Crispy skinned salmon is served with a creamy, slightly spicy red coconut curry sauce. It’s a flavorful one-pan dish that comes together quickly — perfect for any night of the week! 

Make a weeknight better than average with this Crispy Skinned Salmon in Red Coconut Curry. It’s a warming meal that is great for those days when you’re craving takeout but also want to eat a bit healthier.

The best part of this recipe is the crispy salmon skin.

I use my ultimate parchment paper hack to make sure that the skin gets golden brown and to avoid any unnecessary mess. 

The red curry is packed with flavor and only requires a few pantry ingredients.

If you’re a repeat offender of ordering curry, then I highly recommend buying these staples so you can make your own curry whenever the desire strikes. 

Best served with a bowl of rice and a sprinkle of cilantro and scallions, this crispy red curry salmon is as much a delight to eat as it is to make.

Can’t wait for you to give it a try! Enjoy! 

Key Ingredients for Salmon Red Curry

Making your own fish curry from scratch isn’t that intimidating. Buy these ingredients and follow my fool-proof cooking hack and you’ll feel like a true pro. 

• Salmon: I always look for wild-caught salmon filets. It’s higher in nutritional value and has fewer contaminants than farmed salmon. This recipe is for four filets, but you can make just one, two, or three depending on how many people you’re feeding. 
• Red Curry Paste: The spiciness really varies by brand. My favorite curry paste brands are @mikesorganicfoods and @mekhalaliving.  @thaikitchen is great if you’re sensitive to spice. 
• Coconut Sugar: This natural sweetener helps crisp up the salmon skin and balance out the flavors. 

• Veggies: A mix of diced onions and bell pepper adds flavor and color to the curry mixture.  
• Ginger and Garlic: It wouldn’t be a curry without both of these ingredients! Fresh is always best, especially here. 
• Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk is richer and creamier than low or no-fat versions. 
• Fish Sauce: This adds a distinct, umami taste. If you don’t have it, you can leave it out but I definitely recommend adding it to any curry for a more authentic taste. 
• Serving Suggestions: Curry is best served over a steaming bowl of rice, in my opinion! Top with chopped cilantro, scallions, and a squeeze of lime. 

Step by Step Instructions for Salmon RED Curry 

Go ahead and start by whisking the avocado oil, coconut sugar, red curry paste, salt, and garlic powder. Coat the salmon filets generously on all sides. Set aside.

Grab a large stainless steel sauté pan and heat it to medium-low heat.

Add a drizzle of avocado oil, then place a piece of parchment paper large enough to cover the bottom of the pan. Drizzle a bit more oil on top of the parchment.

Place the salmon filets in the pan, skin side down on top of the parchment paper.

Cook for about 4 minutes, undisturbed, to create a crispy skin.

Flip and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. You may need to cook them more or less depending on the thickness of the filets. 

Remove the salmon from the pan and set aside once the fish is mostly cooked through.

Remove the parchment paper from the pan and add another drizzle of oil. Increase the heat to medium.

Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pan, cooking for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.

Add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.

Whisk in the coconut milk, curry paste, fish sauce, and coconut sugar.

Simmer for 6 to 8 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Next, stir in the lime juice and cilantro. Taste and season with salt and pepper, as needed. 

Nestle the salmon filets into the sauce, skin side up, ensuring the crispy skin stays above the sauce. You don’t want to submerge the fish as that will lose the crispy skin! 

Simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to finish cooking the salmon. 

When ready to eat, serve the salmon and curry with cooked rice and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, sliced scallions, and a squeeze of fresh lime. Enjoy! 

FAQ for Crispy Skinned Salmon in Red Curry

 More Curry Recipes To Try:

• Thai Red Curry with Chicken
• Viral One Pot Green Curry Chicken and Rice
• Sheet Pan Curry Chicken and Veggies
• Curry Chicken Salad