Poached Salmon in Coconut Lime Sauce

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Poached Salmon in Coconut Lime Sauce is a light yet flavorful dish featuring tender, flaky salmon gently simmered in a creamy coconut sauce infused with zesty lime and aromatic spices. The result is a beautifully balanced dish with a rich, silky texture and a bright citrusy finish.

I first made this when I was craving something fresh yet comforting. The creamy coconut milk paired with the tangy lime created the perfect harmony of flavors, and the salmon absorbed every bit of the delicious sauce. It was an instant favorite!

What’s great about Poached Salmon in Coconut Lime Sauce is how easy it is to customize. You can add fresh herbs like cilantro or basil, spice it up with chili flakes, or toss in some veggies for extra texture. Whether served over rice, noodles, or with a side of roasted vegetables, this dish is a simple yet elegant meal that never disappoints!

Perfect for:

  • Weeknight dinners
  • Special occasions
  • Healthy meal plans
  • Seafood lovers
  • Quick and flavorful meals

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Poached Salmon in Coconut Lime Sauce will become a staple in your kitchen:

  • Delicate and Moist Salmon: Poaching keeps the fish juicy and tender.
  • Creamy and Tangy Sauce: Coconut milk and lime juice create a luscious, citrusy balance.
  • Burst of Aromatic Flavors: Garlic, ginger, and lemongrass add depth and fragrance.
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
  • Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with omega-3s, protein, and essential vitamins.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: Reheats well for a next-day lunch or dinner.
  • Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free: Naturally suitable for various dietary needs.
  • Pairs Well with Rice or Veggies: Serve with jasmine rice, quinoa, or steamed greens.
  • Light Yet Satisfying: A wholesome dish that won’t leave you feeling heavy.
  • Versatile Recipe: Works well with different types of fish or seafood.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 6g, Fat: 22g

Ingredients

For the Poached Salmon:

  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 stalk lemongrass, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
  • ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce or soy sauce
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Garnish and Serving:

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges
  • Steamed jasmine rice or quinoa
  • Sautéed or steamed vegetables (such as bok choy or spinach)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Salmon: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and a great source of protein.
  • Coconut Milk: Provides a creamy, dairy-free base with a subtle sweetness.
  • Lime Juice and Zest: Adds brightness and balances the richness of the sauce.
  • Lemongrass: Enhances the dish with citrusy, aromatic notes.
  • Fish Sauce: Deepens the umami flavor of the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients:

  1. Mince Aromatics: Finely chop the garlic, ginger, and lemongrass. Zest and juice the lime.

Cook the Salmon:

  1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic, ginger, and lemongrass (if using), and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Add Liquids: Pour in the coconut milk, broth, lime juice, lime zest, fish sauce, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
  3. Simmer Sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
  4. Poach the Salmon: Carefully place the salmon fillets into the skillet. Cover and let them cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Season to Taste: Add salt and black pepper as needed.

Serve:

  1. Plate the Dish: Transfer the salmon fillets to plates and spoon the coconut lime sauce over them.
  2. Garnish and Enjoy: Top with fresh cilantro and serve with steamed rice and vegetables.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Poached Salmon in Coconut Lime Sauce:

  • With Jasmine Rice: A perfect pairing for absorbing the flavorful sauce.
  • Over Quinoa: A protein-packed, gluten-free option.
  • With Steamed Veggies: Serve alongside bok choy, spinach, or asparagus.
  • With Coconut Rice: Enhance the coconut flavors with fragrant coconut-infused rice.
  • On a Bed of Greens: Serve over arugula or mixed greens for a low-carb meal.
  • With Roasted Sweet Potatoes: A great balance of sweet and savory.
  • With Noodles: Spoon the sauce over rice noodles or soba noodles.
  • With a Side of Mango Salsa: Adds a sweet, fruity contrast.
  • In a Lettuce Wrap: Serve the salmon and sauce in crisp butter lettuce leaves.
  • As a Meal Prep Dish: Store in an airtight container and reheat for an easy lunch.

Additional Tips

  • Use Fresh Salmon – Opt for fresh, high-quality salmon fillets for the best texture and flavor. Frozen works too, but thaw completely before cooking.
  • Don’t Overcook the Salmon – Poach just until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Overcooking can make it dry and tough.
  • Simmer, Don’t Boil – Keep the coconut lime sauce at a gentle simmer. Boiling can break the sauce and make it oily.
  • Enhance with Aromatics – Add crushed garlic, ginger, or lemongrass to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.
  • Use Full-Fat Coconut Milk – For a rich and creamy texture, choose full-fat coconut milk instead of light versions.
  • Balance the Acidity – If the sauce is too tangy, add a pinch of sugar or honey to mellow out the lime.
  • Add Vegetables – Stir in spinach, bell peppers, or bok choy for a nutritious one-pan meal.
  • Use the Right Pan – A wide, shallow pan ensures even cooking and helps the sauce surround the salmon.
  • Let It Rest – Allow the salmon to sit in the sauce off the heat for a couple of minutes before serving to absorb more flavor.
  • Garnish for Freshness – Finish with chopped cilantro, fresh lime wedges, or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for an extra burst of flavor.

Recipe Variations

  • Spicy Thai Style – Add 1 tablespoon of red curry paste and a teaspoon of fish sauce for a bold, spicy kick.
  • Ginger-Garlic Infusion – Sauté 1 tablespoon of minced ginger and 2 cloves of garlic before adding the coconut milk for extra depth.
  • Lemongrass & Kaffir Lime – Replace lime juice with fresh kaffir lime leaves and crushed lemongrass stalks for a fragrant, citrusy twist.
  • Miso & Sesame – Stir in 1 tablespoon of white miso paste and a dash of sesame oil for a rich umami flavor.
  • Tropical Pineapple – Add ½ cup of diced pineapple and a teaspoon of honey for a touch of sweetness.
  • Tomato & Basil Fusion – Mix in ½ cup of diced tomatoes and fresh basil leaves for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Curry Coconut Salmon – Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric and ½ teaspoon of cumin for a warm, aromatic curry-style sauce.
  • Cilantro & Jalapeño Zing – Blend coconut milk with fresh cilantro and a sliced jalapeño for a herbaceous and mildly spicy variation.
  • Mango-Chili Glaze – Stir in ¼ cup of mango purée and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a fruity heat balance.
  • Garlic Butter & Lime – Finish with a tablespoon of melted garlic butter for an indulgent, creamy touch.

Special Equipment

  • Large Skillet with Lid: Essential for poaching the salmon evenly.
  • Microplane Zester: For finely grating lime zest.
  • Wooden Spoon: Helps stir the sauce without scratching the pan.
  • Fish Spatula: For easy lifting and flipping of salmon fillets.
  • Rice Cooker: For perfectly cooked jasmine rice.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
    Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the salmon in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost function on your microwave before cooking.
  2. What type of coconut milk should I use?
    Full-fat coconut milk is best for a creamy and rich sauce, but you can use lite coconut milk for a lower-calorie option.
  3. Can I substitute lime with lemon?
    Absolutely! Lemon will give a slightly different citrusy tang, but it works well as a substitute.
  4. How do I prevent the salmon from overcooking?
    Keep the heat low and simmer gently. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork, usually around 8-10 minutes.
  5. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
    Yes! Baby spinach, bell peppers, or snap peas make great additions to enhance the flavor and nutrition.
  6. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
    Store the poached salmon and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid drying out the fish.
  7. Can I make this dish dairy-free and gluten-free?
    This recipe is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free, but always check your ingredients, like soy sauce or fish sauce, for hidden gluten if you’re sensitive.
  8. What can I serve with poached salmon in coconut lime sauce?
    Serve it over jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, quinoa, or with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
  9. Can I use a different type of fish?
    Yes! Cod, halibut, or tilapia can also be poached in this coconut lime sauce, though cooking times may vary.
  10. How can I make the sauce thicker?
    If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer, or mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it in before adding the salmon.

Conclusion

Poached Salmon in Coconut Lime Sauce is a light yet luxurious dish featuring tender, flaky salmon simmered in a rich, creamy coconut milk sauce infused with zesty lime, garlic, and aromatic spices. This one-pan meal is bursting with fresh, tropical flavors that make every bite feel like a mini escape.

This recipe is easy to customize—add a touch of heat with red pepper flakes, toss in fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for an extra layer of freshness, or serve it over rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal for guests, this dish is sure to impress!

I can’t wait to see how your Poached Salmon in Coconut Lime Sauce turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this recipe your own!

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