There was a busy weeknight a few months ago when I needed something that would come together quickly but still feel like a cozy, satisfying meal. That’s when I pulled out my go-to Caribbean-Style Coconut Curry Salmon. It quickly became a staple in my cooking routine because it’s flavorful without a lot of fuss—perfect for those evenings when time is short but you still want a meal that feels special.
This recipe combines the vibrant warmth of a Caribbean fish curry with the creamy richness of coconut milk, wrapping the salmon in a tropical salmon curry sauce that’s full of character. I love how the spicy coconut seafood flavors balance each other; it feels like a mini escape to the islands right in my own kitchen. The best part? It’s approachable. You don’t have to be a seasoned cook to get this right, which makes it a real crowd-pleaser in our home.
The Caribbean-Style Coconut Curry Salmon I’m sharing has a great track record—whether it’s for a quick family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, it always hits the spot. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s dependable and brings big flavor without complicated steps, I promise this one will become part of your weeknight rotation too. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get you cooking a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
What You’ll Need for This Caribbean-Style Coconut Curry Salmon:

- 4 salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each — fresh or thawed works well
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (or vegetable oil if you don’t have coconut)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, freshly grated (don’t skip this—it adds that zing!)
- 2 teaspoons curry powder (mild or medium heat, depending on your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but it deepens the flavor)
- 1 fresh Scotch bonnet pepper or jalapeño, finely chopped (optional for heat)
- 1 can (13.5 ounces) full-fat coconut milk — you can find this in most grocery stores’ international aisle
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
If you don’t have coconut oil on hand, avocado oil is a great swap for this Caribbean-Style Coconut Curry Salmon recipe. It has a neutral flavor and high smoke point. Also, full-fat coconut milk gives this tropical salmon curry its creamy texture, but if you want a lower-fat option, light coconut milk works too—just expect a slightly thinner sauce.
This Caribbean-Style Coconut Curry Salmon is economical because you mainly need pantry staples along with salmon, which is often easy to find fresh or frozen at affordable prices. Plus, the grated ginger and fresh garlic can be prepped in advance and stored in the fridge, so your cooking time shortens even more.
A quick prep tip: chop your onion and garlic first and have your spices measured out before starting. It makes the cooking process smoother with this Caribbean fish curry’s layering of flavors. Also, I find that loosening the salmon skin slightly helps the sauce cling better when cooking.
How to Make This Caribbean-Style Coconut Curry Salmon:
- Start by heating the coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the chopped onion.
- Sauté the onion until softened and just starting to brown, about 5 minutes. This step is key for building the base flavor of your Caribbean-Style Coconut Curry Salmon.
- Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and your chopped Scotch bonnet or jalapeño pepper if using. Cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.
- Add the curry powder and smoked paprika, stirring constantly for another 30 seconds to toast the spices. This moment really wakes up the tropical salmon curry’s flavor.
- Pour in the can of coconut milk and stir in the tomato paste. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, letting it thicken slightly while you prep the salmon.
- Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. Gently nestle them into the simmering sauce skin-side down.
- Cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Let your Caribbean-Style Coconut Curry Salmon cook for 10-12 minutes, depending on thickness. The sauce will bubble gently, releasing that spicy coconut seafood aroma that fills the kitchen.
- When the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the sauce has thickened nicely, squeeze lime juice over the top and give it a gentle stir.
- Sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley over your Caribbean-Style Coconut Curry Salmon for a fresh finish and serve immediately.
From start to finish, this Caribbean-Style Coconut Curry Salmon takes about 30 minutes, making it the perfect tropical salmon curry to whip up after a hectic day. While the sauce simmers and the salmon cooks, use the time to tidy the kitchen or prepare a simple side. If your sauce looks thinner than you expected, don’t worry—it will thicken a bit more once plated.
If you want to save time, you can make the curry sauce base ahead and refrigerate it for up to two days. Just add the salmon to gently reheat and finish cooking for a quick weeknight dinner.
Serving Your Caribbean-Style Coconut Curry Salmon:

I love serving this Caribbean-Style Coconut Curry Salmon over fluffy jasmine rice or coconut rice—the fragrant rice soaks up the spicy coconut seafood sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, steamed quinoa or cauliflower rice work too and keep the meal feeling fresh.
A side of sautéed greens, like spinach or kale, adds earthiness and balances the dish’s richness. I also enjoy pairing it with a simple cucumber and mango salad—the cool crunch contrasts nicely with the warm tropical salmon curry.
This Caribbean-Style Coconut Curry Salmon feels right for almost any occasion. It’s dressed-up enough for dinner with guests but easy enough for weeknight meals. I’ve served it at casual family dinners and backyard gatherings, and it always gets compliments.
For leftovers, try flaking the salmon into a wrap with fresh veggies or turning the spicy coconut seafood sauce into a stew base with other seafood like shrimp or white fish. Seasonal twists are fun too—adding diced pineapple or fresh thyme brings new layers of flavor.
This Caribbean-Style Coconut Curry Salmon reminds me of other family-favorite recipes like this coconut curry lentil soup I adore. If you enjoy tropical salmon curry, you may also want to check out this Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon for a different but equally satisfying take.
Common Questions About This Caribbean-Style Coconut Curry Salmon:
Q: Can I make parts of this Caribbean-Style Coconut Curry Salmon ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The sauce can be made 1-2 days ahead and refrigerated. When ready to serve, gently warm the sauce and add the salmon to cook through. This saves you a lot of active cooking time.Q: What’s a good substitute for Scotch bonnet pepper in this Caribbean fish curry?
A: If Scotch bonnet is too spicy or hard to find, jalapeño or serrano peppers make good easy swaps. You can also leave peppers out entirely for a milder tropical salmon curry.Q: How can I adjust this Caribbean-Style Coconut Curry Salmon for more or fewer people?
A: Just scale the salmon fillets and sauce ingredients up or down. This recipe adapts well because the curry sauce is forgiving and can be expanded easily.Q: Can I use frozen salmon for this spicy coconut seafood dish?
A: Yes, just thaw completely before cooking. Pat the fillets dry so they sear better and absorb the sauce.Q: Is it okay to use light coconut milk instead of full-fat?
A: Light coconut milk will work, though the sauce will be less creamy. You might want to simmer a little longer to help it thicken.Q: Can I finish this Caribbean salmon dish in the oven?
A: Sure! After simmering the sauce, transfer the skillet to a 375°F oven for 7-10 minutes to finish cooking, especially if your fillets are thick.Q: What sides pair well with Caribbean salmon dishes generally?
A: Sides like rice and peas, roasted plantains, or simple steamed vegetables complement the sauce and make a balanced meal.
If you want to see another take on Caribbean-Style Coconut Curry Salmon, this one from Butter Be Ready offers a great perspective. For a fresh presentation, The Epicurious Panda’s Caribbean Salmon Bowl is a fun bowl idea you might like. Budget-friendly domestic inspiration is also great from Beyond Flavor’s Facebook post of coconut curry salmon.
Final Thoughts on This Caribbean-Style Coconut Curry Salmon:
This Caribbean-Style Coconut Curry Salmon has earned its spot in my recipe collection because it balances simplicity with bold flavor. It never feels intimidating, but every bite brings that satisfying warmth I crave after a long day.
My top tips for this Caribbean-Style Coconut Curry Salmon:
- Use fresh ginger and garlic to build layers of flavor.
- Don’t rush the onion sauté—this forms the heart of your curry sauce.
- Add lime juice at the end to brighten and balance the richness of the coconut milk.
I love mixing it up by adding diced mango for a sweet touch, swapping salmon for firm white fish, or including a handful of spinach right into the sauce for extra greens. The version loaded with extra heat (hello, Scotch bonnet!) gets requested most often at my gatherings.
I want you to enjoy playing with this recipe, making it your own. I hope it becomes one of your family favorites, just like it is in mine. Don’t hesitate to try your hand at this Caribbean-Style Coconut Curry Salmon—you’ll love how approachable and delicious it is.
For more ideas that blend Caribbean flavors and comforting cooking, take a look around my kitchen favorites including Street Style Peanut Cheese Chaat. You might find some next weeknight favorites among them.
Caribbean-Style Coconut Curry Salmon
Experience vibrant Caribbean flavors with this creamy coconut curry salmon, perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Caribbean
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 small red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, garlic, and ginger; sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in curry powder, turmeric, and paprika; cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
- Pour in coconut milk and bring mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add sliced bell peppers and cook for 5 minutes until slightly tender.
- Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper, then gently place them into the skillet, skin side down if applicable.
- Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove from heat, squeeze lime juice over the curry, and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
Serve with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up the flavorful coconut curry sauce for a complete meal.

