This kid-friendly salmon curry has lots of flavor without the heat - perfect for little ones and grown ups alike. Plus it takes no time to cook and so is the perfect dinner for busy nights.
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Most of the time, I try to have the kids eating the same as us, but now and then I will make something different for the boys. It's often when we are feeling like something spicy, and when we're in the mood for Goan fish curry, for example, that's definitely one a bit too hot for them just now.
However rather than completely separate meals, I often make something else along similar lines and that doesn't take too long.
The kids love my fragrant chicken curry, but this salmon curry is another great, even quicker option. It's perfect for when we are already having curry, since we'll all be having rice, plus it's tasty enough we're happy to have it ourselves too.
Which makes it a great option for nights when we are running short on time as it comes together so quickly. There's no chili in there (although you could certainly add some if you like), so it's perfect for younger palates, but it still has enough flavor that it's not boring.
How it's made
You can make things even easier on yourself at mealtime by dicing the salmon and making the spice paste ahead of time. Not that either of them take all that long anyway. Then you simply cook the spice paste a little, add the coconut milk and warm it through.
Add the salmon to gently cook in the sauce and thin it down a little, as needed. Serve over rice for an easy, tasty meal.
This salmon curry is easy to make, with gently spiced flavors and perfect for busy nights. It's also really adaptable - why not add some vegetables or spice it up. With back to school season coming thick and fast, I know I for one appreciate lots of easy, tasty ideas to add to the menu. And this is definitely one you want to be adding to your rotation.
Try these other easy Indian/Indian-inspired dishes:
If you enjoy salmon, make sure you try my poached salmon salad or spinach feta salmon burgers. Plus get more 30 minute meals in the archives.
While this isn't truly Indian, if you are interested in learning more about Indian cooking, I'd recommend these books (affiliate links): - Madhur Jaffrey's Indian Cooking and Floyd's India.
Kid-friendly salmon curry
Ingredients
- 1 lb salmon boneless
For the spice paste
- 1 tomato
- 1 clove garlic or 2 if small
- ½ onion
- 1 teaspoon ginger fresh, grated/minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
To make curry
- ½ tablespoon oil vegetable, canola
- ½ cup coconut milk
- 2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon water or more, as needed
Instructions
- Remove skin from the salmon and cut into bite-sized dice.
- To make the spice paste, roughly dice the tomato, peeled garlic and onion. Put them in a small food processor or blender along with the ginger, cumin, coriander and turmeric. Blend until smooth. This can be made ahead of time and refrigerated (as can the diced salmon).
- When ready to cook, warm the oil in a medium skillet/frying pan over a medium heat and add the spice paste. Cook for a couple minutes until it darkens a little and bubbles.
- Add the coconut milk and bring to a simmer then reduce the heat. Add the salmon and allow it to cook in the sauce. Don't stir too much to avoid breaking up the fish.
- Add the lemon juice and a little water as needed to thin the sauce slightly - you want it to be a bit runny but not too thin. Serve over rice.
Nutrition
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Madhuri
It was delicious, my daughter loved it. She usually doesn't eat fish but she enjoyed it. Thank you for the delicious recipe 😊
Caroline's Cooking
So glad to hear it went down well!
Alicia
My kids love broccoli. Would broccoli affect the taste of the curry? Otherwise, what other vege would suit this curry?
Caroline's Cooking
Generally broccoli and salmon go pretty well and I think it would work with the other flavors. The only thing is sometimes broccoli can let out a slight bitterness as it cooks in liquid, or else may be a bit slow to cook and you don't want to overcook the salmon. So I'd suggest maybe steam the broccoli separately then add in. Other vegetables that would work might be peas, or eg a vegetable medley with corn and carrots.
Missy
How long do i simmer salmon in sauce?
I used thawed salmon
Caroline's Cooking
Exactly how long depends on how big the pieces are, but only a few minutes until the salmon is cooked through is fine.
Stacey
Just found this recipe yesterday and went to the supermarket to get the few bits I needed. My almost 2 year old seemed to really enjoy it. He has never had salmon before so I wasnt sure how he'd take to it. So simple to make, have added it to my list of go to meals
Thank you.
Caroline's Cooking
That makes me so happy to hear! Glad to hear you all enjoyed and yes it's great being easy too.
Doris
Thank you for the recipe! My 9 months old son doesn't like any traditional "baby food" and as I don't want to make two dishes each time, I was looking for recipes suitable (and tasteful) both for baby and myself. This curry is perfect - a lot of flavors even without any added salt necessary. And so easy and quick to prepare.
Caroline's Cooking
Glad to hear you all enjoyed! I have always had the same situation with my kids (though in fairness I did encourage it a bit too!) and agree this is a great solution to suit all.
Aya
So delicious and easy to make. It is so versatile and loads of veggies can be added in. No fuss and less mess.
Caroline's Cooking
Glad to hear you enjoyed! And yes, definitely great with veggies in there too.
Deli
I came across your blog this evening when searching for a recipe to use up some offcuts of salmon. This curry was super quick to cook and was really tasty, my two boys loved it! I added peas and green beans to if, and a bit more coconut milk as my kids like a runnier curry to soak their rice. I’m looking forward to trying more of your recipes 😊
Caroline's Cooking
So glad to hear everyone enjoyed, and the veg sound like great additions as well. And very happy to hear you'll be trying more 🙂
Wajiha Hamid
thank you for this wonderful recipe my fussy eater ate it all!!
Caroline's Cooking
That's great, glad to hear it went down well!
sue
Thank you so much Caroline for the recipe. I tried it and my picky daughter loved it so much..... just added some green chillies, mustard seeds and curry leaves.... 🙂
Caroline's Cooking
So glad to hear you enjoyed! And absolutely, those additions help give it a little more of a 'kick' for those better able to enjoy spice than my kiddos 🙂
Julia
Absolutely delicious. My daughter is not a fan of too much spice so this curry was perfect. I added some veggies and served diced red chilli on the side for those who wanted it. A big hit with the whole family.
Caroline's Cooking
So glad to hear you enjoyed it! And yes, it's great to be able to add the option of spicing it up for those that want it, I agree.
Jessica Formicola
This is definitely a meal that my entire family will love! I can't wait to try this!
Caroline's Cooking
Great, hope it's a hit!
Amanda Wren-Grimwood
I love salmon in a curry and a mild curry like this allows you to still taste the salmon. Sounds perfect for busy nights!
Caroline's Cooking
Very true, and yes great for busy nights.
Sherri
I often find myself making two different meals for the grown-ups and kids! It's always a pleasure to find something EVERYONE can enjoy! Thanks for this kid-friendly, delicious meal!
Caroline's Cooking
Absolutely, makes everything easier for sure, and nice to see them enjoying something you like as well, I think.
Emily
I am going to have to tamp down my jealousy that you and your kids like same meals. I always have to make two, unfortunately. But this recipe looks great. I will definitely make it for one of the two dinners.
Caroline's Cooking
Well, it doesn't quite always happen but most of the time, thankfully! Hope whoever gets this enjoys!
Allison
I'm always trying to cook more fish for our family. This will be the perfect way to get my kids to eat it!
Caroline's Cooking
Hope everyone enjoys!
Liz
I love this new, quick way to enjoy salmon. My hubby does not enjoy much heat, so this is perfect!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks Liz, sounds perfect indeed!