Salmon and Cherry Tomato Curry

By Ashley Lonsdale

Updated December 29, 2025

  • Rachel Vanni for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Spencer Richards.
Media 1 of 1
Ready In
30 min
Rating
5(2,069)
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Poaching salmon is a remarkably foolproof way to prepare a flavorful dinner, especially when you do so in a pot of rich and fragrant coconut milk, radiant from sweet cherry tomatoes and spicy from chile and ginger. If using a wild salmon such as sockeye, simmer over the lowest possible heat setting and stick to the lower end of the cooking window. The gentle approach of poaching prevents overcooking the salmon flesh, regardless of the variety chosen. As with most curries, rice is the answer underneath.

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Ingredients

Yield:4 servings

  • 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin removed

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • 2 tablespoons ghee or coconut oil

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger

  • 1 bird’s-eye chile, or other small chile, sliced

  • ½ teaspoon cumin seeds

  • 1 pound cherry tomatoes

  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander

  • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric

  • 1 (14-ounce) can coconut milk

  • 5 ounces chopped fresh spinach or baby spinach 

  • Cooked rice, for serving

  • ¼ cup torn or chopped mint, basil or cilantro leaves

Ingredient Substitution Guide

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. Set aside.

  2. Step 2

    In a large lidded skillet or saucepan, melt the ghee over medium heat. Add the garlic, ginger and chile, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant. Season with salt and pepper. Add the cumin seeds and toast for 15 seconds, then stir in the tomatoes, coriander and turmeric. 

  3. Step 3

    Stir in the coconut milk and season with salt to taste. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, uncovered, until liquid is slightly reduced and the tomato skins are bursting. 

  4. Step 4

    Stir in the spinach and gently nestle the salmon fillets into the curry, submerging as much as possible. Cover and simmer over medium-low until salmon is cooked through, 4 to 7 minutes. Serve over rice and garnish with herbs.

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Ratings

5 out of 5
2,069 user ratings
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Comments

Jim Logue

I recommend finishing with a squeeze of lime!

George

Easy and good. Next time I'll add a little fish sauce and brown sugar to round out the flavor.

Marthakiribati

We used frozen spinach and it turned out great! Substituted curry powder for the coriander. Really delicious. Felt healthy and light. Served with a light Pinot noir.

Dr Jim

The salmon poached perfectly in this savory broth. Well done and moist! The broth could have used a little more ginger and perhaps a pinch or two of crushed red pepper flakes. I subbed kale for the spinach and added it about three minutes into Step 3. Perfect. My coconut milk was from powder that resides in my pantry for just such occasions.

Andrea

Will be making this often! My husband and I both loved it. Made as written, topped with a mix of fresh herbs from the garden and a squeeze of lime

Elle Kaye

Used wild-caught sockeye salmon. 2 tsp. chopped de-seeded jalapeno, increased spices as others suggest. Needs salt. Adjusted heat at end with a few dashes Tabasco sauce. Served over pasta shell because I had them. Delicious.

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