Description
Poached Salmon in Coconut Lime Sauce is a creamy, zesty, one-pan dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together in just 30 minutes. Tender salmon fillets gently poach in a rich coconut milk sauce infused with garlic, ginger, fresh lime, and a touch of soy for the perfect balance of savory and bright flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each), skin removed
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup fish stock or water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- Zest of 1 lime
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil or butter.
- Cook aromatics: Add onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Build the sauce: Stir in coconut milk, fish stock (or water), soy sauce, lime zest, lime juice, and honey (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to develop flavor.
- Poach the salmon: Gently place salmon fillets into the sauce. Spoon sauce over the top. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, until salmon flakes easily and reaches 145°F internal temperature.
- Serve: Remove salmon carefully, spoon sauce over the top, garnish with cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer—do not boil.
- Full-fat coconut milk gives the best creamy texture.
- If sauce tastes too tangy, add a touch more honey.
- Great served over jasmine rice, basmati rice, or cauliflower rice.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to prevent drying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop / Poaching
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg