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Tender Poached Salmon Recipe

Tender Poached Salmon Recipe


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4.6 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 17-20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Poached Salmon in Coconut Lime Sauce brings together delicate fish and zesty tropical flavors that dance on your plate. Fresh salmon gently simmers in a creamy coconut sauce with a tangy lime kick, creating a light and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Protein:

  • 4 salmon fillets

Main Cooking Liquid:

  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • ½ cup chicken or fish broth

Seasoning and Aromatics:

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 small red chili
  • 1 lime (zest and juice)
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Garnish:

  • Fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Warm 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat (375°F/190°C). Mince 2 garlic cloves and finely chop 1 small red chili, then sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic.
  2. Pour 1 cup (250ml) full-fat coconut milk, ½ cup (125ml) chicken broth, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar into the skillet. Add lime zest from 1 whole lime and stir until ingredients blend smoothly.
  3. Allow sauce to reach a gentle simmer over low heat (200°F/93°C). Season 4 salmon fillets (6 oz/170g each) with salt and pepper on both sides.
  4. Carefully nestle salmon fillets into the simmering sauce. Cover skillet with a tight lid and poach for 7-10 minutes, depending on fillet thickness.
  5. Remove lid after cooking time. Squeeze juice from 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons) over the fillets and into the sauce.
  6. Uncover and let sauce reduce for an additional 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  7. Transfer salmon to serving plates using a wide spatula. Ladle coconut lime sauce generously over each fillet.
  8. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top as a vibrant finishing touch. Serve immediately while sauce and fish are piping hot.

Notes

  • Check salmon thickness carefully, as cooking time varies between 7-10 minutes depending on fillet size.
  • Use fresh lime zest and juice for brightest flavor, avoiding bottled alternatives which taste flat.
  • Select high-quality, fresh salmon fillets with minimal discoloration for best texture and taste.
  • When poaching, keep liquid at a gentle simmer, not a hard boil, to prevent tough, dry fish texture.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
  • Category: Salmon
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 335 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg