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Poached Salmon in Coconut Lime Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 44 reviews
  • Author: Melanie
  • Prep Time: 0h 10m
  • Cook Time: 0h 12m
  • Total Time: 0h 22m
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian

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

Scale

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

  1. Season the salmon: Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides to prepare them for poaching.
  2. Heat olive oil: In a large pan over medium heat, heat the olive oil until shimmering.
  3. Sauté aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, to release their flavors.
  4. Make the sauce: Pour in the coconut milk, lime juice, fish sauce, and brown sugar into the pan. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  5. Add chili (optional): For some heat, add the sliced red chili to the sauce and stir through.
  6. Simmer the sauce: Bring the sauce mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  7. Add the salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin side down into the pan. Reduce the heat to low to ensure gentle cooking.
  8. 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.
  9. Remove salmon: Carefully lift the salmon fillets out of the pan and place them on a serving platter.
  10. Finish the sauce: Stir the chopped fresh cilantro into the poaching sauce, then pour the sauce over the salmon fillets to coat them well.
  11. 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.