Salmon Panang Curry
Salmon Panang Curry is a flavorful Thai-inspired dish that features tender salmon cooked in a rich, creamy sauce made from Panang curry paste and coconut milk. This recipe balances bold spices, subtle sweetness, and aromatic herbs to provide a vibrant and satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to prepare at home.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 400g fresh salmon fillets, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 2 tablespoons Panang curry paste
- 400ml coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or palm sugar
- 3 kaffir lime leaves, torn into smaller pieces
- 1/2 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Optional: 1-2 fresh chili peppers, finely chopped for extra heat
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Cut fresh salmon fillets into bite-sized chunks. Tear kaffir lime leaves into smaller pieces to release their fragrance. Finely chop chili peppers if using for added heat.
- Fry the Curry Paste: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add Panang curry paste and fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, blooming the spices and intensifying flavor.
- Add Coconut Milk: Gradually pour in coconut milk, stirring continuously to blend with the curry paste. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to develop a creamy, aromatic sauce base.
- Season the Curry: Stir in fish sauce, brown or palm sugar, and kaffir lime leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning to balance salty, sweet, and spicy flavors according to preference.
- Cook the Salmon: Carefully add salmon pieces to the pan. Simmer gently in the curry sauce for 6-8 minutes or until the salmon is just cooked through, preserving the fish’s tender texture.
- Finish with Fresh Basil: Just before serving, stir in fresh Thai basil leaves to add a bright, herbal freshness that complements the rich curry.
Notes
- Use fresh or high-quality store-bought Panang curry paste for best flavor.
- Watch the salmon carefully to avoid overcooking and keep it moist and flaky.
- Adjust the spice level slowly by adding chili peppers to your heat preference.
- Simmer the curry gently to prevent coconut milk from splitting and maintain a creamy texture.
- Add fresh basil at the end to keep its bright color and aromatic quality.
- Substitute salmon with shrimp, tofu, or chicken for different protein options.
- Ensure fish sauce and curry paste are gluten-free if needed.
- For vegan versions, use tofu and vegan fish sauce alternatives.
- If kaffir lime leaves are unavailable, use lime zest or a few drops of lime juice as a substitute.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Salmon curry, Panang curry, Thai curry, coconut milk curry, healthy salmon recipe, quick Thai dinner