Description
This Poached Salmon in Coconut Lime Sauce is a flavorful and light dish featuring tender salmon fillets gently poached in a creamy coconut milk sauce infused with fresh lime juice, ginger, garlic, and a hint of heat from red chili. The sauce is finished with fresh cilantro and served with lime wedges to brighten the flavors, making it a perfect healthy and aromatic main course.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red chili, sliced (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
To Serve
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Season the salmon: Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides to prepare them for poaching.
- Heat olive oil: In a large pan over medium heat, heat the olive oil until shimmering.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, to release their flavors.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the coconut milk, lime juice, fish sauce, and brown sugar into the pan. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Add chili (optional): For some heat, add the sliced red chili to the sauce and stir through.
- Simmer the sauce: Bring the sauce mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Add the salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin side down into the pan. Reduce the heat to low to ensure gentle cooking.
- Poach the salmon: Cover the pan and allow the salmon to poach in the sauce for about 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through and easily flaked with a fork.
- Remove salmon: Carefully lift the salmon fillets out of the pan and place them on a serving platter.
- Finish the sauce: Stir the chopped fresh cilantro into the poaching sauce, then pour the sauce over the salmon fillets to coat them well.
- Serve: Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of fresh citrus flavor.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red chili to your desired heat level or omit for no spice.
- Poaching the salmon gently in the sauce keeps it moist and tender.
- Fresh lime juice is key to achieving a bright, tangy flavor in the sauce.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed rice or lightly sautéed vegetables.
