Salmon curry is a rich, flavorful dish that perfectly blends the tender texture of salmon with the bold spices of a traditional curry. It’s an ideal meal for those who crave something hearty yet light, offering a wonderful balance of warmth and freshness.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Salmon curry offers something for everyone. It’s:
- Nutritious: Packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins, it’s a wholesome choice for a balanced meal.
- Flavorful: The spices meld perfectly with the richness of the salmon, giving each bite an explosion of taste.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weekdays.
- Customizable: You can tweak the spice levels or use different ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
- One-Pot Meal: Fewer dishes to clean, which means more time to enjoy your meal.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Salmon Curry
Use Fresh Salmon: Fresh, skinless salmon fillets work best, but you can also use frozen salmon. Just ensure to thaw it properly before cooking.
Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Salmon cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it. Overcooking can cause the fish to dry out. It should be tender and flaky when done.
Spice Adjustments: Adjust the heat by modifying the amount of chili or spice blend. For a milder curry, reduce the chili powder and opt for a creamy coconut curry base.
Curry Paste or Powder: For convenience, you can use store-bought curry paste. However, a homemade spice blend can add an extra depth of flavor to your curry.
Sear the Salmon: Lightly searing the salmon in the pan before adding it to the curry can give it a crispy texture and deeper flavor.
Coconut Milk: For a creamier texture, use full-fat coconut milk. If you prefer a lighter version, opt for light coconut milk or even a combination of coconut milk and vegetable broth.
Variations of Salmon Curry
Spicy Salmon Curry: Increase the amount of green chilies or use a spicier curry paste to give your dish an extra kick.
Lemon Salmon Curry: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or zest to brighten the curry and add a citrusy twist.
Vegetarian Version: If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can substitute salmon with firm tofu or even vegetables like cauliflower, potatoes, or eggplant.
Tomato-Based Curry: Some prefer a tangier, tomato-based curry. You can add more tomatoes or substitute coconut milk for crushed tomatoes to make the sauce more tangy.
Indian Salmon Curry: For a more authentic Indian version, use traditional spices like garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Add fresh cilantro as a garnish for added flavor.
Thai Salmon Curry: To give it a Thai twist, use lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and a dash of fish sauce for a more aromatic and tangy curry.
How to Serve Salmon Curry
- With Steamed Rice: The rich, aromatic curry pairs beautifully with steamed basmati or jasmine rice, soaking up all the delicious sauce.
- With Naan or Roti: If you’re in the mood for bread, serve your salmon curry with warm naan or roti to scoop up the curry and enhance the flavors.
- As a Salad: For a lighter option, serve the curry on a bed of fresh greens, drizzling a bit of curry sauce over the top for a refreshing yet filling dish.
- With Vegetables: Serve the salmon curry alongside roasted or sautéed vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or cauliflower to add some greens to your meal.
How to Store Salmon Curry
- Refrigeration: Store leftover salmon curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Freezing: While you can freeze the curry, be mindful that the texture of the salmon may change upon thawing. To freeze, place the curry in a freezer-safe container and store for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
- Separate Storage: To preserve the texture of the salmon, you might want to store the fish separately from the curry sauce if planning to freeze it.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use other fish instead of salmon for the curry?
Yes! You can substitute the salmon with other types of fish such as tilapia, cod, or snapper. Just be sure to choose a firm fish that won’t fall apart easily during cooking.
2. Can I make the curry spicier?
Absolutely! If you prefer a spicier curry, simply increase the amount of chili powder, fresh chilies, or use a hotter curry paste. You can always adjust the level of spice to your liking.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This salmon curry is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free curry paste and ensure that any added condiments (like soy sauce) are also gluten-free.
4. Can I make this curry ahead of time?
You can make this curry a day ahead of time. The flavors will have time to meld together, making it even more delicious. Just be sure to store it properly in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
5. How do I know when the salmon is cooked?
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and turns a light pink color throughout. It should feel tender but not dry or rubbery.
6. Can I make this recipe without coconut milk?
Yes, you can substitute coconut milk with cream, yogurt, or a vegetable broth for a different texture and flavor. However, the coconut milk adds a unique richness to the curry, so try to use it if possible.
7. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it properly before cooking to ensure an even cook and avoid a rubbery texture.
Salmon Curry
Salmon curry is a rich, flavorful dish that perfectly blends the tender texture of salmon with the bold spices of a traditional curry.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. (400–500g) salmon
- 2 tbsp oil (coconut oil preferred)
- ¼ tsp mustard seeds
- 1–2 sprigs curry leaves (optional)
- 2–3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 green chili (optional)
- ¼ cup tomato, finely chopped
- Salt to taste (½ to ¾ tsp)
- 1–1¼ tsp red chili powder (plus extra for salmon)
- ¼ tsp turmeric (plus extra for salmon)
- ½ tsp garam masala (plus extra for salmon)
- 1–1¼ tsp coriander powder
- 1–2 tbsp tamarind (or amchur, or lemon juice)
- 1–1½ cups water (as needed)
- ½ cup coconut milk (optional)
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Bring the salmon to room temperature, rinse it, and pat dry. If using tamarind, soak it in hot water.
Cook the Salmon:
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a nonstick pan. Once hot, place the salmon skin-side down.
- Sprinkle a pinch of salt, red chili powder, and garam masala on the fish. Fry for 1-2 minutes, then flip and repeat the seasoning on the other side. Add curry leaves to the oil and fry for another 1-2 minutes. The
- salmon should be partially cooked. Set aside.
Make the Curry:
- In the same pan, add 1 tbsp oil. Once hot, add mustard seeds and let them pop. Add curry leaves and garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
- Add onions and green chili, cooking until the onions turn golden. Then, add tomatoes, salt, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, and coriander powder. Sauté until the tomatoes break down and the spices become fragrant.
- Pour in 1 cup water and ¼ cup tamarind water. Let it cook until the onions are soft and the curry thickens slightly.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. For a creamier curry, add coconut milk and stir.
Finish the Curry:
- Gently place the salmon into the curry, skin-side down, and pour some curry sauce over the top.
- Cover and cook on low heat until the salmon is fully cooked and flakes easily. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
- Serve: For the best flavor, let the curry rest for at least 2 hours before serving. Enjoy with steamed rice or naan!
Nutrition Information
Yield
2Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 442Total Fat 27gSaturated Fat 12gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 14gCholesterol 0mgSodium 335mgCarbohydrates 52gFiber 5gSugar 23gProtein 6g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
This salmon curry recipe brings together the delicate flavors of fish and the bold, comforting warmth of curry spices. Whether you stick to the original or experiment with one of the variations, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but delicious enough to serve to guests.
