Coconut Lime Poached Salmon (Printable Version)
Silky poached salmon in coconut-lime broth with ginger, herbs and cilantro—bright, nourishing gluten- and dairy-free main.
# Ingredient List:
→ Fish & Aromatics
01 - 4 skinless salmon fillets (approximately 6 oz each)
02 - 1 small onion, thinly sliced
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
05 - 1 red chili, thinly sliced (optional)
→ Poaching Liquid
06 - 13.5 fl oz (1 can) full-fat coconut milk
07 - 3/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
08 - Juice and zest from 2 limes
09 - 1 tablespoon fish sauce
10 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce or gluten-free tamari
11 - 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
→ Garnish & To Serve
12 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
13 - Lime wedges
14 - 2 spring onions, sliced
15 - Cooked jasmine rice or rice noodles (optional)
# How to Make:
01 - In a large deep skillet or saucepan over medium heat, heat a splash of oil. Sauté onion, garlic, ginger, and red chili until aromatic and softened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
02 - Add coconut milk, broth, lime zest, lime juice, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar to the pan. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
03 - Gently nestle salmon fillets into the coconut-lime mixture. Cover and poach over low to medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes, or until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
04 - Taste the broth and adjust seasoning as desired, adding more lime, fish sauce, or soy sauce if necessary.
05 - Serve salmon in shallow bowls with plenty of poaching broth over rice or noodles. Finish with cilantro, spring onions, and additional lime wedges.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The coconut lime broth feels like a little luxury, especially when spooned over rice.
- This dish works magic for weeknights and last-minute dinner guests alike.
02 -
- If you let the broth boil, the coconut milk can separate—gentle heat gives the best creamy finish.
- I once forgot to zest the lime before juicing, and it was so hard to scrape; zest before you cut!
03 -
- Keep the poach at a lazy simmer—never a boil—to keep salmon buttery soft.
- A little extra lime zest over the finished dish brings all the flavors forward.