmon filets — as long as your pan is big enough. The ratio of curry to salmon was high, in my opinion.

  35. Amber says

    This recipe is bursting with flavor! I had to sub red onion for shallot and green curry paste for red because it’s all I had on hand 🙄but it turned out amazing!! Definitely putting it into rotation. Thank you for sharing such great recipes!

  36. Sophie says

    This was delicious! Creamy, spicy, and the salmon was cooked to perfection. My fiance said “I would be happy if I got this from a restaurant” which is high praise :)

    This will be on regular rotation for us, thanks!

    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      Yay! We’re so glad you both enjoyed it, Sophie! Thanks so much for the lovely review!

  37. Dimi says

    When I saw MB post this recipe I knew right away that this would be a such a “hit” with me . But little did I know this would be a “total hit” with the whole family 🌟 so simply to make but yet SO so delicious 😋 This curry will definitely be on repeat in our household, especially coming into winter ❄️ CONGRATS again on such a super star dish. MB yet to disappoint .. though I’m thinking won’t …!!! 🙌🏼 DIMI 😊

    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      Whoop! Thanks so much for the lovely review, Dimi. We are so glad you and your family enjoyed it! Next time, would you mind leaving a rating with your review? It’s super helpful for us and other readers. Thanks so much! Xo

  38. Britni C says

    This was absolutely delicious! Made this with two skin-on salmon fillets, and kept them Skin side down in the pan, then once cooked, skin peeled off easily. Prepped, portioned and staged all the ingredients before hand, then the dish came together seamlessly. Served with coconut rice and boiled edamame from the freezer because, well, that’s what I had on hand. Turned out lovely. Thank you for another wonderful recipe!

  39. mb says

    Another total winner from Minimalist Baker. I have to say I was totally skeptical about this recipe because it has never occured to me to mix salmon and curry flavours, but this knocked it out of the park. I largely followed the recipe, but I left out the serrano entirely, used full fat coconut milk (that’s what I had), and used radish leaves as my greens. Served it with long grain brown rice and it was a huge hit in my house. I will definitely be making it again! My only real “complaint” is that it makes too much sauce for the salmon. I think I could use half as much coconut milk next time, or add another salmon fillet so that there are leftovers.

  40. Heather says

    My husband isn’t usually a big fan of salmon, but he really enjoyed this! We will definitely make this again.

  41. Susie says

    Mind blowing flavor – made with wild black cod. Super hit… the key is getting the maple syrup and the aminos flavor exactly right

  42. Reyna and Jenna says

    The whole family loved it. Spicier than expected, but we all just grabbed a glass of milk and pushed through. Adding the lime helped. Super yummy! Will make again.

    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      Oh no! Sorry to hear it was too spicy, but we’re glad everyone still enjoyed it. Next time, we’d suggest reducing the serrano and/or trying a different brand of red curry paste. Hope that helps!

  43. anastasia says

    Loved this! I didn’t have red curry so I mixed a handful of dried spices – paprika, garam masala, cayenne, sirarcha, and cumin. Also didn’t have amino acids so used soy sauce per another review. Threw in some cooked sweet potato cubes instead of rice. This is very versatile and full of flavor.

    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Anastasia! Thanks so much for the lovely review!

  44. Rachel says

    absolutely delicious as per usual! I made it with salmon, but in the future I think I may make it with a white fish or less expensive fish. Salmon is so delicious on its own, its flavor gets lost in the curry. Just my 2 cents, still perfect as is

  45. Odizzle says

    Excellent dish! Tasted delicious even though I couldn’t find coconut aminos (also forgot to buy soy sauce, the substitute). My fish wasn’t fresh either but still the dish beat my expectations, definitely recommend it. Very easy to make.

  46. Tyler says

    Yaas Queen!!!! This was amazing! This is high end restaurant quality! I added some chopped tomato to the sauce and used more kale. Thank you!

  47. Anita says

    I made this almost exactly as written. The only change was using a jalapeño I had in the fridge instead of a serrano pepper. It was a welcome change to the ways I ususally cook salmon. It was slightly spicier than I anticipated so be careful with the pepper seeds and the amount of curry paste if you don’t like heat. My knife skills are pretty good, but this took longer than 10 minutes to prep. I’d certainly make it again though.

  48. Zoeriah Smith says

    I made this last night and it was SO GOOD. I didn’t have any fresh ginger so I used ground, but I bet the fresh would have been amazing. So easy, so fast, so delicious!!! This will be a staple I can feel it.

  49. Brenda says

    I decided to make this to revive a leftover salmon fillet I had in the fridge. I skipped the salmon step since it was already seasoned and grilled and followed the rest of the recipe. I added broccoli and cauliflower with the red pepper since I had no kale. Served it over brown rice and it was so delicious. The salmon reheated in the sauce and became moist and flavorful and tasted great with the curry, veggies and rice. Made leftovers fantastic!

  50. Beth says

    I had almost all the ingredients on hand the day this was posted, and was so excited to make it. We are huge fans of red curry, but this is the first time I’ve ever had it in my house to actually cook with. I didn’t have a Serrano pepper or kale. Had some frozen spinach to sub for the kale. The taste was amazing, even better for leftovers the next day. Also, it was super simple to make. Bought more ingredients to make it again and will use fresh spinach this time.

  51. Faith says

    This was delicious and creamy, and has a beautiful color. I added more curry paste and subbed extra firm tofu (marinated like the fish). It also made excellent leftovers! Can’t wait to try it with salmon, and I bet cubed pumpkin would be fantastic, too. A very versatile recipe!

  52. Lacey says

    I made this tonight, and because I wanted to work with what I had already rather than go out to the grocery store, I had to make some substitutions and omissions. But, my husband LOVED this and that’s the best compliment I can get.

    I subbed onion for shallot, soy sauce for coconut aminos, and I used full fat coconut milk. I omitted the serrano pepper, the bell pepper, and the kale. I also added in some crushed red pepper for a little more heat. The recipe was simple to follow and the salmon came out so delicious and perfectly cooked.

    The best thing about Dana’s recipes are they are written clearly and lay out so many options and alternatives that it makes it easy for me to adapt recipes to my lifestyle.

  53. Dee Hughes says

    Made this and it was delicious! I had intended to make this for a quick dinner, but then got interrupted for about 30 minutes to watch a Thanks-you-to-our-healthcare workers F16 flyover. Came back in and picked up right where I left off. Simple, quick recipe :)

  54. Chelsea says

    So delicious! I didn’t have curry paste or red chilies so I subbed some curry spices and jalepenos, and also added mushrooms to the curry. It was much more yellow than red, but still really tasty! (and pretty!) I lightly sautéed my kale separately because I like it crispy. I feel like chick peas would be so good with this, also!

  55. sam shamansky says

    This is an absolutely elegant dish. Made brown rice in my pressure cooker prior to beginning the recipe. I baked my salmon in the oven and added it to the delicious sauce at the end. I also added the brown rice to the sauce to heat it through prior to serving. Minimalist Baker absolutely rocks.