Quick and Easy Microwave Red Curry Poached Salmon – A Thai-Inspired Weeknight Dinner
Microwave Red Curry Poached Salmon
If you’re looking for a flavorful, quick, and easy weeknight dinner, Microwave Red Curry Poached Salmon is the perfect dish. This simple recipe combines red curry’s rich and aromatic flavors with the delicate, tender salmon, all cooked in the microwave for maximum convenience. Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent trying to get a quick meal, or just craving healthyanthat’sy, this recipe will be a winner.
In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a flavor you’ll-inspiredflavorfuyou’ll-inspired dinner perfect for any night that’sthat’sof the week. This recipe’s beauty lies in its use of coconut milk and red curry paste to create a rich, fragrant sauce that enhances the salmon’s natural flavors. And the best part? You don’t need to turn on the donativedon’ttove or the oven. The microwave does all the work, making this recipe as convenient as it is delicious.
Let’s explore how to make Let Microwave Red Curry Poached Salmon, along with tips, variations, and other helpful insights for a fantastic meal.
Table of Contents
Why Choose Microwave Red Curry Poached Salmon?
Microwave Red Curry Poached Salmon is an excellent option for a quick dinner because it combines minimal prep time with maximum flavor. The salmon is gently poached in a coconut milk-based red curry, making it aromatic and tender. Here are a few reasons why this recipe should become a staple in your meal rotation:
1. Quick and Easy to Make
The entire dish is ready in under 30 minutes, with only 10 minutes of prep time. Cooking the salmon in the microwave makes it a hassle-free meal that’s for business.
2. Flavored with Authentic Thai Ingredients
This recipe uses authentic Thai flavors like red curry paste, ginger, lemongrass, and cilantro. These ingredients create a deliciously aromatic sauce that infuses the salmon with bold flavors.
3. Healthy and Nutritious
Salmon is an excellent source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health. This recipe uses full-fat coconut milk, adding richness and creaminess without needing heavy creams or butter.
4. Minimal Cleanup
With the microwave doing most of the work, there are fewer dishes to clean up afterward. This makes it an ideal meal for busy nights when you want something tasty without the hassle of a messy kitchen.
5. Customizable
You can easily adjust this recipe based on your personal preferences. If you prefer more heat, add extra jalapeño or red curry paste. If you choose a milder dish, use less curry paste or omit the jalapeño. You can also swap the salmon for another fish or protein.
How to Make Microwave Red Curry Poached Salmon
Making Microwave Red Curry Poached Salmon is simple. Here are the ingredients and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small shallot, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped cilantro leaves and tender stems plus additional garnishablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems, plus more for garnish
- 1 small jalapeño pepper, seeds removed
- 1 small stalk lemongrass, roughly chopped
- 1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger
- 1 (14-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk, well-shaken
- 1 tablespoon red curry paste
- 2 teaspoons light brown sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (from 1 lime)
- 4 (4-ounce) skinless salmon filets
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions:
1. Make the Aromatic Oil: In a mini food processor, pulse the vegetable oil, shallots, cilantro,jalapeño, lemongrass, and ginger until finely chopped (about 30 seconds). If you don’t have a food procdoprocdo, you can finely chop the ingredients by hand and mix them with the oil in the microwave-safe dish.
2. Cook the Mixture: Spoon the mixture into a 9 1/2-inch microwave-safe glass pie plate. Microwave the mixture on high until it sizzles and is fragrant about 3 to 4 minutes. The microwave will help release the aromatic flavors and create a strong base for the coconut milk.
3. Add the Coconut Milk and Red Curry Paste: Stir in the coconut milk, red curry paste, brown sugar, and kosher salt. Microwave on high, uncovered, for another 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture simmers and the flavors meld together. You should notice the aroma becoming more intense as the coconut milk and curry paste combine.
4. Cook the Salmon: Stir in the lime juice and add the salmon filets, spacing them evenly in the coconut milk mixture. Sprinkle the remaining salt over the salmon. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and microwave on medium power (50%) for about 6 minutes, or until the salmon reaches your desired doneness. If you prefer your salmon to be more cooked, add additional time in 1-minute intervals, checking for doneness by gently flaking the fish with a fork.
5. Garnish and Serve: Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the microwave and let it sit for a few minutes. Garnish the salmon with fresh cilantro and serve over cooked rice.
Fresh lime juice can be squeezed on top to give it an additional burst in flavor.
Visual demonstration, you can watch the full video here :
Tips for Perfect Microwave Red Curry Poached Salmon
To ensure your Microwave Red Curry Poached Salmon turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:
1. Microwave Power:
The cooking time may differ based on the power that your appliance is running.We tested the recipe in a 1,000-watt and a 1,250-watt microwave. If your microwave is less powerful, you may need to cook the salmon longer.
2. Check the Salmon for Doneness:
To ensure the salmon is perfectly cooked, poke it gently with a fork. If the flesh flakes easily and is no longer translucent, it’s ready.
3. Cusit’sze the Flavor:
Add more red curry paste or jalapeño if you like your dishes spicier. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of curry paste or omit the jalapeño.
4. Use Fresh Salmon:
For the best texture and flavor, use fresh, high-quality salmon filets. Frozen salmon can also be used, but it must be thawed properly before cooking.
Pairing Ideas for Microwave Red Curry Poached Salmon
While Microwave Red Curry Poached Salmon is delicious, it pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options:
1. Jasmine Rice:
The light, fragrant rice absorbs the rich, aromatic curry sauce, making it the perfect accompaniment to the salmon.
2. Sautéed Vegetables:
Lightly sautéed vegetables such as bok choy, broccoli, or green beans complement the bold flavors of the red curry.
3. Cucumber Salad:
An excellent, refreshing cucumber salad with lime and cilantro contrasts the warm, spicy curry.
4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes:
The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes balances the heat from the curry and adds another layer of flavor to the meal.
Nutritional Information
Microwave Red Curry Poached Salmon is a healthy, nutrient-rich meal, thanks to the high-quality protein from the salmon and the healthy fats from the coconut milk. Here’s a breakdown of Here’strition per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
| Calories | 524 |
| Fat | 42g |
| Carbs | 11g |
| Protein | 28g |
This dish provides a solid amount of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health, and essential vitamins and minerals from the cilantro and coconut milk.
Author’s Notes and Recommendations
- Coconut Milk Choice: You can substitute light coconut milk for a lighter version. While slightly changing the texture, the dish will still maintain its richness and flavor.
- Salmon Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of sayou’reyou, you can easily swap it out for another firm fish, such as tilapia or cod, although cooking times may vary.
- Leftovers: This recipe makes great leftovers. Store any remaining salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or enjoy it cold in salads or wraps.
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